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“That’s exactly what I want. Haven’t you been listening?”
“Yes,” he grumbled. He sat up and frowned. “You love him?”
A small smile curved her mouth. “Yes. After you, I felt…washed-up. Undesirable. But Lex changed all that. He goes out of his way to make sure I’m taken care of and happy. So damn happy.”
“Lucky you,” he said, sounding more than a little bitter. Shifting on the seat, finally releasing his nose, he glanced at the men up front then back at Summer. “I know I wasn’t always perfect,” he mumbled quietly, and she snorted. “But I didn’t mean for things to go so off the rails.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Summer. I never meant for anyone to get hurt.”
She considered his words, and he seemed genuine. Those were also words she’d never heard from him. “That’s the problem, Scott. You never mean anything.” Her fist relaxed, fingers loosening. “You know, that’s the first time you’ve ever apologized to me.”
“Is it? Huh.” He seemed to mull over that fact for about half a second, then he checked his nose again where she’d hit him.
Yeah, huh. She rolled her eyes and looked out the window.
Because they’d been arguing, she hadn’t been paying close attention to where they were going. But now, she saw a building appear in the desert like a mirage.
Mack’s Body Shop.
“Why are we going to Mack’s?” she asked, keeping her voice low, not wanting the men in front to hear.
“Because The Broker never got his shipment. These are his guys. The Broker thought I stole the container, but I didn’t. The only other person who knew about it was Mack and his guys. And since I didn’t take it…”
“Mack’s men hijacked the shipment.” She and Lex had deduced that after Scott mentioned one of the thugs had a scorpion tattoo.
He nodded. “It looks that way.”
“So, why am I here?” she pressed.
“Because The Broker doesn’t exactly believe me,” he hedged, suddenly looking guilty. “And I think they’re going to use you to make me talk.” His face screwed up in regret.
“We’re divorced!”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t still care, and I think that’s what he’s banking on.”
She huffed out a frustrated breath. He had a point. There’d never been any animosity between them. Just a lack of communication, regrets and disappointment.
“I’m sorry, Summer.”
Call Guinness. For the second time in a matter of minutes, her useless ex-husband had apologized. And this time it was for using her as a pawn in his game with dangerous men fighting over some military weapon. Or whatever was in that blasted container.
God, she hoped Scott was wrong. If The Broker intended to use her in order to get answers from Scott, she was in big fucking trouble. Her ex wasn’t known for being protective or performing any kind of valiant acts. He’d do or say whatever necessary to save his own hide, and she’d be completely on her own.
At the mercy of The Broker.
Lex squealed into the airport, heading straight for the LZ where his friends were deplaning. Thank Christ. He needed the Motley Crew more than he’d ever needed them before. Time was ticking and he needed to get to Summer ASAP.
Leaving the engine running, he slammed the car into park and jumped out. He was thrilled to see they’d brought an arsenal. Stalking over, he greeted them and swung a backpack onto his shoulder, knowing it would be full of useful items. Wicked goodies that shot, stabbed or exploded.
The problem was, he had no idea where they’d taken Summer.
“How’re you doing?” Jayson slapped his hand over Lex’s shoulder.
“The woman I love was kidnapped, so not fucking good,” Lex gritted out. No one seemed surprised by his announcement, and that didn’t really surprise him either. “Thanks for getting here so fast.”
“We’ll get her back,” Chaz stated, all confidence. “We got Summer’s twenty, thanks to Mitch.”
Hope surged through Lex. “Where is she?”
“Mack’s Body Shop,” Brand answered. “Let’s go, and I’ll explain stuff on the way. Cor, can you drive?” Corey nodded, heading straight for the driver’s seat. Wes took the front passenger seat and opened his laptop, while Lex, Brand, Chaz and Jayson crammed into the back.
