Tension was in the air in the VIP lounge. Vincent Delacroix led Ethan and Lily into the auction hall, where the massive mahogany doors muffled the faint murmur of discussion. A sleek glass table was surrounded by leather chairs in a softly lighted room. Shadows moved around the walls as a marble fireplace’s fire crackled.
As a subtle reminder that trust was something he could not afford, Ethan’s palm touched the concealed pistol under his jacket. Lily’s body stayed straight beside him, her face blank, but Ethan knew better. The same edge he sensed behind her composed façade was her preparedness to attack if things went wrong.
Vincent sat down and motioned for them to follow suit. He folded his hands on his lap and remarked, "So," with ease. "Ethan Calloway, the notorious one. And Lily must be here. For too long, his gaze remained fixed on her. "What a power couple."
Ignoring the remark, Ethan got right to the issue. "You understand why we’re here."
Vincent’s smile remained unwavering. "I may. However, what are you prepared to provide in exchange?
Leaning forward, Lily said in a calm but steely tone. "Vincent, we’re not here to play games. We can either locate someone else who will tell us what you know about the Syndicate, or you may do it yourself.
Vincent’s eyes briefly flashed with laughter. "Fiery. Ethan, I see why you like her. His voice changed, becoming icier. However, you don’t grasp your role. You require answers. You don’t need to give me anything.
Ethan became impatient. "I’m not entirely sure about that."
Vincent’s eyebrows went up. "Is that dangerous?"
"It’s true," Ethan murmured softly. "We are aware that the Syndicate is acting quickly to take back power. They won’t put up with loose ends, we know that. And you—" he stopped, allowing his words to fully register—"are a very costly loose end."
Vincent’s sly smile dimmed, the polished exterior somewhat fracturing. With a ringed finger tapping the arm of his chair, he remarked, "You’ve always been known for being bold." However, you’re correct. A storm is approaching. And it will devour you whole if you are not careful.
Even though Lily’s heart was racing, she spoke steadily. "Then let us know what we must know."
Vincent remained silent for a while, considering his choices. At last, he sighed and leaned back. "There are several men in the Syndicate. It’s a council, if you will, a network. And the one with the real authority? He laughed a dry laugh. "Following shadows will not lead you to them."
Ethan’s gaze narrowed. "Names. We are looking for names.
Vincent gave a headshake. "I can only give you one, and it’s risky to even speak." He lowered his voice to almost a whisper. "Voss, Adrian."
Like a curse, the name hung in the air.
Lily’s blood froze. She was familiar with the name—whispers in the criminal underworld, a guy notorious for his savagery as much as his power.
Ethan’s expression hardened. "It is said that Voss is a myth."
Vincent chuckled quietly. He is authentic. And you’re already in greater danger than you think if you’ve captured his interest.
Lily’s throat became constricted. "Why would he be interested in us?"
"Because when you took down Moreau, you disturbed his business," Vincent remarked softly. Adrien Voss is also not forgiving. He causes destruction.
Between them, the words hung heavy.
Lily was pulled up with Ethan as he stood. "If you’re telling lies—"
"I’m not," Vincent cut in, getting up to look at him. And I wouldn’t worry about whether I can be trusted if I were you. I begin to worry about how long it will be before Voss discovers you.
A Flash of Light
With Vincent’s announcement bearing down on them, the trip back to the penthouse was silent. Lily had a lot of questions, but none of them were consoling.
Against the steering wheel, Ethan’s knuckles were white. "Adrien Voss," he said to himself. "Out of all the names..."
Lily went to him and spoke in a forceful yet gentle tone. "We’ll figure this out somehow."
He let out a quick exhale and shook his head. "Voss differs from Moreau. He is more intelligent and well-connected. It won’t be a fair contest if he wants us gone.
She reminded him, "We’ve never needed it to be fair."
A tiny smile pulled at the corner of his mouth for the first time that evening. "You were the one who was always obstinate."
Reaching across, Lily threaded her fingers with his. "Ethan, you’re not alone in this. No more.
He tightened his hold on her hand. "I understand."
Ethan started protecting the penthouse as soon as they got home, going over each alarm and security feed twice. Despite changing into a more comfortable outfit, Lily was still experiencing stomach aches.
She discovered Ethan looking through encrypted texts in his workplace. You could feel the tightness in his shoulders.
She stepped behind him and ran her hands lightly over his shoulders before whispering, "You should rest."
Ethan leaned into her touch and closed his eyes for a while. "I am unable to. Not quite yet.
She kissed the back of his neck and said, "You won’t be any good to us exhausted."
Pulling her into his lap, he swiveled his chair to face her. In a shaky voice, he confessed, "I can’t lose you." "Not right now. Never.
With her hands clasped over his face, she assured him, "You won’t." "We have progressed too far to collapse at this time."
In a nonverbal appeal to cling to whatever light they might find in the dark, Ethan’s lips met hers in a kiss that was forceful and urgent.
A Fresh Resolution
When Lily woke up hours later, Ethan was still at her side. The warmth of his body on hers was all that mattered, even as the city lights flickered outside the window.
"You’re still conscious," she said.
He swept a lock of hair away from her face. "Not able to stop thinking."
With her fingertips moving over his chest, she said, "Then don’t think." "Only for a short time."
Ethan allowed himself to forget the burden he was carrying for a change. There was only them in the darkness, no Syndicate, no conflict.
And it was plenty for a while.
The storm was still on its way, though.
And they would confront it together when it happened.