Chapter hundred and twenty two

Oliver

I watched in silence as the evil smirk danced on Dallas's lips. I could already see the brilliant plan forming in her wicked brain.

My Little Monkey. My Red. Mine.

How I'd spent so long without her was a big fucking miracle. One I never want to experience again.

Despite everything that was going on, despite the news we just heard, I tugged her closer to me and rubbed the small of her back.

I didn't allow myself to think of how close she had been to getting exploded. I couldn't allow those thoughts now. Because God knows I'd go to that place and kill fucking Lucien with my bare hands for daring to make such a move on her. I'd rip out Ron's throat for even putting her in that situation. So I forced myself to calm down and relish in her warmth next to me.

“It sounds like a bad idea. Lucien might not have contacted his daughters. If we go through with this and it turned out to be a dead end, then we've made Lucien aware of our plans.” Xavier shook his head.

While I got his point and agreed with it, neither of us in this room knew Lucien the way Dallas did. It'd be wiser to listen to her regarding the man's actions, rather than develop a route of our own. It could take a lot of time. We didn't have that. And that's not even considering Ethan's guess on who Lucien's helper might be.

I opened my mouth to say just that when Dallas said, “Lucien is a stupid man that acts purely on emotions. I'm willing to bet that what happened yesterday was purely his actions and it ended in a sloppy mess.”

I refrained from pointing out that we didn't know what happened to Ron during the gunshots. But if he were injured, I would have gotten wind of it somehow.

“He'd probably recognized my car immediately and thought to eliminate me to hell with consequences. Maybe he thought I'd be there longer. His actions on the day of Atlas's arrest proved as much. He'd blabbered their whole agenda to me and neglected his goal to kill me.” her lips pressed together and her fingers curled into a fist.

“Atlas was smarter. He'd likely been the one to make all the plans for them and Lucien had followed like a puppet. How Atlas found him attractive enough to have an affair with him for years is beneath me.” She chuckled.

Nobody in the room gave the same reaction. We all simply stared at her. Heather shifted in her seat as if she would reach for her, but she was too farway.

Her skin was cold against my hand as she dug her nails into her palm.

How many near death experience had she suffered from both men without even realizing it?

I clenched my teeth, clamping a lid on the murderous thoughts swelling in my head. I couldn't as exactly infiltrate the national prison to kill an inmate now, could I?

“Horrible memories aside, now that Atlas is out of the picture and we're certain he isn't the one behind Lucien's actions, it seems fair to assume he would go against his helper's warning to avoid contacting his family. He adored his daughters. They're all he has. They would definitely know that he is alive.” She said before adding,

“And also, killing me is something he would like to brag about to them.” She concluded, anger shining in her eyes.

“After failing so miserably in his quest, I'm pretty sure he won't expect us to lay low and do nothing. He'd well anticipated that we'll be on his trail.” I added.

Xavier gave a short nod as if he saw reasons in it.

“Which is why we're going today.” Dallas announced.

Every head whipped to her direction.

“What?” Heather was the one that spoke.

“Before he could grow some brain cells and retrieve his daughters to tie up loose ends, we ambush them.” she clarified.

It was pretty badass to see her so confident and sure. My Little Monkey is so smart. And fuck, if that doesn't make me want to kiss her so hard till she's breathless.

Ethan made a small applause and a slight bow of his head. That earned a chuckle from everyone, including Heather, who was trying hard to smother her laughter.

“So we move now.” I said.

She turned towards me.
“Not we. Me. You're not coming.”

“Like hell I'm going to let you go into that house alone.” I seethed.

I couldn't stomach her being alone near those feral twins. I knew Dallas could hold her own. Hell, she'd knocked my ass down countless times while sparing. But I couldn't let her face them without support.

Her face shone with understanding that my refusal wasn't because of some possessive shit, but from a place of concern. She gave me a small smile.

“You're injured. You could barely walk. It's best if you stay back.” She said softly.

And damn, if that smile didn't make me cave immediately. I hated my goddamned stairs at the moment for tripping, and myself for letting my fear overrode my sense of surrounding which resulted in me falling down the stairs.

I had been so shocked when I learned about Lucien that all I wanted to do then was rush to her. I'd ended up with a sprained ankle and unwittingly saved her from being blown to ashes instead.

“I'll go with her.” Heather said from where she sat.

“No!” Two voices said at once.

Ethan sucked in a breath as if realizing his outburst. He cursed softly.

“Anything could happen in there. The twins could pull any shit.” He said as if that was explanation enough for his blantant concern for her. I made a mental note to ask him about it later.

“Dallas is going there, no one seem to be stopping her. Why shouldn't I?” She murmured.

“Dallas can handle herself quite well. She's a pro–”

“And I cannot?” Heather fired, cutting him off.

In all the months I've known her, I've never seen her that mad. Yep, there's definitely something between the two. The look Xavier gave me suggested he thought the same.

Ethan swore softly. He seem to be coming up with excuses but failing.

“They're not the kind of people you should be around, Heather.” Dallas said softly, putting Ethan out of his misery.

“They're that horrible?” She asked.

“Yup! The worst.” Dallas said.

“I'll go with her instead.” Ethan murmured.

“No, you will not.” I objected.

The last time Ethan and I had done something similar, he'd ended up beating the CEO of a multi million company and his son to a pulp. Granted, Alberto and his son said some fucked up things and totally deserved the beating, but the fact still remains.

Ethan has the shortest leash on his temper. He'd most likely get pissed off at the nonsense the twins are sure to blabber, flip them off, and stroll out.

He seem to understand the words on my face and sighed.

“A man makes one mistake and get branded for life. You'd think people would learn to act of forgiveness.” He murmured.

“I'll go with you.” Xavier said.

Everyone turned to him, our expressions varying from shock to surprise and gratitude.

“I don't know why everyone is looking at me weirdly. Oliver's crippled–”

I shot him a glare at his choice of words but he ignored me. Asshole.

“... it's too dangerous for Heather. Everyone knows Ethan has the temper of a lightning god and he's also needed with the computer. I'm the only option you've got.” He shrugged.

“Fair enough.” Ethan murmured.

“I could go alone.” Dallas suggested.

“It's too dangerous.” He paused. “Unless you don't want me going with you.”

“No, it's not–” she paused and smiled. “Thank you.”

Xavier gave her a nod.
“When do we leave?” He asked.

“When they least expect us to show up.” Dallas smirked, no doubt, thinking about something.