JAMES
My men fanned out the moment the cars stopped. Black coats, loaded weapons, faces carved into discipline.
I walked through the open warehouse doors like I owned the place. Because I did.
“I own everything.” I murmured.
My eyes caught Stella. Sitting beneath a single hanging bulb. Wrists free, spine straight. Eyes bright, not crying.
“Good,” I blurted out.
I ignored the way my chest tightened. Ignored the pull. Ignored the instinct screaming mine.
Posadese leaned against a crate, clapping slowly like a fool in a bad play.
“I knew you’d come,” he scoffed. “Couldn’t leave your damsel in distress, huh?”
I laughed low.
“You’re dumb,” I said calmly, “to think I care about that creature.”
I didn’t look at her when I said it.
Didn’t give him the satisfaction.
I walked closer t
