Bound to the calloway's heir

SIENNA.

I lay in the guestroom bed, the luxury sheets felt cool against my skin, but they did nothing to soothe the fire raging inside me. I turned onto my side, facing a window with its drape parted; the sequin lining was transparent enough to see the city. The light's reflection from its streets seeped through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows just as the hum of the air-conditioning system buzzed faintly in the room.

Beside me, Belinda's soft snore filled the silence, her body comfortably tucked under the covers. She had fallen asleep hours ago, oblivious to the storm tearing through me. I had insisted on sharing this room with her, clinging to her familiar presence because being alone that night would have broken me. The flash drive's secrets had left me more terrified than anything.

I twitched my fingers to my neck, itching to reach for the warmth of the locket pendant, but that was gone. The locket had now become my biggest source of panic, its broken pieces tucked inside my jacket pocket across the room. I didn't need to hold it to feel its weight anymore, it wasn't an anchor. I wished I had not opened that folder, knowing that kind of truth which could unravel everything I thought I knew about myself, about him, about the world I had been dragged into. And the worst of it was the truth that clawed at my chest was what he had done to Zane's father.

I turned onto my other side, facing Belinda. She stirred but didn't wake. My eyes traced the faint outline of her profile, her dark curls splayed across the pillow. She was my anchor that night as always. When I begged her to share her room, claiming I just needed company, she hadn't pried, even though I saw the questions in her eyes with shaky hands as I poured us wine earlier.

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to block out the gory images that kept flashing behind my lids along with Zane's face. The way his dark eyes seemed to see straight through me was another reason I had decided to sleep next to Bel. I was avoiding the moments when it was just the two of us. I couldn't trust myself around him, not with the information I now had.

Not when his every look and touch made my heart race until my knees weakened. If I let myself get too close and let the words spill out, I would lose him. He would hate me. How could he not? My father had ordered the hit on his father to secure his own power. The undeniable truth was tearing me apart.

I shifted again, feeling the pillow beneath my head become too thin. I tangled my legs in the fabric as I tried to find a position that didn't make me feel like I was suffocating as uneasiness settled over me. I wanted do lots of things at once, to scream, to throw something, to run until my lungs gave out. But I couldn't.

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. 2:47 a.m. The numbers glowed red, mocking me as sleep slipped further away with every tick of the second hand. My mind churned, replaying the options I had been wrestling with all night. I could tell Zane everything. Lay it all bare. I imagined his face when I tell him of my father's crimes, his father's murder, the blood that stained my family's name. The way his jaw would tighten, the way his eyes would darken with betrayal. He would never look at me the same way again. The thought sent a fresh wave of nausea rolling through me, and I pressed a hand to my stomach to stop it.

Or I could take the other path. The one my father had wanted for me. The flash drive wasn't just a record of his sins; it was everything I needed to take the wheel: names of allies, enemies, suppliers, and routes. By stepping into his shoes, I would be able to seize control of the cartel he had built. I could become what my father had been: a monster. The idea made my skin crawl. I didn't want that. I didn't want to be a monster that would have to live a life where every decision was stained with blood. But the thought lingered, tempting me. Wielding that kind of power meant safety and control. I wouldn't have to feel this helpless and afraid ever again.

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling. My throat tightened, and I blinked hard, fighting the sting of tears. I wouldn't cry. Not here, not now. Crying wouldn't change what I had learned nor erase the blood on my family's name. I needed a plan, something to hold onto, that would keep me from spiraling into the abyss. I couldn't tell Zane, not yet. But I couldn't sit on that information either, letting it fester inside me until it drove me mad. There had to be a way to make this right, to prove to myself, to Zane, that I wasn't my father.

As the clock chimed 3 am, an idea came slowly, and I sat up, holding my knees up until it touched my chin. I wrapped my arms over my legs, settling my head on my knees. I could use the drive's content not to take over, but to dismantle it all. The rival cartel Zane had been fighting for years, since the details of their names, locations, and weaknesses were in those files, too. If I could take them down, if I could give Zane that victory, maybe it would be enough to rebuild his trust. I would tell him the truth after, when the dust settled, when I had proven I wasn't my father's daughter. Although the idea was a gamble, I was determined to follow through with it. It wouldn't be easy. But it was better than becoming the monster my father wanted, or losing Zane to the truth I was not ready to face.

My racing heartbeat slowly eased as the decision settled over me. I closed my eyes, picturing the look on Zane's face when I handed him the flash and confessed everything, and before begging for his forgiveness.

I turned my head, glancing at Belinda again. Her chest rose and fell calmly, untouched by the chaos that consumed me. Part of me wanted to wake her up and tell her about my dangerous plan, but I didn't have the heart to disturb her peaceful sleep.

I slowly lay back, pulling the blanket higher, and closed my eyes, willing my body to let go of the tension that coiled through every muscle. My decision was made. And as dawn crept closer, my eyelids grew heavy, winning out over the deadly chaos in my mind.

֍

Belinda leaned against the seat, arms crossed, her eyes tracking my every move. The air between us crackled with unspoken questions, the kind that had been piling up since I had informed her of my deadly decision. I stared ahead at the dinner, where I was sure.

"You sure about this, Sienna?" Belinda's voice cut through the hum of the city with an edge that made my pulse jump. She straightened, leaning closer, "Going out there alone, meeting these people, it's a dangerous risk. You know that."

I forced a smile, hoping it looked more confident than I felt. "I'm not alone. You and Jason are with me."

I turned to look out of the window at the Café. I couldn't let Belinda see how scared I was. Not when I was so close to proving I could handle this and that she could trust me to stand on my own.

Her hand landed gently on my shoulder, and I stiffened. "You don't have to do this to prove anything," she said, her voice almost pleading. "I trust you, Sienna. But these people, they're not playing games. If something goes wrong..."

"It won't." I turned to face her, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were etched into the surrounding lines.

"I can handle it, I need to do this, for me. For us."

She studied me for a long moment, then let out a slow breath. "Alright. But you call me the second anything feels off. Promise me."

I nodded, my throat tight. "I promise."

I hopped out of the car, feeling the hair on my neck rise. It wasn't just Belinda and Jason watching me. I could feel other eyes on me, too. This thing, I didn't panic or turn around to discover who they were. It was all in the plan. To draw them to me and meet in public, where I can finally reach them.

I took a deep breath before turning the door knob, then let it out slowly. I stepped into the old café downtown, and it was exactly as I remembered it from the last time I was there, weeks back. It's dim lights, worn leather booths, and the faint scent of coffee and grease hanging in the air. The scarred-faced man had approached me here, and it was the perfect spot to have a meeting with them.

I sat in the same booth I had been in last time, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, the USB drive in my pocket. Outside, Jason and Bel waited in the car, visible through the tinted windows of the black SUV parked across the street. I could feel their watchful eyes on me, but it did little to calm the storm in my chest.

I was terrified. My heart started pounding so hard that I was sure the other patrons could hear it, and my palms were slick with sweat, despite the cool air. But I wasn't the same girl who had sat in this booth months ago, trembling at the sight of the scarred-faced man. Back then, I had been paralyzed by fear, my PTSD turning every shadow into a threat. Now, I know the truth about my family. That knowledge was my power, and I clung to it like a lifeline.

When the bell above the door jingled, my head snapped up on instinct to check who it was, but it was just a tired-looking waitress carrying a tray of empty mugs. I forced myself to breathe. I had chosen this booth deliberately, tucked in the corner where I could see the door but stay out of sight. The scarred-faced man would find me. He always did.

I sipped my coffee as the minutes dragged by while I waited, distracting myself with the other patrons who were enjoying their evening. A couple in the corner laughed over their food, an old man at the counter nursed a beer, and a group of college kids huddled around a laptop, conversing in a hushed tone. No one paid me any attention, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The cartel had eyes everywhere. I learned that the hard way.

A shadow fell over my table, and my breath caught. I looked up, and there he was...the scarred-faced man, sliding into the booth across from me with the ease of someone who had done this a hundred times. His face was just as I remembered it, a jagged scar running from his temple to his jaw, pulling his features into a permanent grimace. His eyes were cold and assessing, but there was something else in them now...curiosity, maybe, or amusement. He leaned back, one arm draped over the back of the booth, his leather jacket creaking softly.

"You're not shaking this time," he said, "That's new."

I swallowed, forcing my hands to stay still in my lap. "I'm not the same person I was."

He tilted his head, studying me. "No, you're not. You've got your father's fire now. It took you long enough."

The mention of my father sent a jolt through me, but I didn't flinch. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. "What do you want?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. "You've been following me, watching me. Let's cut to the chase. What's it going to take to make this stop?"

His lips twitched, not quite a smile. "Straight to the point. I like that." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his scarred hands folding together. "You know what we want, Sienna. The fund. The nest egg your father stole. Hand it over, and we're done. No more fights. No more battles with your little boyfriend."

My stomach twisted at the mention of Zane, but I kept my expression neutral. "And if I give it to you? What's to stop you from coming after me again?"

He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a chill down my spine. "You don't trust me?"

"Should I?" I shot back,

His eyes gleamed, and for a moment, I saw his expression soften. "Smart girl. But you've got my word. You give us what we want, and we're gone. You and Calloway can play house, live your little lives. We don't care about you. We just want what's ours."

I studied him, searching for a lie in his words, but his gaze was steady, unyielding. My fingers itched to reach for the drive, to pull it out and hand it over right then and there. But I couldn't. Not yet. I needed to be sure.

"And if I say no?" I asked, testing him.

His expression darkened. "Then this gets messy. For you. For Calloway. For everyone you care about."

His words hung in the air, making my heart pound, but I didn't look away. I couldn't afford to. "I'll give you the funds," I said finally. "But I need to know you'll keep your word. No tricks."

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "You bring it to the old warehouse by the creek downtown. Tomorrow night. Come alone. That's the only way this works."

The thought of walking into that warehouse alone sent shivers down my spine, but I nodded. "Fine. Alone."

He leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Don't make me regret trusting you, Sienna."

I reached for my coffee, needing something to ground me, to keep my hands from shaking. "I won't," I said.

When I looked up, he was gone. The booth across from me was empty, the air still carrying the faint scent of leather and cigarette smoke. I was scared and terrified, but beneath it all, a fire burned. I was my father's daughter, and I was done running. Tomorrow night, I will face the cartel, hand over the funds, and bring this to a close. For me. For Zane. For the life we could have if I could just prove I was strong enough.

I stood, my legs steady despite the fear clawing at my chest, and walked out of the café, the USB drive in my pocket, which gave me a thrill. Belinda's eyes met mine through the car window, and I gave her a small nod. I was okay. For now. But tomorrow, everything could change.

ZANE.

"What's with the face?" Damian said as the door swung open, and Damian strode into my office, his heavy boots thudding against the floor. Liam followed, his steps quieter. I was forced to quickly toss the tablet into the drawer, and with it, every thought of Sienna and her secrets.

Damian's leather jacket was scuffed, his dark hair mussed like he'd been running his hands through it, and his eyes burned with something dangerous. He didn't sit, just stood there, arms crossed, staring at me like I'd already fucked up. Liam took the chair across from my desk, his tailored suit pristine, his fingers steepled as he watched me with that cool, assessing gaze.

"I'm good." I said, massaging my left eye with a finger. Damian tossed a photograph onto my desk, the glossy paper sliding across the polished surface. "Care to explain this?"

I took one long look at the photo to see what it showed, and my stomach churned, but I forced my face to stay blank, leaning forward to pick it up. There she was, Sienna, sitting in that damn café booth and across from her was the scarred-faced man, his jagged features unmistakable even in the grainy image. They were talking and there was no trace of the fear she used to carry as her eyes locked into his. The sight hit me like a punch, but I kept my expression neutral, tossing the photo back onto the desk.

"Looks like she's having coffee," I said, leaning back in my chair. "What's your point?"

Damian's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. "My point? She's cozying up with a fucking cartel member, Zane. One of their guys. yet, you're going to sit there and act like that's nothing?"

Liam raised a hand, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Zane, you were supposed to watch her, yet she sneaked out or you let her go. So what's this about?"

I met Liam's gaze. He was always the cool-headed one, the CFO who could talk his way out of a war or into one without breaking a sweat. But Damian wasn't having it. He stepped closer, slamming his hands on the desk, the photo rattling under his palms.

"Don't play dumb, Zane," he growled. "I saw her with him. I followed her, watched them talk like they were old friends. She's hiding something. And you..." He jabbed a finger at me. "You're acting like you don't give a shit. What do you know?"

My pulse kicked up, but I kept my face blank, my fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. Inside, my thoughts were a storm. Sienna's connection to the cartel wasn't news to me anymore. But knowing and facing it were two different beasts, and now, with Damian's anger burning a hole through me, the truth felt like a weight I couldn't carry.

"I know enough," I said finally, "She's tied to them. She's not Carter. Her real name is Sienna Ellison. Her father was Frederick Ellison. As you know, he ran with the cartel, called the shots until he double-crossed his people. Including my father."

The room went still with tension. Damian's eyes widened. "Are you fucking kidding me? Her father killed Gregory, and you're just sitting here, letting her run around with our enemies? What the hell, Zane?"

Liam leaned forward, his voice cutting through Damian's rage. "Hold on. Circle back. Zane, you're saying Sienna's father was the one who ordered the hit on your dad? And you've known this for how long?"

I swallowed, my throat dry. "Two days ago. She doesn't know I know."

Damian let out a harsh laugh, stepping back to pace the room, his boots pounding the floor. "Unbelievable. Your PA, your little girlfriend, is the daughter of the bastard who ruined your life, and you're keeping it from us? From her? What's your play here, Zane? You going to let her walk all over you because you're in love with her?"

The word love hit like a blade, slicing through the walls I had built around my feelings. I didn't flinch, but my chest tightened, my hands curling into fists under the desk. I wanted to deny it, to tell him he was wrong, that Sienna was just a liability, a loose end I would tie up when the time came. But the lie wouldn't form. I saw her in my mind, heard her laugh, fierce and unbroken despite the fear in her eyes. I saw the way she looked at me when she thought I wasn't watching.

"I'm not in love with her," I said,. "But I'm not going to kill her either. Not yet."

Damian stopped pacing, his eyes blazing. "Not yet? You've gone soft, Zane. You used to gut anyone who crossed you. Traitors, liars, didn't matter. Now you're hesitating because what...she's got a pretty face? She's playing you, man. And you're letting her."

"Enough," Liam snapped. He stood, adjusting his cuffs. "Yelling isn't going to solve this. Zane, you've got a choice to make. If Sienna's tied to the cartel, if she's meeting them behind your back, we need to know where her loyalty lies. You can't just sit on this."

I leaned forward, my elbows on the desk, my head pounding. "I know that," I said. "I'm not blind. But she's not just some pawn. She's..." I stopped, the words catching in my throat. She was Sienna, the woman who had slipped under my skin despite every warning I had given myself. She was also the woman whose father had destroyed my family. The contradiction was tearing me apart, duty and desire at war in my head.

Damian scoffed, crossing his arms. "She's what? Your soulmate? Wake up, Zane. She's the enemy's daughter. She's meeting with them, hiding shit from you. You think that's a coincidence? She's playing both sides, and you're too busy staring at her to see it."

"Damian," Liam said, his tone a warning. "Back off. He gets it."

"Do you?" Damian shot back, his eyes locked on mine. "Because from where I'm standing, you're letting her walk all over you. Noah is in the hospital, fighting for his life, and you're here, mooning over a traitor. What's it going to take, Zane? Her sticking a knife in your back before you do something?"

My hands shook, and I pressed them flat against the desk, forcing myself to stay calm.

"I'm handling it. But we don't know her game yet. She's not stupid. If she's meeting them, there's a reason. And I'm not going to make a move until I know what it is."

Damian threw his hands up. "You're unbelievable. You're going to let her string you along until she burns everything we've built. The empire, the brotherhood, everything your father died for. You really think she's worth that?"

The room spun, my vision narrowing to Damian's face, his words echoing in my head. My father's death and the promises I had made to carry on his legacy. The empire we had built, me, Liam, Damian, Noah, and Ethan, was all I had, the only thing that kept me grounded when the world tried to tear me apart. And Sienna, with her secrets, was threatening to unravel it all. But the thought of her being dead made my chest ache in a way I couldn't explain.

Liam stepped between us. "We will test her," he said, his eyes on me. "Set her up, see what she does. If she's loyal, she'll prove it. If she's not..." He let the words hang in the air.

I nodded, feeling my throat tighten. "Fine. A test. But I call the shots. Nobody touches her until I say so."

Damian shook his head vehemently. "You're making a mistake, Zane. And when this blows up in your face, don't say I didn't warn you." He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Liam asked, "You sure about this? I think Damian is actually right. She's got you twisted up. I've never seen you like this."

I looked away, my gaze drifting to the photo on the desk, Sienna's face staring back at me. "I don't know what I am anymore," I admitted, the words slipping out before I could stop them. "But I need to know the truth before deciding."

Liam nodded, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Then we'll find it. Together."

I picked up the photo, my thumb brushing over Sienna's face. I was torn between duty and feelings. To choose to defend my empire or my heart. The choice was coming soon, whether I was ready to choose or not.

SIENNA.

The scarred-faced man's words echoed in my head, his gravelly voice looping like a broken record of how he wanted the fund brought to the choice warehouse, alone. I sat in the back seat, staring out the tinted window. I rested a palm over my stomach that had not stopped churning, triggering a cold sweat at the back of my neck. I wasn't naive enough to believe the dangerous cartel would just take the money and walk away, leaving me and Zane in peace. Trusting them would be the death of me.

Belinda's voice pulled me back to the car. "So, Jason, you ever get tired of playing chauffeur for this one?" She jerked her thumb toward me. "I mean, don't get me wrong, Sienna's great, but all this brooding must get sickening, right?"

Jason's hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his lips twitching in what might have been a smile. "She's my job, not a friend," he said, smartly dodging her questions. "I am used to it."

Belinda laughed, a sound that filled the car, but it barely touched me. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window, my breath fogging it. All I could see was the scarred-faced man's cold eyes, the way they had locked onto mine in the café, sizing me up like I was a puzzle he had already solved. The memory sent a shiver down my spine, causing my heart to beat faster.

"You okay back there, Sienna?" Belinda's voice softened, her head turning slightly to glance at me. Her eyes were sparkling with concern. "You're quieter than usual, and that's saying something."

I forced a smile, my lips stiff. "Just tired. Didn't know that chat would drain me this much."

She raised an eyebrow, "Still don't want to tell me what he wants?"

"No," I said curtly. Belinda shook her head, clearly not buying it, but Jason spoke before she could press me. "You sure you don't want to head straight to the penthouse?" he asked, his eyes flicking to mine in the rearview mirror. "Zane will be expecting you."

The mention of Zane sent a pang through me. I pictured him in his office, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes tracking my every move.

"Take us to the office instead," I said. "I need to grab some things."

Jason's brow furrowed, but he nodded, merging into the next lane without a word. Belinda turned fully in her seat now, her eyes narrowing as she stared at me. "You've been acting all weird since we left the café."

I shifted, my fingers tightening around the edge of my seat. "Nothing's going on," I said, meeting her gaze. "Just some paperwork I forgot to file."

She snorted, folding her arms. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

I touched my nose instinctively, then dropped my hand, heat creeping up my cheeks. "I'm fine," I insisted.

Belinda's lips parted, ready to argue, "But..."

"Can we drop it?" I snapped at her.

She caught the look in my eyes and sighed, turning back to face the front. "Fine. But you're gonna spill eventually, Sienna. I'm not letting you sulk forever."

The car fell quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio and the occasional honk from the street outside. Belinda started up after a few minutes, asking Jason questions about his job, his training, even his taste in music. He answered with short, clipped responses, his eyes flicking to the mirrors in alert.

While they talked, I was grateful for the space to sink back into my thoughts. The idea of walking into that warehouse, surrounded by men who would kill without hesitation, made my stomach lurch. What was to stop them from taking the drive and putting a bullet in my head? Or worse, coming after Zane once they had what they wanted? I wasn't a fool. I had grown up in the shadow of my father's world, even if I hadn't known it at the time. Trusting the cartel was like trusting a wolf not to bite when you dangled meat in front of it.

But what choice did I have? If I told Zane, he would lock me down and take over, maybe even confront the cartel himself. And that would mean war and more blood, bodies and, chaos that had already cost us Noah, still fighting for his life in a hospital bed. I couldn't let that happen. I needed to end this my way, to prove to Zane I could stand with him and not just cower behind him. I needed him to see me as an equal, not a burden. But the fear was there too, knowing that I was probably walking into a trap.

Belinda laughed at something Jason said, but there was an edge to it, like she was trying to keep the mood light for my sake. She glanced back at me. "You sure you're okay, Sienna?"

I forced a smile. "I'm fine," I said.

The car slowed as we pulled into the office building's underground garage and Jason parked, the engine cutting off with a soft click.

I reached for the door handle. I smiled at Belinda as we stepped out. I wrapped my arms around myself as we headed for the elevator.

I was terrified of what was waiting for me in that warehouse, but I was more scared of losing Zane. I had to do this to find a way to end it without either of us getting hurt.

The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside, my finger hovering over the button for the top floor. My heart pounded, my breath shallow, but I pressed it anyway, the doors closing with a soft thud. Then I straightened, steadying my shaky hands. I was Sienna Ellison, my father's daughter, and I wasn't running anymore.

Z ֍ A ֍ N ֍ E

ZANE

I leaned against my desk with my arms crossed, trying to keep my face blank as Sienna stepped out of the elevator with Belinda and Jason behind her. The sight of her commanding presence hit me like a fist to the chest.

Her dark hair spilling over her shoulders, bouncing with each step she took closer to me. It slightly brushed the curve of her chest in a way that made my pulse spike. Her fitted jacket hugged her body, and the way her jeans clung to her hips sent a jolt through me. As always, my body was reacting lustfully as my eyes settled over the rise and fall of her boobs as she walked. My dick started to grow bigger in a way that was both infuriating and embarrassing.

I shifted my weight, staying behind the desk, grateful for the barrier that hid the evidence of my erection. The last thing I needed was her friend, Belinda's eyes to catch on, and turn this into a joke. I gripped the edge of the desk with my hands as I fought to keep my focus, but Sienna's sexy presence was pulling my thoughts into dangerous territory.

Inside, I was torn between the promise I had made to my brothers, who had demanded I handle Sienna, and the way my blood heated every time she was near. That photo Damian had tossed on my desk, her sitting across from the scarred-faced man in that café, and I kept asking the same questions. Why was she there? What was she hiding?

"I would have expected to see the entire LA up here. Belinda asked, looking around. "Belinda" Sienna started, but Belinda continued,

"This place is like a tomb tonight," she said, her red curls bouncing as she scanned the empty floor. "What's with the lockdown vibe, Zane? Are you hiding state secrets or something?"

I forced a smile, pushing off the desk, but staying behind it, my body was not relaxed enough. "Security protocol," I said, "After the bomb blast, I'm not taking chances. Top floor is off-limits without clearance."

Sienna's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. She looked calm, but there was a tightness in her jaw that made my chest ache. I wanted to cross the room, pull her aside and demand answers about the cartel and the drive. I needed her to tell me about all the secrets she was keeping. But I couldn't, not with Belinda watching and Jason standing by the elevator.

Belinda tilted her head, her lips curving into a grin. "Well, Mr. Security, how about a tour? I want to see what makes this place tick."

I glanced at Sienna, expecting her to protest, but she just shook her head, " Perfect, I've got work to do anyway," she said, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "You two go ahead."

My gut twisted with suspicion, flaring at her words. Was she staying back to hack into my systems? Or was it something else tied to that drive and the cartel? I wanted to ask why she had agreed without argument but Belinda was already moving, her heels clicking as she headed toward the conference room, expecting me to follow. I nodded at Sienna, "Jason's at the door. Don't go anywhere without him."

"Got that already, Sir" She nodded, her eyes darting away, and I turned to follow Belinda. I could feel her gaze lingering on my back, and I fought the urge to turn around, to see if she was watching me or already slipping into my office to do God-knows-what.

Belinda's chatter filled the air as we walked through the conference room while she kept dropping her questions about the company.

I answered absentmindedly since my mind was elsewhere. We reached the server room and Belinda stopped placing her hands on her hips. "Okay, Zane, enough with the tour-guide act," she said. "What's going on with you and Sienna?"

I froze at my spot for a moment, then leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. "What're you talking about?" I asked, hoping I sounded as blank as I wanted.

She sighed. "Don't play dumb. I saw the way you looked at her back there, like you were torn between kissing her and locking her in a vault. She's scared, Zane. Really scared. Whatever she's tangled up in with those cartel guys, it's eating her alive."

My chest tightened, my hands curling into fists in my pockets. "She told you about the cartel?" I asked.

Belinda nodded. "Not everything. She's too stubborn for that. But I was there, Zane. I saw her in that café, talking to that guy with the scar. She was trying to act tough, but I know her. She's terrified. And she's trying to handle it alone because she thinks she has to."

"Why's she doing it?" I asked. "Why's she meeting them behind my back?"

Belinda stepped closer, her voice fierce now. "Because she loves you, you idiot. She's trying to fix whatever mess she's in so you don't have to. She thinks if she can handle it, you'll trust her, see her as more than just a burden. But she's in over her head, Zane. She's always looked after herself, but this time? She might not make it out."

My breath caught, her words slicing through me. Had I hurt her? Had my distance and suspicion pushed her to this?

"You think I don't know she's in danger?" I snapped. "The cartel's coming for us, Belinda, If Sienna's working with them, if she's betraying us..."

"She's not," Belinda cut in. "You don't know her like I do. She's loyal, Zane. To you. To whatever you two have. But she's scared, and she's trying to prove something. You need to talk to her, figure out what she's doing before she gets herself killed."

I ran a hand through my hair. "And if she's lying and playing us all?"

Belinda's eyes softened, but her voice didn't waver. "Then you'll deal with it. But don't assume the worst just because you're scared too. She loves you, Zane even after you laughed it off when she told you."

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me as Belinda continued to talk about Sienna's love for me. I had been cold and distant to her lately, letting my suspicions build a wall between us. Had she gone to Belinda because I had pushed her away? The thought made my chest ache,

"We need to get back," I said, turning toward the office. "Before she starts wondering."

Belinda nodded, falling into step beside me. "Promise me you'll keep an eye on her, Zane. Don't let her do this alone."

I nodded at her. "I will," I said, the words a vow I wasn't sure I could keep. I had promised the brotherhood I would handle her. Time was running out, and I had to choose between keeping her safe and keeping Atlas standing.

SIENNA.

I set my bag down, my hands trembling as I pulled out my laptop and the USB drive. The second, they were gone. Zane's scent lingered in the air, making my breath hitch, the weight of what I was about to do pressing down on me.

I plugged the drive into my laptop, the screen flickering to life as the encrypted files loaded. My hands shook as I typed in the passcode we had cracked days ago. I was not surprised to find the fund there in an offshore account, hidden behind layers of shell companies and fake names. It was the figure that shocked me.

The cartel wanted it, and I could give it to them, but only if I had a plan. My eyes darted to the door every few seconds, half-expecting Jason to barge in or Zane to return too soon. But I pushed it down, focusing on the numbers shifting as I moved the funds into the new account bit by bit.

The process was slow but I couldn't rush it. One slip, and the cartel would know and Zane would find out before I was ready. I couldn't let that happen. The decoy drive was my backup plan. I grabbed a blank USB from the desk drawer, identical to the first one Travis had copied the file into. I needed the blank USB containing the dummy files to hand it over at the warehouse, and buy myself time. If the cartel took the bait, I could disappear with the real funds and keep Zane safe.

"If they didn't..." I swallowed hard, my hands pausing over the keyboard. That would mean I would be dead before dawn.

I exhaled, my fingers moving faster now, the transfers nearly complete. I opened a folder of random documents, copying old spreadsheets, meeting notes, anything that looked official enough to pass a quick glance. My fingers worked in steady glides, but inside, I was scared of what awaited me.

The transfers finished with a soft ping, and I leaned back, taking long breaths. The funds were safe, hidden in an account only I could access. The decoy drive was ready, its files convincing enough to fool the cartel for a few hours, maybe a day. I unplugged both drives, slipping the real one back into my pocket and tucking the decoy into my bag.

The door swung open, and I flinched, my hand flying to my bag to cover the decoy drive. Zane stepped in, Belinda trailing behind him, her voice bright as she gestured at the office. "This place is insane, Sienna," she said, her eyes wide. "You didn't tell me Zane's got a whole command center up here. It's like something out of a spy movie."

Zane's gaze settled on me and my stomach dropped as I noticed he was acting differently. His eyes flicked to my laptop before meeting mine. "Everything okay?" he asked,

I nodded, my throat tight. "Just finishing up," I said, closing my laptop with a soft click. My fingers brushed the decoy drive in my bag, and I forced a smile, hoping it looked natural. "Got what I needed."

Belinda plopped into a chair, her legs swinging over the armrest. "You're such a workaholic," she teased. "What's so important it couldn't wait till tomorrow?"

I shrugged. "Just tying up loose ends," I said. Zane's eyes lingered on me, and for a moment, I thought he was going to push for answers I wasn't ready to give. But he just nodded.

"Jason's waiting. "You should head out," he said.

I stood, Belinda hopped up, linking her arm with mine as we headed for the door. "Come on, Sienna," she said. "Let's get you home before you turn into a zombie."

"Okay."

Belinda's phone beeped and she pulled it out of her pocket to check it out. "Oh shoot! I have to drop by our place. Need to be at work in the morning." Belinda squealed, reluctantly taking her eyes off the screen.

"Okay. Sure you don't want to just come with us?"

"I will be fine. I trust Zane to keep you fed and safe. Don't worry about me, okay," Belinda said.

I glanced back at Zane, his eyes on me but distant. When it was over, I would tell him everything and pray he would understand and still look at me like I was his.