Page 83 of Bronson

They have impeccable manners. They stand with confidence. Speak with elegance. They’re charming.

And they’re dominant.

And loving. Each one looks adoringly at his woman. They’re attentive. They lean in, listening as their partner speaks. Place gentle kisses on their cheeks, hands, lips.

The Bachman Beauties are the luckiest women on Earth, and by this time tomorrow, I will officially be one. I’ve gone through the rigorous training, security clearance, swearing in. I finally had my own fingerprint access to the gates. All I have left to do is show up for the wedding.

CHAPTER TEN

Bronson

It’s ten minutes till the ceremony.

And we still haven’t found Paige.

I run my hands through my hair. “I knew I shouldn’t have let her out of my sight. I should have demanded that she stay with me last night. Screw her old-fashioned notions—I could have kept her safe!”

Carter places his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll find her, Bron. I swear on my life, we will.”

Thank God I have Carter with me. If he weren’t here to calm me, I’d go insane.

“Why the hell did they wait so long to tell me?” I demand.

Carter remains calm. “I told you—they thought Paige was just catching her breath, maybe grabbing a few moments alone before all the craziness began today. By the time Jane and Alice realized she hadn’t even slept in her bed, it was an hour before the ceremony. Paige told them she was going to sleep in and she wouldn’t need much time to get ready. They called as soon as⁠—”

“I don’t care what Paige said. The second they stepped into her room and couldn’t find her, I should have been their first call.” I’d had a sick feeling in my stomach since I’d heard the news. Now, it overwhelms me.

Where the hell is Paige?

My precious, precious Paige.

My mind wanders. Horrific images flash in my mind’s eye. Paige hurt. Paige scared.

Paige dead.

You don’t live a life of crime without suffering a heavy, daily dread of something happening to someone you love.

Wouldn’t that just be the way? Payback for my sins.

“Take me, don’t take her,” I mutter to myself, like a prayer.

“What’s that?” Carter asks.

“Nothing.” My anger is melting into despair. The sick feeling in my stomach is replaced with a deep, deep sinking. My head feels fuzzy; my usually sharp senses are muddy.

I have to get myself together.

Paige needs me.

I know this; I have to find her.

“I’m just going to step outside and catch my breath,” I tell Carter.

“Sure. Just… Bronson⁠—”

“Yes?” I snap.

Unfazed, he presses on. “Just don’t do anything stupid. We will figure this out—just like we always do. One minute of air, then I’m coming down there.”