Page 84 of Bronson

One minute is all I need. “Sure.”

I take the stairs two at a time. I burst from the door, jump into my car. Thank God I always have it waiting by my curb.

“Go to Paige’s.”

My driver gives me a long, hard look. Carter must have gotten to him first.

I growl, warning him, “Remember who pays your salary. There are plenty of men vying to get up the ranks to become head driver.”

He gives me a nod and we’re off.

Minutes later we pull up to Paige’s. I fly from the car, run up the stairwell, and enter her room.

The scent of her perfume hits me. A pang shoots through my heart.

Paige.

I will my senses to return to me. Detaching my mind from my emotions, I sharpen my thoughts.

There’s not a wrinkle on the bed. She hasn’t slept here.

By the closet, the white garment bag I delivered at the beginning of the week still hangs, the carefully pressed wedding dress inside.

I open her drawers. It seems the majority of her clothes are still here.

I know it’s a silly notion, but relief washes over me all the same—she hasn’t pulled a runaway bride.

Thank God.

My gaze searches the room.

There it is.

My stomach falls to my feet. My breath leaves my body.

On the nightstand stands a small white card.

I know before I touch it that it’s for me. And will tell me what’s happened to Paige.

I reach out, my skin making contact with the thick paper. I feel a fire in my fingertips, in my belly. Heat washes over my face. My hands shake as I open the card.

Five hundred thousand, cash

North River Pier 86

Five o’clock

Come alone

Whoever has taken her knew I would come to her room looking for her. That I would see what others had overlooked.

It is Alice’s fiancé’s family, finally seeking their retribution.

Eye for an eye.

Fiancée for a fiancé.

Only my fiancée is priceless. I am almost offended at the measly amount they want in exchange for the love of my life.