Page 93 of Viper

To think, they’d been so close to Paige. Had wasted time going back to town.

“You can’t beat yourself up about it. There’s no way we could’ve known what direction they’d gone.”

He clenched his teeth, still hating the fact that he hadn’t somehow prevented Spencer from taking Paige so far.

“Where are the boys?” he asked Havoc.

“Wraith just texted. They’re about five minutes behind us.”

Troy gave a sharp nod. Close enough that he didn’t have to slow down for them to catch up. “Keep an eye out for Spencer’s ride. We should see it in the next mile or so.”

It took all of Troy’s willpower not to press the gas pedal right to the floor. Instead, he focused on the side of the road, scouring the sand for signs of Spencer’s blue sedan. Beyond the sand, the ocean stretched as far as the eye could see.

The memory of walking on the beach with Paige, seeing her in her element, so carefree and happy, did something to him.

It made him crave more.

He’d known Paige for years, but he’d had such little time with her. Hadn’t kissed her enough. Hadn’t held her as long as he wanted to.

He wasn’t done, dammit.

Desperation spread a cold, gripping wave from his heart to his gut. If they didn’t find Spencer’s car soon, he’d snap.

“There!” Havoc’s abrupt bark drew Troy’s gaze to a small parking lot tucked behind pine trees.

He jerked the vehicle into the lot and parked beside the car—a blue sedan.

“Plate matches,” Havoc said.

Troy was already out of the truck, gun drawn. The passenger door slammed shut, and Havoc approached his side.

They moved quickly over the parking lot. Havoc walked up to the back seat on the passenger side and Troy went to the driver’s side. He tried the handle and the door opened. Heat wafted from the abandoned vehicle, indicating it’d been sitting awhile.

He swept his gaze to the back. Empty.

“Pop the trunk,” Havoc called.

He hit the button on the inside of the door and the lock unlatched. He rounded the vehicle to inspect for himself. Havoc shook his head, his brow furrowed.

Also empty.

Troy hadn’t expected Paige to be waiting here, but disappointment still rotted in his gut.

“Let’s check by the water,” Havoc suggested.

Troy slammed the lid shut. Crippling despair pulled at his heart, but he couldn’t give in to it.

He nodded at his teammate.

“Here’s the guys.” Havoc gestured at the parking lot entrance as the SUV pulled in. Wraith parked next to Troy’s truck and he, Reaper, and Striker piled out.

“Any sign of her?” Striker asked, as he approached. He lowered his Glock when he realized everything was clear.

“Nothing but Spencer’s car,” Troy said, then jerked his head toward the shore. “Let’s go search the beach.” He broke away from the group and walked through a small strip of trees to get to the large coastline.

Sand kicked up around him as he stomped forward. “There’s a dock,” he called.

The guys flanked him, all of them creating a sandstorm as they stalked toward the wooden planks stretching over the sea.