Chapter 605
Chapter 605:
The Oakhaven Couture Salon was a temple of silence and silk, but tonight it served a different purpose. Alistair had requisitioned it as a forward operating base, buying the owner’s silence with a check that had too many zeros.
Skye stood on the pedestal in front of a three-way mirror. She wasn’t trying on a dress for vanity. She was fitting a weapon beneath the layers of a deep, violent violet gown. It was backless, plunging dangerously low, held together by delicate silver chains. The fabric pooled around her feet like liquid night, concealing the tactical knife strapped to her ankle.
She turned. The reflection showed a woman who looked nothing like the Skye Sterling who had died on a hospital bed in her previous life. That woman had been soft, pliable. This woman was a blade sheathed in velvet.
Around her neck, the Sterling Ruby glinted—a blood-red promise of vengeance she had reclaimed from her stepmother.
Alistair sat on a velvet sofa behind her, checking the load on a compact silencer. He watched her reflection with an intensity that made the air in the room feel thin.
“It conceals the weapon well,” Skye said, frowning at the slit that went up to her thigh.
“It’s perfect,” Alistair said. His voice was low, a rumble that vibrated in her chest.
“It’s aggressive,” Skye countered.
“Exactly p>
Alistair stood and walked toward her. He stopped behind her, his hands hovering over her bare waist but not touching. His heat radiated into her skin.
“We aren’t going there to make friends, Skye. We are going to start a war. You should look like the general p>
Skye met his eyes in the mirror.
He was right. Tonight wasn’t about diplomacy. It was about dominance.
Felix entered the salon, holding a tablet. He looked out of place among the mannequins, his tactical vest a jarring contrast with the tulle and lace.
“Boss,” Felix said. “Update on the venue p>
𝘙𝖾𝖺d the rе𝖺l 𝘴𝗍𝘰𝗋у 𝗈𝘯 𝖻𝘦.c𝗈m
“Go ahead,” Alistair said, finally resting his hands on Skye’s waist. His thumbs traced the curve of her spine, a possessive, grounding touch.
“Parker has doubled security inside the mansion,” Felix said. “But Arthur Hayes has issued a strange order. He told the guards to stand down at the inner perimeter. He wants you to enter p>
“It’s a trap,” Skye said.
“Likely,” Felix agreed. “But it’s our only way to get to Liam without leveling the building. We’ve confirmed Liam is being held in the East Wing p>
“Is he alive?” Alistair asked.
“Thermal imaging confirms a heat signature in the guest quarters. He’s pacing. Agitated, but alive p>
“He is going to try to break out,” Alistair said, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Stupid. Brave, but stupid p>
“He doesn’t know we’re here,” Skye said. She stepped down from the pedestal. “We need to get to him before Parker decides he’s a liability. If Parker panics p>
“We will be there,” Alistair promised.
At the Hayes Estate, the atmosphere was frantic. Servants scurried around with trays of crystal glasses for the impromptu reception Arthur had called.