Page 106 of The Auction Block

"Where the fuck are you going?" Blake hisses, getting to his knees.

I put my finger over my lips. "I need to get something to clean Dresden's bullet wound." My eyes dart around the room . . . "Where the fuck is Boa?"

"Shit! She's probably in her office," Jameson says moving to my side.

"What are you doing?" I ask in irritation.

"Going with you."

"No you're not, you're staying here," I say, pointing to his seat.

"Lily, you're not going out there alone."

"Stand down, Mamba, that's an order."

Without argument, he takes a defensive position in front of the Masons. Vlad is blocking Shannon and Dresden— all weapons drawn. Hayato and Rhett hone in on the door. Slowly, I crack it open and peek into the hall. The light click of boots comes from the main room. Sammi's door is across from mine.

I close the door again. "No matter what you hear, do not come out."

"Lily, wait," Hayato says, strutting forward.

He holds out a clear earpiece. I take it, placing it into my left ear. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a silver watch and clasps it on my wrist.

"You got the other half?" I ask, adjusting the earpiece.

"Yes," he says waving a walkie-talkie in front of me.

I nod, opening the door again. Sliding into the hallway, my eyes sweep up and down the corridor. I take a step forward just as someone steps into my line of sight. I raise the gun in my left hand and fire one shot, darting into Sammi's office.

“Boa," I whisper harshly into the room.

"Over here, Lily, behind the desk."

"What the fuck are you doing?" I hiss, running over and kneeling next to her.

"Had to back up our files and wipe the computers."

"I'm yelling at you later for this. Let's go."

We move to the door, staying low. I peek down the hall and make out at least two people standing in the great room. I hold up two fingers, jutting my chin in their directions. She nods and pulls her gun from its hip holster.

I move into the middle of the hallway and raise my guns. Firing toward the great room, Sammi darts behind me, opening the office door. As our attackers return fire, she grabs my arm and hauls me into the room, slamming the door shut.

"Sammi, stay here. Vlad with me," I say, reloading.

"How many are there?" Vlad asks.

"No idea. I shot one on the way to Sammi's office. Not sure if I hit any coming back over."

"What's the plan?"

"You and I need to get to the kitchen. I need to get something to clean Dresden up, before we can move him."

"Why don't we just go kill them, that way we don't have to move him?"

My eyes meet Vlad's murderous gaze. It's not a bad idea. We've done sweeps before. We know the layout of Blake's apartment well enough. I run my hands through my hair and glance at Blake.

"Blake," I say, turning toward him.