"Shanley," she said softly. "I have parents."

Shanley froze, the weight of her words completely short-circuiting his brain. The tortured captive was... his father-in-law?

"The hair is being tested. We'll know in eight hours," Juniper repeated, her smile holding steady. "But I know I'm right. He's my dad."

Shanley let go of the steering wheel and ran a hand through his hair. After a few agonizing seconds of silence, he grabbed his phone and called Felton. "The tracker data is in. Find Sanctum Holdings' location immediately."

Hanging up, Shanley turned to Juniper. He cupped her cheek, his brow furrowed in fierce determination. "Juniper, I'm going to get them out."

Her family would be whole. He would make sure of it.

"Okay," Juniper whispered, her eyelashes fluttering as she gave a small nod. "But don't let my brothers and sisters know yet."

"I understand." Shanley nodded, gently smoothing her hair. "We have teams looking from both sides. We'll have a lead soon."

*Soon?* Juniper bit her lip, her expression tightening. If Sanctum Holdings' real goal was capturing her, they would use every horrific method possible to break Celine and make her talk. And Celine was pregnant.

"We can't wait," Juniper said, locking eyes with Shanley, her tone dead serious. "I can't let her suffer for another second."

"What do you want to do?"

"I'm going to cooperate with Sanctum Holdings." Juniper leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Play along with me, Shanley."

"Alright." Shanley wrapped his arm around her waist, agreeing without a second thought.

"You're not even going to ask what the plan is?" Juniper managed a breathless laugh.

"Whatever you want," Shanley smiled warmly. "My life belongs to you anyway. Do whatever you need to do with it."

"Deal," Juniper said, staring into his eyes. A few seconds later, the corner of her mouth tipped up. "I'll make sure to put in a good word for you with my parents."

***

Liberty Island.

When the two walked into the estate, Jimmie and the others were sitting anxiously in the living room.

"You're back?" Jimmie was the first to jump up. "How did it go?"

"Celine is at Sanctum Holdings," Juniper answered honestly. "I'm figuring out a way to get her out."

"Try not to worry too much," Jimmie said, his brow creased with concern.

"Where's Warren?" Juniper looked around, confused when she didn't see him.

"He wanted to charge into Sanctum Holdings with you. He was so hysterical we had to sedate him."

Juniper frowned but didn't press the issue. "I'm tired. I'm going to my room."

"Alright." The group watched her walk away before zeroing in on Shanley.

"Come on," Juniper called back over her shoulder, gesturing for Shanley to follow.

"Coming." Shanley nodded and quickly caught up with her.

Jimmie frowned, trying to figure out how to tell Shanley the truth. A call? A text? Juniper was practically glued to him it would be too risky they would just have to wait. They absolutely could not let her find out.

***

Back in her room, Juniper received a call from Luella.

"Hey, Sanctum Holdings has lost

their minds again," Luella

are asking if we've thombled.

ut their offer content belongs

"Tell him I agree," Juniper said quietly, gripping her phone.

"You agree?" Luella paused for a few seconds, utterly confused. "Did you forget? His condition for working with us is that you have to kill your boyfriend!" t FindNovel.net

"I know." Juniper looked up, meeting Shanley's gaze, and enunciated every word

clearly. "I agree. I will kill Shanley."