She belonged

Reuben's POV

I leaned back in my chair, letting the soft glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the room. The air smelled faintly of old wood and leather, the familiar scent grounding me as I drummed my fingers on the armrest. My phone buzzed on the table beside me, the name flashing across the screen bringing a slow, satisfied smile to my lips.

"Miriam," I answered smoothly, my voice low and calm.

"It's done," she said without preamble, her voice clipped and professional. Miriam was always efficient, and that's why I trusted her with this delicate task.

"Tell me everything," I said, leaning forward now, my focus sharpening.

She hesitated for a moment, the faint sound of the car's engine humming in the background. "The timing was perfect. Lila was busy, probably chasing after one of her endless whims. Luna Joan didn't suspect a thing. Honestly, I'm not sure she even noticed I was there."

I chuckled, the sound dark and full of amusement. "And Ronan?"

"He left early, just like you said he would. As for Caden... he was with Peru most of the time. If he'd been at the mansion, this would've been a lot harder. Maybe even impossible."

The mention of Caden's name sent a flicker of annoyance through me, but I pushed it aside. The man was irritating, yes, but predictable in his habits. Predictability was a weakness I'd learned to exploit.

"And the children?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. Miriam wouldn't be calling me if she'd failed.

"They're in my car," she confirmed. "Safe and sound. No one noticed a thing."

A satisfied grin spread across my face. "Good," I said, leaning back once more. "Very good. You've outdone yourself, Miriam."

"Flattery doesn't pay the bills, Reuben," she replied dryly.

I laughed, a genuine sound this time. Miriam had always been like that-practical, unshakable. It's why I kept her close. "You'll be well compensated, don't worry. But for now, here's what I need you to do next."

I turned my gaze to the basement door across the room, my smile deepening as I thought about the preparations I'd made. The space was immaculate, as clean and sterile as a hospital room. No distractions, no chances for escape.

"Drive straight to the address I sent you," I instructed. "There's a side entrance that leads directly to the basement. You'll find the door unlocked. Take the children inside and make sure they're comfortable."

"Comfortable?" she echoed, her tone laced with skepticism.

I chuckled again. "I don't mean fluffy pillows and bedtime stories, Miriam. Just make sure they're not scared. For now, they're leverage, not targets."

There was a pause on the line, the sound of her breathing faint but steady. "And Emily? You really think she'll come?"

"Oh, she'll come," I said, my voice darkening with certainty. "Emily's predictable. She'll try to act tough, but the moment she knows those kids are in danger, she'll come running. She can't help herself."

"And if she doesn't come alone?" Miriam asked, always the pragmatist.

"She won't," I admitted. "That's why I've already accounted for that possibility."

I stood, crossing the room to where a small intercom sat on the desk. Pressing the button, I summoned the men stationed nearby. Within seconds, a knock sounded at the door, and two of my most trusted guards stepped inside.

"Gentlemen," I said, gesturing for them to approach. "We're expecting company soon. Emily will be here, likely with a few unwelcome friends in tow. I want this place locked down. No one gets in unless I say so. Understood?"

The men nodded, their expressions grim and focused.

"And when she does show up?" one of them asked.

I smiled, cold and calculating. "Follow my lead. She's not here for a fight; she's here for the children. That gives us the advantage. But don't get comfortable. Emily's clever. Desperation makes people dangerous."

The men exchanged a glance, then nodded again before leaving the room.

"Reuben," Miriam's voice cut through the quiet, pulling my attention back to the phone. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Do you need anything else?"

"Just you," I replied, my tone smooth. "You've done well, Miriam. Finish this, and we'll talk about your bonus."

"Don't patronize me," she shot back, though there was no real heat in her voice.

I ended the call, setting the phone down on the desk. The pieces were all falling into place, just as I'd planned.

Fifteen minutes later, the faint hum of a car engine reached my ears. I rose from my chair, moving to the window just in time to see Miriam's sleek black car pulling into the driveway. She stepped out a moment later, her movements precise as she opened the back door and began ushering the children out.

They looked confused but not frightened, their small faces turned up toward Miriam with a mixture of trust and uncertainty. I watched as she guided them toward the side entrance, her hand resting lightly on the youngest's shoulder.

A part of me felt a flicker of something-guilt, maybe-but I quickly pushed it aside. This wasn't about the children. It was about Emily.

I moved to the basement, arriving just as Miriam led the kids inside. The room was brightly lit, the walls bare and unadorned. A small table sat in one corner, stocked with water bottles and a few snacks.

"They're here," Miriam said, her tone matter-of-fact as she turned to face me.

"Perfect," I replied, my eyes sweeping over the children. "Thank you, Miriam. You've done well."

She didn't respond, her gaze sharp and assessing as she studied me. "You're sure about this, Reuben? Using the kids like this?"

"I'm sure," I said firmly. "Emily needs a push, and this is it. Besides, they'll be fine. I have no intention of hurting them."

Miriam's expression didn't soften, but she nodded once before stepping aside.

I knelt down, meeting the children's wide-eyed gazes. "You're going to stay here for a little while, okay?" I said, keeping my voice calm and steady. "Miriam will look after you. You're safe here."

The oldest, a boy of about seven, frowned at me. "Where's Aunt Lila?"

"She's busy right now," I said smoothly. "But don't worry. You'll see her soon."

He didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue either.

Straightening, I turned to Miriam. "Stay with them. I'll be upstairs if you need anything."

She nodded, her attention already shifting to the children as she began unpacking a small bag of toys she'd brought along.

I left the basement, climbing the stairs two at a time. Once back in my office, I picked up my phone again, dialing a familiar number.

"Everything's ready," I said when the line connected. "Emily will be here soon. Make sure the perimeter is secure. I don't want any surprises."

The voice on the other end assured me everything was under control before the call ended.

I sat back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face. The trap was set, and now all I had to do was wait. Emily would come. She had no choice. And when she did, she'd finally realize just how far I was willing to go to remind her where she belonged.