I stay seated.
I need the room empty.
Legend knows it.
He closes the door behind the last brother and leans back against it, arms crossed, jaw moving like he’s chewing a bullet.
I’m about to tell him about the old church basement, but he takes over.
“Royal.”
“Yeah.”
His eyes, sharp, unforgiving, pin me.“You’re the one who’s gonna keep her safe.”
My spine stiffens.“Already am.”
“Safe,” he repeats, voice heavier this time.“And locked up.”
“How long?”I ask.
Legend’s breath leaves him slow.“I don’t know.”
“That ain’t an answer.”
“It’s the only one I’ve got.”His boots click against the floor as he comes closer, stopping right in front of me.His eyes darken with the kind of responsibility that crushes a man’s ribs.“Until we figure out what the hell Crowley was doing.Until girls stop disappearing.Until we know Becki ain’t a threat or a target.”
“So… forever,” I mutter.
Legend doesn’t smile.“Could be.”
It punches air from my lungs.
Because keeping Becki chained up forever?I won’t survive that.She won’t either.Legend studies my face like he sees every thought I’m trying damn hard to bury.
“You’re close to her,” he says quietly.
I don’t move.“No.”
He raises a brow.“You’re a shit liar.”
I grit my teeth.“I’m not close.”
“You’re drawn,” he corrects.“Same thing.”
The truth lands like a blade slipping between ribs.
Legend steps back, pacing once.“This thing with her?It ends now.”
My lips flatten.“There is no thing.”
“Good.Because you're with Joey.”
I freeze.
Legend stops pacing, looks over his shoulder at me.“You think I don’t know which bed you warm?I ain’t blind, Royal.”
“Then why bring up Becki?”I snap.
