My heart hurts. We’ve been together since Charlie was eighteen and thrown into a life he wasn’t prepared for—no one is prepared for a life of violence and death. We’ve only been separated briefly while transitioning to the agency.
“Jax asked if you’d stay on as security. Said he’d expand the pool house for you.”
He stares blankly, and then his gaze shifts to the patio, to the pool house, to the twins. “What about them?”
“I’m sure they’ll return to New York soon. There’s nothing here for them.”
He winces, and I feel like an ass. “I mean—you know what I mean,” I backtrack. “My brain is a mess lately.”
His Adam’s apple bobs, and he hangs his head. “Yeah. No, you’re right.”
I mentally punch myself for my poor choice of words. “Don’t do that. You’re worth it. Whatever you choose—whatever they choose—we’ll work it out.”
He doesn’t seem convinced. “Yeah, okay.” He rises and brings his mug to the sink. “I’m taking off. I need to shower and figure out…” He gestures to the warning sign marking his skin.
“Hey,” I jut my chin, “wear a quarter-zip or a hoodie and get your ass back here after. That’s an order. We have plans to make.”
His face brightens before he stands at attention and salutes. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
He’s a damn good guy. Desi and Dante better not fuck this up.
It’s not fifteen minutes before a set of pissed off and shirtless twins storm into the house.
“Where’s Lucas?” Dante demands, as curt as ever.
I tilt my head. “Charlie?” I know very well who he means. I know my partner’s full name.
“Stop calling him that.” He balls his fists. “He shouldn’t constantly be reminded of what he’s been through. Maybe that’s why he hasn’t moved on. Maybe you don’twanthim to move on.”
Today is not my fucking day. “Okay, Dr. Phil. Calm down.”
Desi extends his hands in front of him, palms out. “Did he leave?”
Stalling, I take a generous sip of lukewarm coffee. “What about it?”
Dante’s dark, bloodthirsty eyes stare me down. “Where’d he go?”
“Meeting someone.” I give a half-assed shrug, feigning nonchalance for the hell of it—and maybe because Dante’scomment stirred up more guilt and agitation. “Might be gone for a few days. I’m sure you’ll be in New York before he gets back.”
Desi rakes his fingers through his hair. “No, we won’t.”
“Why not? They released Charlie—I’m sorry,Lucas—from monitoring you. You’re free to go wherever you please.” They haven’t released Lucas yet, but I’m certain that’s what his meeting is about.
They exchange a look, a silent plea in Desi’s eyes.
“We’re waiting on Ethan. We’ll discuss it with him,” Dante reassures him. “Let’s get our stuff from the condo.”
They turn to leave, and just to be an ass, I call out, “Jax wants to know if you three need a bigger place or a bigger bed.”
Chapter 16
Ethan
I’m with the entire team, so why is my phone blowing up? I glance across the private room of the hotel restaurant. Jax is staring down at his screen, snickering. Hoping it’s Aurora texting us both, I raise my phone discreetly, never knowing what I’ll find.
What I’m not expecting is a group chat between me, Reece, and Jax named Triple Power Play. Only Jackson would mess with my phone, change his name, and make a hockey joke about having two extra men.
Reece
