This isn’t how the Guard moves…
His apartment’s trashed—bookshelves toppled, papers scattered, cushions slashed. A broken picture frame glints on the floor, and a triumvirate of Disney posters are shredded.
My gaze snaps to his face, and I see the fear there, mixed with anger.
He’s clutching that damn cow stuffy, his knuckles white.
“Travis,” Miles says, his voice sharp but shaky. “You did this, didn’t you?”
The accusation hits like a slap.
“No,” I say, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation and shutting the door behind me. The damage is worse up close—methodical, meant to scare. “This wasn’t me. Or the Guard. This isn’t what we’re about. Not even close. And I think you know that too, deep down.”
Miles scoffs, backing up, Bean pressed to his chest.
“Right. I’m supposed to believe you?” Miles spits. “After your little trap last night? Your threats?”
I take a deep breath, my eyes scanning the wreckage. A knife stuck in the fridge, pinning a note. I don’t need to read it to know it’s a threat.
My gut twists—this wasn’t us, but it’s connected.
Someone’s sending a message, and I’m betting it’s not just about the Guard.
“Miles, listen,” I say, keeping my voice low, steady. “I warned you to back off, yeah, but this? Like I said, this isn’t how we operate. You’ve pissed off someone else, haven’t you?”
Miles’ eyes narrow, but there’s a flicker of doubt.
“You expect me to buy that?” Miles asks. “You’re here, right after this happens. Convenient.”
I step closer, and he stiffens, but doesn’t back down.
“I’m here because you didn’t listen,” I say, my tone firm, Daddy-sharp. “You’re still digging, hitting our servers, chasing leads. You think I don’t know? But this—” I gesture at the mess. “This is someone else’s work. And I’m guessing you’ve got a list of enemies who’d love to see you scared.”
The boy swallows, his grip on the stuffy tightening.
“Maybe,” Miles says. “But you’re not off the hook, Travis. You’re one of them. You don’t give a crap about the law.”
I nod, not denying it.
“Fair. But I’m not lettingyouoff the hook either, Little,” I say. “You’re in danger, and not just from me. Someone’s coming foryou, and I’m betting it’s tied to your firm’s shady clients and whatever the fuck it is they really do behind all the surface level PR bullshit. You want to stay alive? You’re gonna work with me.”
His laugh is bitter. “Work with you? You’reinsane.”
“Maybe,” I say, stepping closer, my voice dropping. “But right now, you don’t have a choice. I’ve got a plan to keep you safe and get answers. You can fight me, but it won’t change the fact that someone wants you dead. So, what’s it gonna be?”
Miles stares at me, his eyes searching mine, fear and defiance warring.
I can see the wheels turning—he’s scared, but he’s not broken. Not yet. And damn if that doesn’t make me want to protect the boy as much as I need to stop him.
One way or another, I’m going to solve that puzzle that is Miles Nadal…
Chapter 7
Miles
I don’t know what to think.
And I don’t know what he wants from me.
