I know what the Night Ops Guard’s capable of—ruthless, precise, untouchable. Travis’s not messing around, and the weight of his words sinks in. If I refuse, he could force me, or worse.
But there’s another thought, one that sparks despite the fear.
If I go with him, I’ll be in his world, close to the Guard. He’s bound to slip up, give me something—evidence, names, anything I can use to expose them.
It’s a risk, a huge one, but my drive to be the best lawyer, to bring justice, overrides the panic clawing at my chest.
I can do this.
Ihaveto.
“Fine,” I say, lifting my chin. “I’ll come with you. But don’t think this means I trust you.”
Travis’s lips twitch, almost a smile.
“Good choice, Little,” Travis says. “Now move faster. We tidy, then we roll out.”
I blush again, hating how his words make my insides flutter. He’s the enemy, damn it, not some Daddy I’m crushing on.
And the way he keeps calling me Little… he’s out of line.
I turn back to the mess, stacking books with more force than necessary. We work for another half hour, the apartment slowly coming back together, though it’ll never feel the same.
My safe haven has been breached, and Travis’s presence only makes it feel more surreal. He’s methodical, folding torn posters, sweeping glass, like he’s done this before. Maybe he has—maybe he’s used to clearing up apartments after he’s been and wreaked havoc. The thought sends a shiver through me.
As I pick up a shredded coloring page—a bright elephant I’d spent hours on—I glance at Bean, still on the couch. Travis follows my gaze, and his expression softens, just for a second.
“Your stuffy’s coming too,” Travis says, his voice gruff but not unkind. “I wouldn’t let you leave him behind.”
My face flames, and I duck my head, mortified.
He knows about Bean, knows what he means to me. It’s one thing for him to see my Little side, another for him to acknowledge it so casually. I feel small, a little embarrassed—but I also feel so seen.
“Thanks,” I mumble, grabbing Bean and tucking him into my bag.
My heart’s racing, a pulse of excitement mixing with the fear. Going with Travis is dangerous, but it’s also a chance—a chance to get closer to the truth, to turn the tables on him and the Guard.
Travis finishes straightening a shelf and steps back, surveying the room. It’s not perfect, but it’s better—less like a crime scene, more like a home again.
“Good enough,” Travis says, grabbing his jacket. “Pack a bag. Essentials only. We’re leaving in ten.”
I nod, my throat tight.
I grab a duffel, stuffing in clothes, my laptop, a charger, and a few toiletries. Bean is already back in my backpack, his little cow ears peeking out.
I glance around, the weight of leaving my home hitting hard. This place was my sanctuary, my Little space, and now it’s tainted.
But I’m not broken.
Not yet.
Travis watches me, his arms crossed, that Daddy energy radiating.
“You ready, Miles?” Travis asks, but I can tell it’s more of a statement of intent.
I bristle but nod, slinging my bags over my shoulder.
“Let’s go,” I say, trying my best to sound brave and fearless.
