My mind swam. I had no idea how I would achieve that if Daniel or Cut came knocking.
“And why do you need me, exactly?” Vaughn asked, his voice laced with animosity. “Why should I put my life on the line?”
Jaz took in his bruised face and blood-stained t-shirt. “Do you want children, Mr. Weaver?”
V’s eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “What? What the fuck does that—”
“Answer the question. Yes or no.”
My heart raced, waiting for him to reply. I’d grown up with V, but we’d never talked about what we wanted in the future. Never discussed the idea of raising our own families—too caught up in designing and promoting and working tirelessly for a company that was more parent than we’d ever needed.
V breathed out heavily. “I don’t know...before, I might’ve entertained the idea, but now never. Not after what they did to Nila.” His eyes fell on me. “Or our mum.”
“Exactly. My family has cast a shadow over yours for far too long. You should have the right to have children if you want, knowing they are safe to grow old.” She inched closer, her voice filling with passion and truth. “I need your help to make that a reality.”
I tensed, waiting for another argument, for more curses.
But V’s black eyes met mine, mirroring my unspoken begging for his help. He had the power to save, not only the man I loved, but both our futures, too.
Finally, he slouched. “If I help you, you’ll keep my sister safe? You’ll make sure this ends?”
Jaz held a fist over her heart. “You have my ultimate word. Keep my brothers alive and I swear to you this will all be in the past.”
Vaughn closed the distance between them, his eyes lingering on Jasmine’s chair. With slight hesitation, he held out his hand. “In that case. We have a deal.”
Jaz blinked back tears as she dropped the gun and placed her hand in his. “Thank you. A thousand times, thank you.”
I didn’t want to interrupt the sudden tender moment, but my heartbeat was a clock, striking the passing minutes with terror.
He’s alive.
He’s alive.
It’s time to go.
“What next?” I whispered.
Jaz smiled softly. “Vaughn and I have a date in the crypt.”
V looked at her blankly.
Jaz held up the key, rolling herself toward the door. “This is our last chance.”
“What is?” I ghosted forward, drawn by the anticipation of hope and righteousness.
She slipped the key into the lock. “Our last chance to rescue Kestrel and Jethro and get them to the hospital before they die.”
Chapter Six
Jethro
“NO. NOT LIKE that, dammit.”
“Hush it, woman. I think I know how to work a cutting torch.”
“No, you obviously don’t. You don’t have the valve open for the acetylene.”
A curse, a scrape, then a loud hiss.
