He’s involved. Scared.Guiltyas sin.
We’ll find him.
And when we do, there will be no more running.
I slip into the night, heading toward Robbie’s apartment. Eddie’s waiting. He doesn’t know how close the danger came tonight. He doesn’t need to—not yet.
I walk the two last blocks with my coat collar up, hands in pockets, scanning every shadow and parked car.
No tails.
No eyes on me.
I’ve made contact with Alexander and he is already rounding up a team of my best, most fearless street soldiers and generals. It’s moving closer to war time. And I’m ready to lay it all on the line to bring peace and stability back to the family.
But right now, peace still feels a long way away.
The sirens from Zane’s House are long gone, swallowed by the city’s constant noise, but the adrenaline still hums under my skin—sharp, restless…
Caulfield ran. That alone is confession enough. He’s in this. The question is how deep? And who else is playing on his team?
I climb the stairs to Robbie’s apartment, knock twice—soft, controlled.
The door opens almost immediately. Robbie stands there in an oversized hoodie and fuzzy socks, hair floppy and frosted at the tips. He doesn’t smile, but he doesn’t slam the door either.
“He’s asleep,” Robbie whispers, stepping aside to let me in. “Couch.”
I nod and follow his gaze. Eddie is curled on the living room sofa under a throw blanket, one arm tucked under his cheek, the other draped protectively over Goldie. His breathing is slow and even, face soft in sleep. The sight hits me harder than it should—relief first, then something quieter, warmer.
He’s safe.
For now.
Robbie closes the door behind me, locks it.
“You look like hell,” he says plainly. “Mint tea? It’s good for de-stressing.”
I let out a low chuckle despite myself. “You’re a good judge.”
“Am I?” Robbie asks, a hint of sass in his voice. “Hmmm.”
He moves to the kitchenette, fills the kettle, sets out two mugs. The apartment is small, lived-in—art prints on the walls, fairy lights strung over the window, a faint scent of vanilla and fruity body spray. Comfortable. Safe. Exactly what Eddie needed tonight.
Robbie pours hot water over tea bags, hands me a steaming mug. “I haven’t made up my mind about you yet,” he says, leaning against the counter. “Eddie’s innocent. Sweet. And you… you’renot. I might be a Little, but I’m not naïve. I’m concerned he’s in over his head with a man like you.”
I take a sip of the tea. It’s sharp, clean, soothing despite myself. “My intentions toward Eddie are pure,” I say quietly. “I won’t lie to you… my world is dangerous. But I would burn it down before I let it touch him.”
Robbie studies me for a long moment. “I believe you mean that. But meaning it doesn’t make it true.”
“Fair.”
He nods toward the couch. “He trusts you. More than he’s letting on. That’s rare for him.”
I glance at Eddie again. His chest rises and falls steadily. “He’s stronger than he looks.”
“Yeah,” Robbie says softly. “He is. But…”
“Milo,” I begin, pausing as I take a sip of the tea.
