“They’ll escalate,” I whisper.
“Yes. And so will we.”
There’s no doubt in him. Not even a crack.
“You trust me?” he asks.
It isn’t romantic.
It’s operational.
He’s asking if I’m about to break.
“Yes.”
“Get dressed.”
“I don’t have—”
“A prospect brought some up from the clubhouse while you were sleeping,” he says. “We keep clothes for women we pull out of dark places.”
Chapter 9
Blade
“Textthemyou’recoming.Nothing else.”
She nods and types.
“You’ll leave here alone, in case they’re watching,” I continue. “Call a cab. Make it visible. Let them see you get in. I’ll come out the back.”
“You’ll follow?” she asks carefully.
“Yes.”
“And your brothers?”
“Yes.”
She inhales, shaky.
“And Lyla?”
“We’ll get her.”
That’s the only promise I make.
“I’ll go now,” she says. “If they’re watching—”
“You need to look desperate,” I cut in. “Move like prey.”
Her brows draw together, but she nods.
I hate asking that of her.
“Okay.”
I hold her gaze.
