I blink. “Wait—what?”
Noah is already pulling his phone out, tapping quickly. “Give us ten. We’ll meet back here.”
Luca’s halfway to the door. “Get dressed, pretty girl. We’re going out.”
“Out where?”
“You’ll see.” He winks, then disappears through the door.
Noah tosses me a soft smile and follows.
Tex pauses in the doorway. “We’ll make sure it’s clear. Just be ready.”
And then it’s just me and Jace.
He’s leaning against the bookshelf, arms folded, like he never once relaxed all day.
I look at him. “Aren’t you going to go change, too?”
He shakes his head once. “I can wait.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
He doesn’t move. Doesn’t offer more.
I shift, suddenly unsure. “Why you?”
Jace’s eyes meet mine. The space between us stretches tight. He sighs.
“Couldn’t risk leaving you alone with any of your admirers. What? Scared to be alone with me?”
I throw up my arms and huff. “Why are you even here?”
He pushes off the bookshelf, dropping his arms. He’s stiff.
“Well?” I ask as he continues to stare.
“I know who’s bankrolling Daniel.” His voice is low, like he’s trying to keep from spooking an animal.
My eyes widen. “How? My dad doesn’t even have an answer.”
His jaw flexes. “Well, Lucian doesn’t have access to my father’s servers like I do.”
My jaw drops. “We need to tell my dad! He needs?—”
“No,” Jace barks, storming to me.
“What?” I breathe.
“We can’t be rash.” His eyes bore into mine. “My father has backup plansfor his backup plans. We can’t let him know we’re on to him. We need solid proof. It’s just taking Noah time to track it down.”
I stare at him. “Your father released the monster who terrorized the last thirteen years of my life. You can’t expect me to just let this go.”
“I’m not saying that.” Jace runs his hands through his hair, then grabs my arms. “Just give me time. I know you have no reason to trust me but I know my father better than anyone. I’ll figure out a plan.”
I stare. This is probably the most unguarded I’ve seen him.
