Yes, he is.
He isn’t. Not yet.
Harley is on his feet now, helping Neo pin down every blind spot in the cameras. Their shoulders brush, and it takes everything in me not to leap up and shove myself between them.
First Samson, now Harley. What the fuck is wrong with me?
Something pointy stabs into my side. I look down to see Dalton’s sheathed dagger nudging me. “What the fuck are you doing?”
“Cade isn’t the only one who needs to simmer down,” Dalton says mildly, his gaze flicking briefly over to Harley and Neo, whoare still standing far too close for my liking. “You’re being irrational.”
I drop my voice low so only Dalton can hear. “I’m always rational.”
“Not where Neo’s concerned.”
I go to argue, but what’s the point? Dalton’s already got me worked out.
“He doesn’t want Harley,” he whispers. “And Harley sure as shit doesn’t want him, so why are you getting all bent out of shape?”
“I don’t know,” I mutter through gritted teeth. “I just don’t like it, okay? This is our mess. Neo shouldn’t be caught up in it.”
“He’s been part of this from the start. You didn’t care then.”
“Things are different now.”
“How?”
I pause, darting my gaze over to Neo. His handsome face is furrowed in concentration as he traces lines over the map. “They just are.”
“Ah.” Amusement flashes over Dalton’s face. “I see. Well, good on you, Wylder. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“What day?”
“The day you prove you’re just as fucked up as the rest of us.”
I shoot him a withering look. “Wanting to keep Neo safe doesn’t make me fucked up.”
“No, but the insane levels I’m willing to bet you’ll go to to ensure that happens? That does.”
I flick his dagger away and meet Jackson’s eyes across the room. He arches an eyebrow, and I lean toward Dalton.
“Go back to your boy and leave me alone.”
He huffs in annoyance, and I stalk away from him and toward Neo. He peers up at me, and my chest tightens. “I’m going to help Harley fix the dark spot.”
“Absolutely not.”
Neo raises a brow. “Are you forbidding me?”
I’m aware that the room has fallen silent, observing this battle of wills.
“Yes,” I say, not looking at anyone other than Neo. “I am.”
“Oh yeah?” He steps close, going toe-to-toe with me. “And you think that’s gonna stop me?”
“No, I don’t.” I sigh, and then say, “Fine. I’m coming too.”
“Absolutely not.” Neo bristles. “You’re going to go to your office and start working through the other information I found. Going with us is a waste of time.”
