“Though, there is one other option,” I add. “And I think you should consider it.”
“What?” Rook asks.
“The four of you should leave. The door’s unlocked now. Escape, and leave me to handle the rest.”
Kane scoffs. “Not a chance in hell, brother. We’re in this together. Kidnappings, murders, auctions, and all.”
I nod. I wish I could say I wouldn’t do the same, but I would. For my brothers, I’d do anything.
And I can’t deny it’ll be a nice change of fucking pace to feel like I’m consorting with these deviant fuckers for an actual purpose.
“All right. I’ll focus on Lucian too,” I say. “I think there’s more there, and I think we’re at a real disadvantage if we don’t understand it. I asked him some questions about Mom thismorning, and I think there’s even more to the story than we realize. More he’s not saying. Maybe even more he will if I ask the right questions.”
Kane glances to Rook before tiptoeing into the next subject precariously. “And the fated mate thing? How’s that going?”
My chest seizes. I can’t tell them the risk I took last night. They’d lose their fucking minds if they knew the extent of how much time I spent in her room—that I kissed her knowing I had no choice but to leave her behind. But I know I’ve got to give them something.
“I…well…we…” I pause on a sigh. “I guess we… We know her.”
“We know her?” Kane’s brows pull together. “What do you mean, weknowher?”
“Romy Spencer. From Boston Prep?” I offer.
“Romy Spencer is your mate?” Rook asks incredulously.
I shrug. “Evidently, yes.”
“Who’s Romy Spencer?” Blair whispers to Kylie, who, trying to listen to the rest of our conversation, puts a finger to her lips.
“And how’s it going?” Kane asks, his gaze searching mine intensely.
I shrug.
Rook frowns. “You did something stupid last night, didn’t you?”
“Stupid, maybe. Worth it, definitely,” I say, sugarcoating the full truth. “We got a chance to talk. I think she trusts me.”
“Talk, huh?” Kane challenges with a smirk. “Is that all you did?”
“Shut up, Kane,” I retort with a punch to his shoulder.
He guffaws. “Oh my God. I was joking. What else did you do? And more than that,howdid you do it? Don’t they have the women secluded somewhere?”
Fuck it. Our best defense is a strong offense.I have to be honest about what happened.
“She’s in the room at the end of the ladies’ wing. I snuck in through the window.”
“Well, I’ll be fucked. I didn’t know you had it in you, stud.” Kane winks at Blair. “It’s always the quiet ones, babe. Always.”
I smile, taking the jab good-naturedly. “Personality traits aren’t singular. It’s the being quiet that requires a certain…boldness.”
Kylie laughs. “And what does Rook’s grumpiness require?”
“A pretty girl like you,” Kane replies, making us all laugh out loud. It’s almost as if we aren’t here. As if our lives are like they were before, only better.
I shake my head lightly, wishing like hell that were the truth. Rook, evidently, notices. “Ky, would you and Blair mind giving us three a minute. Maybe finish the breakfast you started?”
She nods, and Blair stands without a fight. It’s not that they don’t deserve to be included in every damn conversation—they’re involved in the stakes. But there are demons to deal with, for myself and my brothers, and I can’t in good conscience ask them to do it with an audience.
