It’s in Ellie’s phone.
Graham’s eyes lock on me one last time, hatred sharp. “This isn’t over.”
I lean in, voice quieter. “It is.”
He storms toward the door, and Levi calls after him, cheerful as hell. “Hey! Don’t forget to pay for the chocolate you didn’t buy!”
Sadie elbows Levi. “Levi.”
Levi grins. “What? I’m an adult.”
The bell jingles as Graham leaves, but this time it doesn’t sound like a joke. It sounds like a door closing.
Ellie’s hand shakes as she lowers the phone. Her breath is quick, eyes bright, face pale.
I turn toward her, my anger still burning, my control fraying.
“You okay?” I ask, and my voice is rougher than I mean it to be.
Ellie lifts her chin like she’s still fighting. “I didn’t fold.”
“No,” I say, stepping closer. “You didn’t.”
Her eyes flick to my mouth, then away. “Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re proud.”
I smile, slow and dark. “I am proud.”
Ellie’s breath catches.
Saxon clears his throat. “Cooper. Outside.”
I don’t look away from Ellie. “One second.”
Saxon’s voice goes sharper. “Now.”
Ellie swallows, then whispers, almost too quiet to hear, “Thank you.”
I lean in close enough that my mouth brushes her ear. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
She shivers.
Then I step back, turn, and follow Saxon out—because duty is still duty, even when my entire body is screaming to stay.
Behind me, Ellie clutches her phone like it’s the first real weapon she’s ever had.
And I know one thing with absolute certainty: Graham just realized she’s not alone anymore.
Which means the next move will be uglier.
Chapter 12
Ellie
Wyatt shows up like a storm.
