“Lina is mean?” Vali echoed.
“Yes, she—”
Before I could expose myself any further, Lina slapped her hand over my mouth.
“It’s nothing, Vali. Cezar is just struggling because he’s being dramatic,” she explained, still blocking my mouth like I was a security risk. I was absolutely not being dramatic. I wanted to fuck her into another dimension.
Finally, we started eating, the conversation drifting from bullshit updates to minor annoyances and whatever else filled the gaps. I was halfway through my food when something Dorin said hit a nerve, and without thinking, I admitted out loud that it was my fault.
All of them shot me a stunned look.
“Wait, Cezar, you’re the one that fucked that up?” Dorin leaned forward, way too eager for the tea.
“Yes. I fuck up a lot of shit. Is that even surprising?” I shrugged and took another bite.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he continued, narrowing his eyes. “I knew you had a hand in plenty around here—that’s how we ended up crossing paths in the first place. But how much do you actually know?”
“It’s no big deal, all right? I haven’t messed with any of your guys’ shit. Well, not intentionally.” A nervous laugh escaped me. “My father thinks I’m stupid, but I pay attention to the details. Why do you think I always know where you guys are? I’ve made a lot of connections over the years. Codrin helps me out with intel often. You all know the hatred I have for my father. This is how I repay him.”
I swore no one would ever find out. And here I was, sitting across from the few people who knew more of my secrets than my own brothers.
“So, you purposely sabotage his deals?” Lina clarified.
“Yes,” I stated. “Not like he doesn’t deserve it, plus I don’t agree with what he does.”
“That’s why you always wear a mask and are fully covered, in case someone spots you that shouldn’t,” Dorin added.
“Pretty much,” I replied. “I’ve been more reckless lately. Obviously.”
My hand drifted toward the healing wound on my chest, and Dorin’s stare darted away.
“I can’t believe I didn’t catch on to that one sooner,” Lina said, twirling her fork like she was contemplating stabbing me with it for keeping secrets.
“I am a master of disguise.” I winked.
She rolled her eyes. “Sure, Cezar. Whatever fantasy helps you sleep at night.”
Then she stole a piece of my chicken like a fucking gremlin. I tried to smack her hand away, but she was too fast.
“Damn ninja.” I poked her shoulder in protest.
“Cezar, what if your father found out?” Vali spoke up.
“Then he’d kill me,” I answered bluntly. “Not right away. First, he’d take his time. Weeks of torture. Then he’d finish the job.”
I looked up, watching her face drain. Dorin and Lina already knew. Hearing it out loud didn’t make it any easier.
“It’s all right,” I added, trying to ease the tension. “Worth it.”
The moment the plates were cleared, I noticed Dorin and Lina slipping into that silent, shared rhythm they always had before a mission. Another mission. The helplessness burned under my skin.
I couldn’t stand being benched like some fucking fragile ornament. I needed to be with her. To protect her or die trying.
Chapter 35
ADELINA
Cezar sensed something was wrong. I hadn’t told him about the mission. Maybe I should have, but I needed my head clear, and with him around, clarity was rare. I expected he’d be upset—just not this upset.
