Security. Layered. Intentional.
“You’re really not subtle,” I say at one point.
Brooke glances over her shoulder. “We’re not trying to be.”
“Fair.”
Delilah pauses near the front window, her gaze flicking briefly to the street outside before returning to me.
“They’ve started testing more than just the perimeter,” she says.
I still.
“What does that mean?”
“It means they’re watching,” she replies. “Looking for patterns. Weak points.”
“Here?”
“Possibly.”
Great. Love that.
“Good thing I’m terrible at routines,” I mutter.
Brooke grins. “That might actually work in your favor.”
Small victories.
Conrad shows up just before noon. He doesn’t bother pretending this is a casual visit.
The moment he steps inside, the air shifts. He’s alert. Focused. Serious.
“Morning,” he says, nodding at Delilah and Brooke before turning to me.
“Tessa.”
“Conrad,” I reply. “You here for books or ominous warnings?”
His mouth twitches slightly.
“Warnings,” he says.
Of course.
“Let’s hear it.”
He steps closer, just enough that his voice doesn’t carry.
“Rogues don’t just attack territory,” he says. “They go after leverage.”
“I’ve heard,” I reply dryly.
“Then you know what that makes you.”
“Popular?” I offer.
His gaze sharpens.
