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"No, they won’t." Soren pressed a button beneath the monitor. "Grant them audio."

One of the guards stationed at the gate appeared on-screen. "Mr. Kane."

"Tell them they're trespassing,” Soren growled.

The guard nodded before disappearing from view. A moment later, a heavily tattooed man stepped from the lead SUV. He wore an expensive suit that couldn't disguise the street thug beneath it. He smiled toward the camera, but Soren didn't feel like smiling much.

"I know you're watching, Kane," the man called. "We're just here for the girl." Soren's expression remained impassive. "Hand her over. We're willing to pay." Soren reached forward and switched off the audio.

Luca smirked. "They really don't know you."

"No, they don’t,” Soren drawled.

"If they did, they would've sent more men,” Luca said.

Soren picked up his phone and called his security detail. "Double the perimeter."

"It's already doubled,” the guard assured.

"Then triple it!” Soren shouted, ending the call. He turned to Luca. “Handle this.” Luca nodded without argument. Soren didn't underestimate desperate men because desperate men made foolish decisions and foolish decisions got innocent people hurt.

His gaze drifted toward the kitchen doorway. Lily stood exactly where he'd left her. She hadn't moved, and her face had gone pale as she watched the silent exchange on the monitor. "They're here for me." It wasn't a question.

Soren crossed the room. "Yes."

Her throat bobbed. "I don't even know who they are."

"You don't need to,” he said.

"They're going to keep coming, aren’t they?”

There was no way that he’d lie to her now. "Yes."

"And they’re here because of me,” she said again.

"They're here because of Collins,” he insisted.

She shook her head. "If I hadn't worked late⁠—"

"No." His voice cut cleanly through hers. "This is not your fault."

She looked at him as though the thought had never occurred to her. "But—" she breathed.

"It is not your fault."

She opened her mouth again and closed it. Soren recognized the conflict on her face. She wanted to believe him, but years of being blamed for everything wouldn't let her. He understood that battle better than most.

"Come with me,” he said, holding out his hand to her. Without waiting for an answer, he headed toward his office. After a moment's hesitation, she followed.

His office was the only room in the house that matched the man he'd become. The décor reflected him completely with the dark-walnut furniture and black-leather chairs. Everything had a purpose, and everything had a place.

Lily stopped just inside the doorway. "You don't have any family pictures."

"No,” he said. “I don’t have any family.”

"No hobbies?" she asked.

"I work. Can that be considered a hobby?” he asked.