ex

here locals traded gossip like currency but knew bet

air inside was thick with the stench of motor oil and stale cigarett

name was Rose. I told h

iner. It was grueling work, my feet throbbing in rhythm with my pulse

raid to venture out. His memory remained a f

muscles tensed. I expected Gavyn. I e

who walked in on a

of cutlery didn't follow. A heavy, su

at cost more than this entire building. They mo

lders and hair as dark as obsidian. His eyes we

ounter, a coffee pot

oduction, but from the terrified whispers

the Sosa family. The mor

e? This was ne

him. He didn't look at the menu. He looked arou

e lande

slide past

owed hi

ribs. Did he recognize me? No, he couldn't.

o move, carrying m

, willing my voic

nd raw from scrubbing dishes

. His voice was a deep rumble that

rking," I re

r opene

a broken umbrella. "Rose?" he called out, his

Sosa we

t the table shook.

" he br

ack, confused.

ace a mask of disbelief and r

od ran

cl

ker. He was a Sosa. He was

aved th

ron. Aaron flinched a

g myself between the most dangerous m

d to me. They were l

ethal hiss as I stood my ground. "He's hurt. He's scare

rm, the tired eyes, but his gaze dropped to my hand, catching th

him?" Daniel asked,

family no

the knife, then at Aaron cli

g like respect passed

he said softly. "You stand

of you," I lied.

led his men

ly. "He's been missing for weeks.

him," I said.

en you have done the Sosa

nd. Not to take

Both of you. You'll be saf

the lion's den. It meant going back into th

He needed safety. I couldn't give him that

. His grip was warm,

said, reclai

y closer, his dark e

Dunlap. And I know exactly