feet, his sharp gaze not missing a beat. "Whoever was in those cars, whoever sent them, knew e

"You want to explain how they were conveniently knocked out before she arr

e want to cross the room, take her face in my hands, and kiss that trembling lip until she forgets where we are? I take half a step forward, then stop myself. Luck has a

l her I believe her, but I can't. Not yet. If there's even a sliver of a chance she had something to do with Nonna be

ning the courage to face a firing squad. "I don't know why the guards

says pointedly, his stance aggressiv

murmurs, his tone analytical. "They paved the way. They made sure noth

ce him. "You're say

e and trusted Seb would recognize her...

torm clouds gathering in a dark sky. Luck. Adrian. Michel. Me

ot a leak. Someone inside our clan, someone close, fed that information. Someone who knew we'd all be t

rry," she whispers. "I didn't mean to bring trouble to your doorstep. I didn't know where e

"He would've waited until you stepped out of y

ists. I shouldn't be yelling. But she could've died. If things had gone e

l, anger laced with fear. "You should've stayed ho

akes a step toward me, chin lifted, shoulders squared. "You do not get to tell me what to do. Not now. Not ever. I don't take orders, not from

ne clears their throat. We

l

lood on his scrubs, exhaustion in his eyes. He looks between the group of men like he doesn't

o quiet for me to catch. I step aside, pull up my

soon Elise. When

ut a reply with t

n the hour. Can you

ce up, Seb is staring at me. His eyes are... lifeless. No spark

No, n

close the distance between us. I wrap my arms around his torso, press my cheek to his chest. His body is r

and whisper, "S

e. Not eve

etween the lapels of his shirt. His body jerks slightly.

shatters al

th fire and pride... are dark. Dead. Like something

again, voice thic

ore. Damn it. I wince an

e you going to answer

ckly. "But I...

ge. He repeats the word lik

chewing my lower lip. His gaze drops to my mouth, and somethin

he world around us i

o." I try to step back, but his arm loops a

oice hollow, devoid of emotion,

You don't even know how badl

he words are a ple

r, where the rest of his family is now silent

ntly pull away, and he l

e door, only to smack into

, and she clutches my arm. Her p

ff, then glance at the man beside her. Michael. I've seen him befo

r loss," I say sof

eart breaking, phone st