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Z's thumb brushes across my cheekbone. “You won't.”

Before I can respond, he leans down, pressing his lips to mine. I clutch at his tactical vest, drawing him closer, memorizing the feel of him. The slight scratch of stubble against my skin.

“I will always come back to you, moya koroleva.”

Oscar steps forward as Z reluctantly moves aside.

“We'll be waiting for you,” he says. “Just follow the plan.”

I reach for him, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. “Be careful. Both of you.”

His lips find mine, the kiss unlike his brother’s—more controlled but no less passionate. His hand cradles the back of my head, holding me with a gentleness that feels unexpected against the weapons strapped to his body.

“See you on the other side, solnishko,” he speaks against my lips before stepping back.

The twins exchange a look. With a final nod, they climb into the SUV, the engine purring to life with a soft rumble. I stand rooted to the spot as they back out of the garage, watching until their taillights fade into the predawn shadows. Even after they’re gone, I remain, staring at the empty space where they were, the ghost of their kisses still lingering on my lips.

The garage feels suddenly vast and empty. Cold. I wrap my arms around myself, the chill of the concrete seeping through my bare feet as I finally turn away. Each step back toward the apartment feels heavier than the last, as if gravity itself has intensified with their departure.

I find Talon at the top of the stairs. He tracks my movement as I climb toward him, reading the emotions I can't quite conceal.

“They'll be fine,” he says, but the slight tightness around his mouth betrays his own worry.

“You don't know that” I reply, brushing past him into the hallway. “None of us know anything anymore.”

He follows me. “The plan is solid. Alex would approve.”

“Don't.” The word comes out sharper than I intend. “Don't talk about what he would approve of.”

Talon's expression softens. “Vesper…”

“I need to get ready.” I cut him off, unable to bear the sympathetic tone of his voice. “We leave in six hours.”

I retreat to my own room, closing the door with a decisive click that makes it clear I want to be alone. The silence envelops me immediately, thick and suffocating.

The bathroom mirror reflects a stranger—hollow-eyed, pale, with tension etched into every line of my face. I splash cold water on my skin, trying to shock some life back into my features. Today I need to look strong and confident.

I strip methodically, letting my clothes pool on the tile floor before stepping into the shower. The scalding water cascades over my skin, and I turn my face into the spray, letting it mix with the tears I can no longer hold back. Here, with the water drumming against my ears, I allow myself one final moment of weakness.

The steam wraps around me, fogging the glass until I'm just a blurred silhouette. I lean my forehead against the cool tile, letting water cascade down my spine.

I hear the bathroom door open, then close with a soft click. I don't turn around. There's only one person it could be.

Talon steps into the shower behind me, still fully dressed, his clothes immediately soaking through. His strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. He says nothing, just holds me as the water beats down on both of us, his steady heartbeat a counterpoint to my ragged breathing.

“You shouldn't be getting your wound wet.”

“Some things are more important.” His lips brush my temple. “You are more important, princess.”

I turn in his embrace, facing him. Water streams down his face, plastering his hair to his skin, soaking through his black t-shirt. The bandage on his shoulder is already soaked through, but he doesn’t seem to care.

“I'm scared,” I admit.

“I know. I am, too.”

I press my face against his chest. I feel his heartbeat against my cheek, steady despite everything we've faced. Everything we still have to face.

“We should get you a new bandage.” I pull back slightly to examine his shoulder.