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“Ricky checks for tails,” Oz says, shaking his head. “He's survived this long by being careful.”

“Then we'll be more careful,” I insist, feeling Z's approval in the way his arms tighten around me once more. “I'm not risking losing anyone else."

“Fine,” Oz finally concedes. “But distant surveillance only. First sign Ricky's spooked, you all back off."

“Deal,” I agree before Z can argue further. “How do we get in touch with him?”

“I’ll set it up. We usually meet at a bar on the southside.”

“We’ll be watching and listening the entire time.”

Oscar pulls out his phone, typing quickly before sliding it back into his pocket with a sigh. “Message sent, but I wouldn't hold my breath for an immediate response. Ricky's nocturnal—probably just crawling into whatever hole he sleeps in right about now.”

I rub my temples, exhaustion suddenly crashing over me. The adrenaline that's been keeping me upright is fading fast, leaving behind bone-deep weariness, and the phantom ache of memories I'd rather forget.

“So, what now?” I ask, unable to keep the fatigue from my voice. “We just wait?”

Talon, who's been unusually quiet, stretches his long limbs and yawns dramatically. “Now, we sleep. It's been a long fucking day.” He looks at me, some of the edge in his voice easing. “And tomorrow’s only going to be longer if Ricky actually shows. We need to be sharp.”

He's right. My body feels like it's running on fumes, my mind foggy with exhaustion and the aftershock of seeing those photos.

“Sleep sounds…” I hesitate, wondering if I'll actually be able to dream without seeing myself strapped to that table. “Necessary.”

Z's arms tighten around me protectively, as if sensing my unease. “You'll stay with me.” It’s not a question but a statement of fact.

“No.” I push myself off Zaire's lap, standing on unsteady legs. "I'm sleeping in my own room."

Z's expression darkens, confusion and hurt flashing across his face. “Vesper?—”

“Alone,” I add firmly, wrapping my arms around myself. “I need space. Time to process everything.”

The silence that follows is deafening. Talon's eyebrows shoot up, and Alex suddenly becomes very interested in his phone. Oscar watches me carefully, taking in every micro-expression.

“You shouldn't be alone right now,” Z argues, rising to his feet. “After what you just saw?—”

“That's exactly why I need to be,” I interrupt, meeting his intense stare. “Those photos...seeing myself like that...I can't just crawl into bed with someone and pretend it didn't affect me.”

Zaire takes a step toward me, but Oscar places a hand on his twin's shoulder. “Let her breathe, Z.”

“Funny. I don’t remember you being the one with common sense when it comes to Vesper,” Z snaps.

“About the time you became the irrational one,” he mutters under his breath.

Z shrugs off his brother's hand with a sharp movement. “She shouldn't be alone after seeing those images.”

“I'm not a child,” I snap. “And I'm standing right here. Don't talk about me like I'm not in the room.”

The brothers fall silent. I take a steadying breath, trying to center myself despite the exhaustion threatening to pull me under.

“Look, I appreciate the concern—all of you—but I need to sort through my own head. Alone.” I meet Z's worried face.“Please, just give me this.” For a moment, I think he might argue further, but something in my expression must convince him.

“Fine.” The single word is heavy with reluctance. “But your door stays unlocked. And if you need anything?—”

“I know where to find you,” I finish for him, offering a weak smile that doesn't reach my eyes.

Talon clears his throat. “Well, this has been sufficiently awkward. I'm turning in.” He stretches again. “Wake me if Ricky responds or the world's ending—whichever comes first.”

As the group disperses, Oz lingers. When the others have moved out of earshot, he approaches me with measured steps.