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“And you know this how?”

“Good hearing,” he says with a nonchalant shrug, his lips curling into a slight smirk.

“You were standing outside the door, weren’t you?”

“Can you blame me?” Talon takes a bite of his sandwich, talking around it without shame. “To be honest, I was surprised you weren’t there with me. Your twin has been a royal ass since Mario. It’s like the two of you Freaky Friday’ed.”

“We didn't 'Freaky Friday,' you ass,” I mutter, leaning against the counter. “I just know when to give a woman space.”

Talon snorts, nearly choking on his sandwich. “Since when?”

“I can be considerate.”

“Sure, Romeo.” He pushes the second half of the grilled cheese toward me. “Eat. You look like shit warmed over.”

I take the sandwich, suddenly aware of how hungry I am. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“Always here to boost your ego.” Talon wipes his hands on a dish towel. “So are you going to knock on her door, or am I?”

“Not it," Talon smirks. I start to head towards Vesper’s room when Talon clears his throat. “Can I ask you something, Oz?”

“Sure," I answer.

“How do you…”

“Share Vesper?”

“Yeah," he answers. “I know things between her, and I haven’t progressed quite as far as she has with you and Z…but…”

“Jealousy is a bitch, isn't it?” I offer him a half-smile. “Look, it's not like there's a handbook for this.”

Talon runs his hand over his face, dislodging more hair from his bun. “I didn't expect to feel this...territorial.”

I've felt it too, more times than I care to admit.

“It gets easier. But I won't lie to you—sometimes it still feels like someone's twisting a knife in my gut when I see her with Z.” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “But then I remember that whatever she gives to him doesn't diminish what she gives to me. It's different, but not less.”

“Very philosophical of you, Oz,” Talon says.

“To be fair, Z was the one who talked me off the jealousy ledge. It’s ironic considering his recent caveman shit. But, when he comes back to reality, he’ll be fine with whatever you have with Vesper.”

“Which will be what exactly?” Talon asks, his voice dropping lower. “With you two, it's clear. You've got history with her. Z's got that whole intense protective thing going. But me? I feel like I'm playing catch-up in a game where I don't know all the rules.”

I take another bite of the sandwich, giving myself time to think. “There are no rules, man. That's kind of the point. Vesper's not a prize to be won or territory to be claimed. She could tell me she only wants Z, and while it would kill me, I’d respect her decision. She’s had enough choices taken away from her. I won’t deny her any kind of happiness.”

Talon considers this for a moment. “Fair enough.” He pushes away from the counter. “I just...I've never felt this way about anyone before. It's unsettling.”

“Welcome to the club,” I mutter, finishing off the sandwich. “Now, are we done with this heart-to-heart? Because we've got a meeting to prep for, and I still need to drag my brother away from our girl's bed.”

Talon chuckles, heading toward the weapons cabinet disguised as a vintage armoire in the corner of our living room. “Good luck with that. Ten bucks says he growls at you.”

“Twenty says he throws something,” I counter, already moving down the hallway.

The door to Vesper's room is closed but not locked. I consider knocking, then decide against it. If Z is hovering over her like a Russian guardian angel with anger issues, it’s better to catch him off guard.

I push the door open quietly, expecting to find my brother perched on the edge of her bed. Instead, I find her curled into his chest with his arms wrapped protectively around her. Both, sound asleep.

For a moment, I just stand there, taking in the sight. My brother's face is softer than I've seen it in days, the perpetual scowl replaced by something almost peaceful. Vesper's blonde hair spills across his chest, her hand curled against his heart. It's an intimate picture that makes me pause, feeling like an intruder.