Page 88 of Celestial Combat

“Zachary,” I countered.

Trevor leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “You know damn well he’s still healing and busy making it up to Maria.”

Yeah. I knew.

There weren’t a lot of people in this world I could say I owed anything to. I had spent years pulling myself up from nothing, cutting ties where I needed to, making my own way. But Trevor wasn’t just anyone.

He was one of the few people I trusted.

The one who had pulled me out of some of my darkest moments. Who gave me a place when I had nothing. Who never asked for a damn thing in return – until now.

I inhaled deeply, running a hand over my jaw. “What about Tony? I know how much you like the DeMones.”

The blank stare he gave me was enough to make me exhale a laugh. Not even I knew why he had issues with Tony’s older brother, Gìovanni.

“My father agrees.” He gestured toward the hallway, where Kali had disappeared with their parents. “He trusts you. He knows you’ll keep her safe.”

Richard Su wasn’t a man who trusted easily. He was the kind of man who weighed people’s worth with precision, who saw through bullshit before it could even be spoken. If he wanted me to do this, if he thought I was the best option for Kali’s protection–

I let out a slow breath.

This was happening.

Trevor must’ve seen the shift in my expression because he leaned back slightly, knowing he’d won.

“You’ll stay close to her,” He said. “But you’ll keep your distance. You understand what I’m saying?”

I forced my jaw to relax. “Yeah, man.”

“Good.” He leaned back in the chair, looking somewhat more relaxed now that this was sorted.

I didn’t return the sentiment.

Because being close with Kali?

That was a dangerous fucking thing.

Chapter 24

Present

Queens, New York City

“YOU’RE JOKING.”

I stared at my brother, dead serious. My arms crossed tight over my chest, nails digging into my skin to keep my temper in check.

Trevor didn’t so much as blink. “You’ll stay with him in Brooklyn until I figure this out.”

“I don’t need a damn babysitter, Trevor.”

His expression didn’t change. “Not babysitting. Protection.”

“Semantics.”

“Reality.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, swallowing the sharp retort on my tongue. Zane – out of all people? And no one thought to ask me? They just decided? I turned my glare to my parents, standing a few feet away in the grand foyer, as if this was some damn family meeting.