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The plea in my voice surprises us both. Ezekiel King doesn’t beg, doesn’t show vulnerability. Except with her. Always with her.

“Okay,” she whispers. “But Zeke? If anything happens—”

“It won’t.” I silence her with a kiss, pouring everything I can’t say into it. All the words stuck in my throat, all the feelings I’ve had trouble naming.

When we break apart, she steps back, squaring her shoulders—Detective Landry sliding back into place like armor.

“I’ll coordinate with Rissa, start working our angles here.” She moves toward the door but pauses with her hand on the knob. “Just be careful. Remember what you’re coming back to.”

Then she’s gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the knowledge of what’s next. I move to the window, watching as she says goodbye to Narissa, who climbs into her car for the drive back to the precinct.

The whiskey still sits on my desk, forgotten until now. I down what’s left in one burning swallow, the heat settling in my chest alongside the fear and determination warring there.

Today, I face my past. Face the man who shaped me into a weapon, who taught me everything I know about power and control. The man who nearly destroyed me once before.

I head upstairs to pack a small bag. Just the essentials—a change of clothes, weapons I can easily conceal, the burner phone Micah set up for emergency contact. Everything else I’llneed is already waiting in New York, cached away years ago when I first planned my escape.

A soft knock draws my attention. “Come in.”

Seb enters, moving slower than usual but with determination. “Car’s ready. Eli’s bringing it around now.”

I nod, zipping my bag closed. “You know what to do if—”

“If things go sideways?” My brother’s mouth twists in a grimace. “Yeah, I know. But they won’t. Because you’re coming back.”

“Sebastian—”

“No.” He cuts me off, crossing the room to grip my shoulder. “Listen to me, big brother. You’ve spent our whole lives protecting me. Let me return the favor, just this once. Focus on staying alive and dealing with Nicolo. I’ll keep Eve safe and continue the search for Leo.”

The fierce loyalty in his voice makes me proud. “Thank you,” I say. “For everything.”

“Yeah, well.” He steps back, blinking suspiciously with bright eyes. “Just remember you owe me one hell of a vacation after this is over.”

“Deal.” I grab my bag, taking one last look around the bedroom. “Take care of them, Seb. Please.”

“With my life,” he promises. “Now go. Before Eve changes her mind and tries to handcuff you to your bed.”

The image brings a reluctant smile to my face as I head downstairs. Eli waits by the front door, car keys in hand, Micah next to him.

“All set, boss?” Micah asks, taking my bag from me.

I nod, following him out to where the black SUV idles in the circular drive.

“Remember,” I tell him as he loads my bag into the trunk, “if anything happens—”

“Priority is protecting Mrs. King and finding Leo.” He straightens, meeting my gaze steadily. “We won’t let you down.”

“I know.” I clasp Micah’s shoulder briefly. “Take care of my family, old friend.”

His only response is a sharp nod before he steps back. As I reach for the passenger door, movement from the front door catches my eye.

Eve stands there, backlit by the mansion’s interior lights. She’s in her work clothes—dark slacks, button-down shirt, badge clipped to her belt. But there’s nothing professional about the way she’s looking at me now.

I jog back toward the house, reaching her just as she steps outside. We meet, crashing together like waves breaking against the shore.

Her kiss is desperate, demanding, full of all the words we haven’t said. I match her intensity, threading my fingers through her dark curls as I pull her closer. She tastes like coffee andEve, my Eve—a flavor I’ve become addicted to these past weeks.

When we finally break apart, she keeps her forehead pressed to mine. “Come back to me,” she whispers fiercely. “Whatever it takes, whatever he says or offers, just come back.”