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Parting my lips to speak, I couldn't find my voice. I knew what Virgo was capable of, I knew how he handled a troubled situation. And I promised myself that I wouldn't let anyone else die because of me.

Holding onto the single word I knew would start a war, I held my breath and kept my eyes on my feet.

Machi could be telling the truth, or it could be a test. There was no way for me to really know.

But if he was being honest, there was no way in hell I would let him risk his life for me.

I wasn't worth that kind of trouble.

Virgo made that clear with every person he killed around me.

The men all shook hands again, Ethan was smiling, telling Virgo he was happy they would be working together. Fior hadn't said a word, simply nodding along like a damn puppet.

Machi stepped to Virgo, resting his hand on his shoulder and squeezing. Standing much taller, he lowered his face as his nostrils flared. “And just so we're clear, if I find out you touched that girl before she's eighteen—” His fingertips tightened, causing Virgo to wince. “I'll come back and fucking kill you. Understand?”

Virgo glanced between Ethan and Fior, but neither one stepped in.

Machi's voice dropped, his tone laced with dark threats. “Understood?”

“Of course.”

Slapping him on the shoulder, Machi glanced in my direction, his eyes soft and sincere.

And just like that he was gone.

I didn't say a word. I didn't yell for him to take me.

I stood like a statue, letting him go.