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The eldest boy translates to the younger ones, who both appear to be trembling with fear. Their conversation is short,since they weren’t really given many options, and the eldest turns back to the stranger. “We will work for you.”

Gregg’s lips tip into that evil smirk of his that makes my skin crawl. “You’ve made a good choice. You’re now working for The Count, don’t fuck it up.”

Warning bells echo around my head when I hear the name, my heart beating so loud I can hear it. I knew this man was important, but I didn’t realise I was looking at the person running the whole operation. The one who buys children, trains them, and places them in positions of power, so he has the reach he needs. And that’s the children he keeps. I don’t even want to think about the ones he disposes of.

I’m so lost in thought, panic racing through my veins like ice, that it occurs to me too late that the meeting has finished, and they’re moving—heading in my direction. If I stay where I am, there’s a good chance they’ll pass me, and I can’t be found.

There’s a large industrial-sized bin a little further down, which I could hide behind to avoid being seen. Moving quickly and quietly, I make my way to the back of the bin.

I breathe a sigh of relief and sag against the bin once I’ve made it there safely. Unfortunately, I was so focused on getting to safety, I didn’t pay close attention to the bin, so I failed to notice that it’s on wheels.

The moment I sag against it, the bin moves. It wouldn’t have been so bad had it not run straight over a pile of glass from a broken bottle.The crunching of glass fills the air, making the scraping of the bin seem louder, and I hold my breath. All eyes turn towards the sound, and they land on me.

Gregg’s eyes widen for just a moment, shock marring his face when he realises it’s me, but all too quickly, that familiar rage takes over. I cast a quick glance at the boys, who seem to be silently pleading with me, hoping I’m their saviour—which I’m not.

When my gaze finally lands on The Count, my blood runs cold when I see his calm, deadly stare fixed on me. He doesn’t look angry, scared, or nervous. He certainly doesn’t look like someone who has just been caught doing something highly illegal, with a dead body behind him.

He’s dismissed me as a threat, and that makes me so fucking angry. I don’t even think; I cast one final glance at Gregg, letting him know he no longer has any control over me, and then I turn and run, never looking back.

I let out a shudderedbreath as I finish explaining, opening my eyes to see Miles and Jake are still listening intently. “It turns out I’m the only person, except those who work for him, who has seen The Count in the flesh. He wants me dead, because I can identify him. So, it’s not just Gregg and the police who are after me, it’s The Count and whatever sick fucking organisation he’s part of too.”

Jake and Miles keep glancing at each other, like they’re having a silent conversation they don’t want me to be part of, but it’s easy to tell they’re worried for me.

Miles turns to face me, wincing as he squeezes my hand. “We will do everything we can to help you, and to keep you safe.”

Jake nods in agreement. “Speaking of which, now we know how much danger you’re really in, there’s no way we’re letting you go back to wherever you’re staying—alone. We need to keep an eye on you, to look out for you.”

He doesn’t even try to keep the possessive, protective edge from his voice, and I can’t help but smile. Though I wave him off dismissively. “I’ve been looking after myself for over nine years. I will be fine.”

Jake shakes his head, glaring at me. “I’ve got a spare room in my flat…several, actually. With all the security in my building,it’s one of the safest places in Blackthorn. You can move in there.”

My mouth flops open as my eyes widen almost comically, shocked by his suggestion. “What? I can’t…”

Miles groans, rubbing his hand down his face like he’s exhausted. “As much as I’d like to disagree with Jacob, I can’t. If you stay with him, you’ll be much safer than anywhere else.”

My cheeks flush, and I hate how shy and quiet I sound as I ask, “What about you?”

Miles tries to keep his expression neutral, but I see the way his eyes strain, like he’s uncomfortable. “My flat has no security, but I actually spend most of my time at Marcus’. I have my own room there.”

I want to say more, to make a suggestion I have no right to make, but I don’t want to damage the foundations we’ve been building today. Not when his hand in mine feels so fucking good.

Luckily, Jake saves me by cutting in. “Well, as I said, I have several spare rooms, so there’s more than enough if you want to stay there, too. To keep Indie safe, of course,” he quickly adds at the end, almost as an afterthought.

There’s a mischievous glint in Jake’s eyes, and I can almost see his plan written all over his face. I bite my cheek to keep from laughing as Miles shuffles uncomfortably. A flash of hope erupts in my chest, and I try to push it down but can’t.

The words are out before I can stop them. “If you agree to stay there when you can, I’ll agree to move in.”

Jake’s eyes light up, not even hiding his delight as his plan comes together. Miles groans as he says, “Fine. We’ll do that.”

Jake cheers, and a laugh bubbles over before I can stop it. The meddlesome bloke looks far too happy with himself. “Then it’s settled,” Jake says, puffing his chest out as he looks at me. “We’ll get you moved in, and then we’ll come up with a plan to deal with Gregg The Twat, and The Cunt.”

Miles rolls his eyes as both Jake and I laugh. I’m not sure what the hell will happen when I’m living with them both, but after finally getting my secret off my chest, I feel lighter than I have in years.

After years of running, I might actually be able to settle down and live a normal life, with the help of Miles and Jake. It’s something I’ve not even dared to dream about, and now it might be within my grasp. At the end of this, I’m going to owe these men a lot.

I’ve paced so much these last few weeks, I’ve barely needed to go to the gym. Marcus and Chloe have just got home to find me pacing in the kitchen, tugging on the ends of my hair, as anxiety trickles through my veins like poison. I don’t even need to look, I can feel their judgy eyes on me.

“I’m going to need to replace the flooring if you keep going like this, grinding away at it,” Marcus grumbles, as he climbs onto the stool at the island.