Page 22 of Fierce Hope (Hope Landing: New Recruits #3)

Sebastian’s living room opened before them, a study in understated wealth.

Sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, dancing across marble floors and casting long shadows from the mountain peaks beyond.

Through the soaring windows, an emerald golf course stretched toward the mountains, impossibly green against the stark desert landscape.

Jade felt rather than saw her team’s careful positioning around the room.

Deke remained close, his presence steady and grounding.

Ronan and Axel posted themselves near exits, Kenji settled into a corner with his tablet, and Izzy had taken up position near the archway leading to the foyer, her casual stance belying her watchful gaze.

The space couldn’t have been further from the dingy motel rooms where she’d once watched her father and Sebastian plot their schemes.

“Please, sit,” Sebastian gestured to the pristine white couches.

As a staff member poured water into delicate glasses, Sebastian’s keen eyes tracked each team member’s movements.

“While it’s always a pleasure to see you, ma petite , why the entourage?

” The faint scent of his signature cologne mingled with fresh lemon from the crystal pitcher of ice water on the low glass table.

Jade’s fingers tightened around her water glass. She forced a smile, hoping to deflect, but Sebastian’s gaze had already sharpened with concern.

“Mr. Deveaux,” Deke stepped forward, his voice steady. “Someone’s targeting Jade. We’re not sure who, but the threats are serious. We can’t risk leaving her unprotected.”

The change in Sebastian was instant and stark. His casual charm vanished, replaced by a fierce intensity that reminded Jade of a cobra preparing to strike. “I’ll handle this.”

Jade put out a hand. “It’s okay, Uncle Seb. Deke and his team specialize in this stuff. They’re really good.”

“Yeah?” He fixed Deke with a hard stare. “You keep her safe. She’s family to me, you understand?”

“We plan to, sir,” Ronan said firmly, while Axel crossed his arms and Izzy lifted her chin in silent agreement.

Kenji’s quiet voice carried from the corner: “We won’t let anything happen to her, Mr. Deveaux.”

Heat crept up Jade’s neck, caught between these two forces of protection—one from her shadowed past, one from her uncertain present.

But who would keep her safe from the secrets Seb could reveal about her past? He wouldn’t hurt her on purpose, but the man had lived an unsavory life for decades. Deke and his team were sharp. If Seb gave them the slightest tidbits …

Jade caught his eye, a silent plea passing between them. His slight nod and the softening around his eyes told her everything—he understood. The past would stay buried.

Settling deeper into the white couch cushions, she watched sunlight dance across the marble floor, creating patterns that shifted with each passing cloud. A whisper of cool air drifted from hidden vents, carrying the faint scent of desert sage from the grounds outside.

The luxury felt surreal. Images flickered through her mind unbidden—sticky vinyl booths in all-night diners, cramped motel rooms thick with cigarette smoke, her small hands counting stacks of stolen cash while Sebastian taught her to spot counterfeit bills.

Now here he sat, in this multimillion-dollar showcase, a palace he’d bought with other peoples’ money.

The weight of all those secrets pressed against her chest. How much did Deke and his team suspect about her history? How long before someone asked the wrong question?

Sebastian cleared his throat, drawing her attention back. “Now then,” he said, voice carefully neutral. “What brings you to my door after all these years?”

She didn’t hesitate. “Brendan Bolton. His name popped up on a search. Looks like he got caught pulling a job. I’m guessing with Dad. He went to prison. Dad didn’t.”

Sebastian’s hands folded in his lap, an elegant gesture that couldn’t quite mask his hesitation. “He’s not your man.”

“With all due respect, sir—” Deke began, but Seb cut him off.

“Bolton’s dead. Two, three years ago. I can’t remember exactly.”

Jade’s heart plummeted.

The words landed like stones in still water. Ronan’s shoulders tensed, and Axel shifted his weight, frustration radiating from both men.

Deke’s jaw clenched, another dead end written in the tight lines around his mouth. Jade heard Izzy’s soft exclamation from near the doorway, watched Kenji’s fingers fly across his tablet, no doubt documenting this latest setback.

But Deke wouldn’t give up. “How sure are you?”

Her uncle eyed him kindly now. “Dead certain, son.”

The steel in Seb’s voice made her shiver. There was only one reason he’d be so confident.

So Uncle Seb wasn’t as retired as Jade imagined.

“Listen, kiddo.” Sebastian leaned forward, his voice gentle but firm. “If you’re tangling with your father’s old world, maybe it’s time to talk to him. Not all answers lie in the past, but sometimes they do.”

Jade’s pulse spiked, blood rushing in her ears. “That’s not happening.”

The memory slammed into her with crystal clarity—standing in that dingy condo, trembling with rage and hurt, laying down her ultimatum. The way her father had just looked at her, sad but unmoved, before turning away.

“I left him behind for a reason,” she said, voice sharp enough to cut. Her eyes flicked to Deke, dreading the possibility that he might side with her uncle on this. “I won’t go back.”

Sebastian’s mouth curved in a slight, knowing smile. He wouldn’t push further—they both knew how stubborn she could be. Jade let out a slow breath, grateful for small mercies.

Rising from the couch, Sebastian clasped Deke’s hand. “You keep me in the loop. I still have connections, if needed.” His eyes held a dangerous glint. “I’m not opposed to pulling strings to protect our girl.”

Or murder, apparently.

They stepped into the blazing courtyard, the scent of fresh-cut grass and chlorine heavy in the desert air.

Jade’s skin prickled in the heat, already missing Hope Landing’s crisp mountain breezes.

Behind her, she heard Axel and Ronan’s frustrated murmurs about their dead lead, while Kenji continued focusing on his tablet.

Izzy’s hand landed briefly on her shoulder, a gesture of solidarity that nearly undid her.

“We’ll keep looking,” Deke said softly, concern etched in his features.

Jade nodded, pulse still racing from Sebastian’s fierce vow of protection.

Their only suspect was dead, leaving them back at square one. At least Sebastian had kept her secrets, protected the life she’d built.

As they walked toward their waiting vehicle, that old ache bloomed in her heart—the price of walking away, of choosing a different path. Was this all the family she’d ever have? These glimpses of what used to be, these borrowed moments of belonging?

The desert sun beat down, reminding her there was no going back. Only forward, into whatever darkness waited ahead.