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She collapses into me as Oz walks away to check on things with the others, allowing herself a moment before she stands and straightens her spine.

“I need to go with you,” she says, wiping away a tear.

Everything inside me screamsno!But I’m careful not to dismiss her out of hand.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? This guy obviously has his sights on you, Neve, and you’ve gone to ground. This could just be his way of luring you out.”

Her jaw clenches and she looks mutinous. “Oliver, you just listened to everything I had to say. Youknowhow I feel. You must understand why I need to do this.”

Pulling her close, I rest my chin on her crown, while I fight an internal battle with what I want—Neve safe—and what she needs.

Because I do understand.

“Besides,” she says, her voice slightly muffled from where her face is buried in my shirt. “Isn’t it just as dangerous for you? You’re one of the Lost Boys. You might recognize this guy and be able to identify him. That surely puts you in far more danger than me. Would you stay? If you do, so will I.”

Hell, no!

She’s got me there, and she knows it. I can’t even argue.

“Oz isn’t going to like it.”

She nods against my chest. “I know. But this is our chance, Oliver. We’re not just one person anymore. We could make a difference.”

I blow out a long sigh, wrapping my arms around Neve and holding her tighter for a few precious moments before we face the first battle.

Oscar.

“Okay,” I finally agree. “I’ll deal with Oz.”

Twenty-One

Neve

Mood:Igomyown way.

Yeah, Oscar is pissed. Beyond pissed.

He stands on the dock, his hands on his hips and hell in his gaze as it bounces between me and Oliver. We’re in the boat—Jesse’s FL 7865 FU instead of Oz’s McQueen, and I guess he realizes that we have no plans to stay behind.

Or more accurately, that I’m not staying behind.

“Get off the boat, Neve.”

His voice is gravel, hard and rough.

“I’m going, Oscar.”

“The hell you are—“

“Drop it, Oz,” Oliver speaks up, his hand curling around mine. “There are enough of us that we can keep her safe.”

“Are you fucking kidding me right now? The whole reason I brought her to the island was to keep her safe—“

“The whole reason?” I can’t help it—that hurts a little.

Oz frowns, clearly confused, and then grimaces. “Shit, Neve, that’s not what I meant—“

Jesse strides down the dock and tosses a duffel bag at my feet before hopping lightly into the boat after it. “Let’s get a move on.”