Page 80 of King of Praise

The acceptance in her voice—from a woman who understands both the complexity of recovering from abuse and the challenges of unconventional relationships—lifts this heavy weight off my chest. My shoulders relax fractionally as tension bleeds away.

“It complicates things,” Zeke says, though his tone holds no judgment. “Love introduces vulnerabilities enemies might exploit.”

Neither of us acknowledges his use of the wordlove, though it reverberate through my consciousness. Is that what this is? This fierce protectiveness, this constant awareness of Naomi’s presence or absence, this bone-deep need to ensure her safety and happiness?

“It also provides motivation beyond professional obligation,” Zeke continues, his practical nature asserting itself. “Sometimes that additional investment strengthens rather than weakens our position.”

I consider his words. My determination to protect Naomi, to maintain our control of Columbus, has only intensified as my feelings for her deepen. The personal has become inextricably entwined with the professional, creating stakes I can’t ignore.

“We’ll handle Sandra,” Eve assures me, her hand finding Zeke’s on the counter between them. The casual intimacy of the gesture draws my attention to their easy partnership—a reminder that unconventional relationships can thrive despite complicated circumstances.

“And Naomi?” I ask, needing clarification of where we stand.

“Is family now,” Zeke states simply, “and we protect our own.

In our world, family transcends blood—it’s forged through loyalty, trust, and shared purpose. Knowing that Naomi falls under this protection eases something tight in my chest.

Eve’s phone chirps. Her expression shifts subtly as she reads the message. “It’s the captain. I need to go into the office.”

My jaw tightens. “Sandra?”

“No,” Eve says. “Different case. But don’t worry about her. We’ll handle it. Together.”

We face whatever comes as a united front. It’s how we’ve always operated—Zeke, Eli, Seb, me, and now Eve. Naomi joins that inner circle, protected by bonds stronger than law or conventional morality.

“Try not to worry,” Zeke says, reading my restlessness. “We’ll call if anything changes with Sandra.”

I drain my coffee, grateful for their understanding. It puts me at ease in a way no words will ever be able to express.

These people are my family. And so is Naomi. And we protect family at all costs. Together.

Chapter 21

Fracturing Foundations

Naomi

The reflection staring back at me from the restaurant bathroom mirror is almost unrecognizable. Flushed cheeks. Bright eyes. A woman who looksalive.

I smooth my hands over the emerald dress Olivia insisted I buy, the silky fabric cool against my palms. It hugs my curves in ways Lucas would have deemedinappropriate, but the woman in the mirror has opinions of her own now.

I take a deep breath, letting it fill my lungs completely before exhaling. My hands tremble as I reapply my lipstick—a subtle rose shade Olivia also convinced me to try.“For a woman who’s being thoroughly fucked,”she’d whispered in the boutique, making me blush furiously.

And God, was she right. The thought of Micah’s hands on my body sends heat spiraling through me, even now. The way he’d looked at me when I first tried on this dress at the cabin, his dark eyes drinking me in before he’d crossed the room in three long strides and—

“Naomi? You okay in there?” Eve’s voice interrupts my improper train of thought.

“Coming,” I call back, giving myself one final assessment. The woman in the mirror has secrets—dangerous ones—but tonight she’s just having dinner with friends. Nothing uncomplicated about that.

If only I could make myself believe it.

I return to our private dining room, tucked away in the back of what was once someone’s Victorian home. The converted restaurant maintains the building’s original charm—exposed brick walls, wooden beams crossing the ceiling, large windows with ornate moldings. White tablecloths and fresh flower arrangements add elegance without sacrificing the inherent warmth of the space.

“There she is.” Olivia raises her wine glass as I slide back into my seat. “We were about to send a search party.”

“Sorry,” I say, settling into my chair. “Just needed a moment.”

Eve studies my face, though her expression remains friendly. “Everything all right?”