Page 52 of Push My Buttons

Jace gives the driver the hotel address I provide, then settles back, his thigh pressed against mine. The casual touch shouldn't feel significant after what we just shared, but somehow it does—an anchor in reality after the fantasy of the studio.

Theo's hand finds mine in the darkness of the backseat, his fingers lacing through mine with surprising tenderness. I glance at him, catching the flash of his eyes in the passing streetlights. There's none of his usual cockiness there now, just quiet support.

The ride passes in silence. When we arrive, they follow me through the lobby to the elevator, their presence drawing curious glances from the night clerk. I can only imagine whatwe look like—three people with rumpled clothes and that unmistakable post-sex glow.

In my room, I flick on the lights and suddenly feel awkward. The space seems smaller with both of them in it, more intimate than Behind the Lens had been. This is my temporary sanctuary, my hiding place.

"Make yourselves comfortable,"I sign, gesturing toward the small sitting area.

They settle on the couch while I perch on the edge of the bed facing them. For a moment, none of us speaks. I fidget with the hem of my sweater, gathering my courage.

"Do you want something to drink?" Jace asks, breaking the silence. "We could order room service."

I shake my head. If I don't start now, I might lose my nerve entirely.

I take a deep breath and raise my hands.

"I lived a normal life once,"I sign, my fingers trembling as I slowly move them. Jace automatically starts translating like he was at Behind the Lens."I even had a voice. But all of that changed just over eighteen months ago."

Their expressions grow serious, eyes fixed on my hands. Theo leans forward, elbows on his knees. Jace sits perfectly still, the way he does when he's focusing intently.

"What happened?" Theo asks softly when I pause.

I swallow hard, my hands trembling slightly as I form the next words.

"My brother happened."

They exchange confused glances.

"Your brother?" Jace repeats, his brow furrowing.

I nod, steeling myself for what comes next.

"My real name is Lilliana Cain,"I sign, watching recognition dawn in their eyes."Well, my birth name. I legally changed it to Wren Maddox after my brother tried to kill me."

The silence that follows is deafening. I see the moment it clicks for both of them—Cain. The name that had been splashed across every news outlet for weeks. The serial killer whose capture had triggered my panic attack at the café.

"Lucien Cain is your brother," Jace says, his voice barely above a whisper.

It's not a question, but I nod anyway, watching their expressions carefully for disgust or fear. Instead, I see shock, concern, and something that looks like protective anger flickering across their features.

"Jesus Christ," Theo breathes, running a hand through his hair. "The Reaper is your brother?"

I wince at the media nickname, but nod again.

"He wasn't always a monster,"I sign, my hands moving faster now that the initial revelation is out."At least, I didn't see it. We were close growing up. He was protective, caring even. But there were... signs. Things I should have noticed."

"This is why you don't speak," Jace says quietly, the pieces falling into place for him. "What did he do to you?"

I touch my throat instinctively, feeling the phantom pressure of hands closing around it.

"The truth is,"I sign, my hands moving with nervous energy,"I don't actually remember what he did to me."

Their expressions shift from concern to confusion.

"The media was already everywhere by then,"I continue signing."The story about Lucien being the Reaper had gone viral the day before. They were camped outside our family home. They were shouting questions about Lucien. His face was all over the news.”

I pause, watching their faces closely. Neither of them looks away, which gives me the courage to continue.