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“Okay,” he sighs. “You’re right. Let’s get serious. What’s our next move?”
I square my shoulders, feeling the weight of our entangled lives pressing down. “What do we do now?” My voice slices through the silence like a knife, sharp with urgency.
Conrad steps closer, his presence a warm balm against the chill of fear. His hands find mine, his touch grounding. “We’ll figure this out,” he says, firm and resolute. “Together.”
His eyes lock onto mine, the blue in them like a promise, steadfast and true. I nod, absorbing his strength, letting it seep into my bones. His words aren’t just reassurance; they’re an oath, a vow that he’s here, with me, no matter what storms may come.
Levi paces, a caged panther with energy to burn. He stops, turns on his heel, facing us. “We need more information. We can’t play defense forever.” A new resolve hardens his voice, his brow set in a line of command. “We need a private investigator,” he declares, and it’s like he’s laying down a royal flush on the table, confident and bold. “Someone skilled who can dig into this without alerting whoever’s behind this.”
Conrad nods, a silent sentinel by my side. Grayson’s gaze is calculating, already moving chess pieces in his mind. The idea hangs in the air, full of potential and risk.
“Let’s do it,” I say, gripping Conrad’s hand tighter. It’s a leap into the unknown, but falling is easier when you know someone’s there to catch you.
Levi’s back is all coiled muscle and determination as he heads to the door. His steps are decisive, the thud of his boots against the floor a drumbeat to action. I can almost see the gears turning in his head, each step a calculation, a move forward.
“Wait,” I call out, my voice more steady than I feel. “When will you?—”
“Tonight,” Levi cuts in, not turning. He reaches for the doorknob, his hand a shadow against the metal. “I’ll start making calls now.”
Conrad squeezes my hand, a silent pulse of solidarity. Grayson leans forward, elbows on knees, his eyes tracking Levi’s every motion.
“Be careful,” Grayson says, the words a low growl of concern.
“Always am,” Levi replies without looking back, his tone light but edged with steel.
The click of the door closing echoes through the room, leaving us in a hushed silence. It’s like the world holds its breath, waiting to see what comes next.
“Okay,” Conrad murmurs, breaking the quiet. “We stick together. No matter what.”
I nod, feeling the weight of his gaze like an anchor. We’re in this, deep. Deeper than they know. And there’s no going back.
47
BRIELLE
Water drips down my cheeks, the coolness a stark contrast to the heat flushing my skin. I gaze at my reflection in the foggy mirror, my eyes searching for answers in the green depths that seem as turbulent as the ocean during a storm. My hand rests on my still-flat stomach, a silent promise of what’s to come. The weight of my secret presses down on me.
Do I tell them? Can I?
I take a deep breath and straighten up, wiping away the last of the water with the back of my hand. It’s now or never.
I leave the sanctuary of the bathroom, feet padding softly across the plush carpet until I reach Levi’s door. It’s slightly ajar, and I push it open, finding him sprawled across his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling fan circling above.
“Levi?” I step inside, my heart hammering against my ribs.
He doesn’t move, just continues to stare upward. Then, without glancing my way, he says, “What do you want, Brielle?”
“Are you okay?” My voice is tentative. He sounds angry, and I’m not sure how to approach him right now.
“Fantastic,” he replies, his tone laced with acid. “Never been better.”
The sarcasm stings, and I flinch. He finally turns to look at me, his gaze harsh and unyielding. “Why are you here?”
I hesitate, the words I had planned to say evaporating under the intensity of his glare. I came to check on him, to make sure we’re alright, but his anger builds a wall I’m not sure how to climb.
“Levi, I—” My attempt to speak crumbles with his dismissive snort.
“Save it.” He sits up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed to face me. His eyes are cold, distant. “We’ve said enough, don’t you think?”
