“Of course not,” I said, agitated by their lack of understanding. “I’m not saying we should give up. I’m saying we need to be smarter about this.”
“Maybe you’re just worrying too much because of Sabrina,” Ty said gently, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. His touch did little to alleviate my unease.
“Of course, I’m worried about Sabrina,” I shot back, my words edged with desperation. “That’s why we need to be sure we’re doing everything we can to outsmart Castro and get her back safely.” I lowered my gaze to the table. “I need to go see my parents.” I had a plan, but they couldn’t know about it at all. “I just… I need to see them before we move forward with this.” My voice wavered slightly as the guilt settled in. I hated this deception.
“Of course,” Ty said immediately. “You should spend some time with your family.”
“Take a guard with you.” Liam’s brow furrowed with worry. “We can’t be too careful, even though Castro’s preoccupied now.”
After finding a free guard, I drove straight to my parents’ house.
The moment I stepped into my childhood home, a wave of nostalgia hit me. The familiar scent of my mother’s cooking filled the air, blending with the comforting creaks and groans of the old house. Just for a second, the world lifted from my shoulders.
“Hey,” Mason said, all boisterous and booming as he emerged from the living room, followed closely by Michael.
The sight of my older brothers brought a genuine smile to my face, even as the shadows of fear and uncertainty lingered in my mind.
“Hi, guys,” I said, embracing each of them in turn. Mason hugged me tightly, nearly lifting me off the floor, while Michael’s embrace was gentler yet no less protective.
“Mom and Dad are in the kitchen,” Michael said, his quiet manner contrasting sharply with Mason’s exuberance.
“Thanks.” I headed toward the warm, inviting glow that spilled from the kitchen doorway. When I entered, I found my parents fussing over a pot of stew on the stove.
“Sweetheart,” my mother said, rushing over to hug me. “We were so worried about you.”
“Everything’s going to be okay.” I hugged her tighter, taking comfort in the familiar embrace. It felt like a lifetime since I’d been here, surrounded by the love and support of my family.
“Sit down.” My father pulled out a chair for me at the kitchen table. “You must be exhausted.”
I sank into the seat. For a few precious moments, I allowed myself to forget the dark path that lay ahead, focusing instead on the laughter and love that filled the room.
While we ate, we chatted about everything and nothing, reminiscing about the past, and sharing updates on our lives. As the evening wore on, the concern etched deeper in my parents’ faces, and my brothers watched me with furrowed brows.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Mason asked.
“Really, I’m just glad this will all be over soon.” I forced a smile onto my face. The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I couldn’t bear to burden them with the truth.
“Promise us you’ll be careful,” Michael said in a soft voice.
“Of course,” I assured him, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. “I promise.”
Once the night drew to a close, I hugged each of them tightly. This might be our last moment together. My heart ached with the secret I carried, but I held fast to the belief that my sacrifice would keep them safe.
“Take care of yourself, little sister,” Mason said into my ear as he hugged me goodbye.
“Always,” I said, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. With one final glance at the home that had been my sanctuary for so long, I turned away, steeling myself for the battle that lay ahead.
I left my parents’ home with my decision settled on me like a shroud, threatening to suffocate me beneath its crushingburden. Ty and Liam were oblivious to my true intentions, and that knowledge tore at me like razor-sharp talons. They couldn’t know—not when so much was at risk.
“Are you ready to head back?” the guard asked, breaking through my tumultuous thoughts.
“Let’s go.” I blew out a breath.
Castro was cunning, but I would not let him win. For Sabrina, for my family, and for myself, I was going to end this.
As I approached the estate, the sight of it filled me with bittersweet emotions. It was a haven in the midst of chaos, and yet tonight, it might become a symbol of loss. The soft glow of the porch light beckoned me inside, and I braced myself.
“Hey,” Ty said as I entered, clearly relieved to have me back in his sight. “How was your time with your family?”
