I look up back at him, and I can tell he’s being genuine. Honestly, I don’t blame them for their hesitation. They’ve been in this longer than I have, and this is new information to them. They were blindsided by someone they didn’t know existed till just now. If she is part of the rebellion, there has to be a reason why she was never brought up before.
“Yes, I do,” I say confidently, recalling the look in her eyes.
“She was scared, not scared for herself, but scared for me. I don’t know how to explain, but yes, I trust her.”
“Just like I trust the both of you,” I admit, and the quick surprise in Zayne’s eyes is only there for a second. Zayne and I’s relationship might be in the friend zone right now. But there’s no question in my heart or soul that I trust both these men. That they would protect me no matter what. That they have been truthful with me. I have no reason to doubt them.
No more secrets.
“The first time I met her, she knew everything…the rebellion, Jasper…” Taking a moment, I add, “My sister.”
“She knew about Nik?” Knox’s voice softens in surprise.
When I look at him, I can see the sincerity. I just nod, not wanting to go any deeper into it.
“Like I said, she was nervous, and I don’t know how she hides from Jasper, but she does, and her warning can only mean he’s going to do something.”
“Yeah, but what?” Knox asks as he stands. “Kinda feels like we’re sitting ducks. Have you heard anything from Jess or Steph yet?” He turns, looking at Zayne.
Zayne shakes his head. “I’ll reach out for a meeting,”
Knox leans against the chair and agrees. “Sooner rather than later would probably be best,”
“Agreed,” Zayne says, folding his arms.
“We’ll see if they know anything about this girl Myssa has talked to. If Jasper is getting stronger, they would know,” Zayne explains.
“So, what now?” I ask.
Zayne sighs. “Until then, we need to be cautious. We just continue doing what we do. We really don’t know anything till we talk to Jess and Steph, and I will reach out tomorrow.”
Knox nods. “Myssa, please be cautious—we don’t know what this means, and if she reaches out to you again?—”
“I know, I know, let you guys know, blah blah blah.” I stand, stretching as I roll my eyes at him.
Zayne stifles a laugh, and Knox just glares at me.
“Damnit, Myssa,” Knox says in a serious tone.
But I take my hands and smash them against each side of his face, and in a mocking baby voice, I say, “It’s so adorable when your protective-brother mode gets activated.”
He smacks my hands away playfully and takes a step towards the door. But then he stops and turns around. “Come on, woman, I ain't got all day. Where’s my hug?” he says impatiently.
I walk over and give him a hug.
“She’s your problem tonight, Z.” He looks over my shoulder, at Zayne, then at me, as he opens the door. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow,” he says, and walks out the door.
I turn to see Zayne staring at me, and the compassion in his eyes has turned to determination. A lust-filled gaze I’ve only been privy to with quick glances when he thinks I’m not looking.
He is cracking the armor I’ve kept up to guard myself from his punishing blow.
Just friends, Myssa. But that look has immediately ignited every nerve ending in my body. I have kept my cool for weeks.Only friends, Myssa, I say to myself again.His attraction is all in your head. Only friends, Myssa. Only friends, Myssa. Only friends, Myssa.
He’s not saying anything, and I’m watching the pieces fall. Oh look, there goes another one, drifting to the floor. My vulnerability is showing. He’s exposing me in the rawest of ways without a single word. As he takes a step forward, I take a step back. My breathing begins to become erratic as this dance happens for a few steps until he has me against the door.
“I can’t do this anymore,” he whispers.
Chapter 30
