“I failed as your sentinel.”
“I’m still here. You didn’t fail. Don’t be ridiculous. Dev found me safe and sound.”
“Dev.” He rolled the name once, slow and thoughtful, as if testing the shape of it. “Dev… cares for you.”
I snorted. “Sure he does.”
He watched me closely. “He hurt you?”
I flicked my gaze to him. “No. He didn’t. Don’t worry about it.” I smiled.
“Seph – “
“I need a favour, Sy.”
“Anything.”
“Tomorrow, Elliot plans to meet my mother and deny the deal. He hasn’t said as much, but I know he will. Because Kieran and Ash won’t be enough leverage.”
“And what would you have me do?”
“I want you to deliver me to her if they fail to negotiate.”
“Seph – “
“This is not a debate. It’s a decision. It’s not like they need me here if I won’t play my part. Elliot didn’t have to say it outright. I know Sable wants me gone.”
“Did she say that?”
“She didn’t have to. Apparently my presence is destabilising. I’m distracting. To her and the team. So, I’m going to go.”
“You will not hand yourself over to her.”
“I don’t plan to. That’s another reason I need you. I want you to help me get away from her once we make the exchange. Once Kieran and Ash are safe, I’m gone. You can come with me. If you want.”
Sy frowned again. “This plan is flawed. Too many variables.”
“I don’t see another alternative. Sable was right. I can’t be with the guys the way they want. The risk is too high. And if I stay here, I’m just taking up space.”
“No one thinks that of you.”
“I think it,” I sighed. “Sable will train Jess — but not me. I don’t even get a place.” I swallowed. “Dev won’t talk to me. And Ash—”
My voice fractured.
For a split second I saw him the way he’d looked at me after he kissed me — wild and tender all at once. Those mismatched eyes like I was something worth choosing.
He had chosen me.
And he would burn the world before he let anyone take me.
My chest tightened.
Tears pricked at my eyes.
“I can’t leave him out there,” I whispered. “And I refuse to leave Kieran either.”
Sy tilted his head slightly. “Do you still care for him?”
