Blaze’s grip softened instantly.
“That’s not on you.”
Maybe not.
But pain still recognized pain.
I carefully pulled free before walking slowly toward Isabel.
The girl looked ready to bolt.
“It’s okay,” I said softly. “I’m not going to touch you.”
Her eyes searched mine nervously.
“You survived this before?”
The question nearly shattered me.
Because no.
Not really.
Surviving wasn’t the same thing as living.
But I understood what she was really asking.
Did you make it through?
I crouched carefully in front of her.
And for the first time in months?—
I told someone the truth.
“Barely.”
Silence filled the tavern.
Even the storm outside seemed quieter somehow.
Isabel stared at me with wide frightened eyes.
“They won’t stop, will they?” she whispered.
Nobody answered immediately.
Because everybody in the room knew the truth.
Cartels didn’t forgive.
Didn’t forget.
Blaze stepped closer behind me.
Close enough I could feel the heat coming off him.
Close enough to steady me without touching me.
