Page 57 of Nico

"Yeah. I’m perfectly fine,” I told him.

He studied my profile. I kept my eyes on the road.

"You've been quiet,” Nico commented.

"I'm fine,” I repeated, a little ticked off.

Thankfully, Nico backed off, although he looked a little hurt. Didn’t matter, I thought to myself. I’ll have a talk with him later.

The gates of the pack compound rolled open, and I drove through automatically. The familiar buildings usually settled something inside me. Tonight they didn't.

I found a parking spot and killed the engine. Nobody moved at first. Eventually, Logan unbuckled his seat belt.

"I should report this to Cooper,” Logan said.

"I'll come,” I immediately said, glad for something to do.

He shook his head immediately.

“Nah. It's my responsibility too.” Logan smiled, though concern lingered behind it. “I can handle this, bro.”

"I can still⁠—"

"You should stay here,” Logan said, cutting me off. His gaze flicked meaningfully toward Nico, then back to me. “Alright, Isaac?”

Before I could argue again, he'd already climbed out.

"I won't be long,” Logan added.

The door shut. A second later he disappeared into the building, leaving Nico and me alone. I stared through the windshield, gathering my thoughts.

I cleared my throat, then forced myself to speak. "I don't think you should come tomorrow."

He frowned. "What? Why not?”

"To the set. You should stay here."

Nico stiffened. “That doesn’t make any sense. I’m your security consultant.”

"Isaac, what’s this really about?” He turned fully toward me. "Is this because you don't trust me?"

"No, it’s not that at all,” I said.

"You think I can't protect Logan?" Nico demanded, narrowing his eyes. "You think I can't do my job?"

I faced him. “Of course not, it’s clear you know what you’re doing. I trust your instincts, and your judgment.”

His expression softened for barely half a second. Then hardened again. "Then why?"

Because I almost watched you die. I could barely breathe when I pulled you out. The thought of losing you scared me more than anything had in years.

I took a deep breath and tried to organize my thoughts.

“It’s not only me or Logan who’s in danger.” I looked down at my hands. “They know you’re close to me, and you’re always around Logan. They know who you are. If they’re willing to tamper with a vehicle, who knows what else they're willing to do?”

My throat tightened. "I don't want you anywhere near that set tomorrow."

“I can defend myself,” Nico said hotly.