Page 18 of Spock’s Snare

“We were discussing the attack on Dad.”

Understanding flickers across his face, though it doesn't erase the hardness in his expression.

"And?"

"Steven thinks the easiest solution is to forfeit the Inferno Ridge contract."

Spock goes completely still. Behind him, I notice Rush and glance toward Hawk, but neither speaks.

"He thinks," I continue, "that because you suggested whoever's behind this may be angry we won the bid, walking away might make us less of a target. Might make me less of a target."

Spock rubs the back of his neck before looking back at his brothers.

“Is that what you want to do?” he says. “If you think it’s safer…”

But I’m already shaking my head. “That isn’t what I want. That’s why we were arguing. I’m not giving up and letting whoever it is win.”

Spock studies my face before glancing around the property and then back at Hawk and Rush. “If ending the contract keeps you safe, then maybe we should consider it as an option.”

Yesterday I probably would have assumed he only cared about protecting his club's project. Today, I can see that is not the case.

"You really mean that."

"Yeah."

"Even though it'd make things harder for the Demon Dawgs?"

"The project can wait."

I shake my head.

"No."

His eyebrows rise.

"I want to build Inferno Ridge."

"Chloe—"

"I mean it. I fell in love with that project when you explained what you were trying to do there. Winning that project meant everything to me. I’m not going to give it up because some asshole has a problem with me. That project is everything I worked hard to achieve. Not only is it a challenge, but it’s going to be something that I can be proud of too. Besides, I like what you guys are building out there. Apartments like this are great, but Inferno Ridge is more than just a bunch of homes with strangers living inside. It’s you and your brothers and sisters. It’s building a heritage, a future. It’s knowing Elina and Mal will grow up and take over.”

His expression softens slightly.

"I'm not letting whoever's behind this stop me. They can’t ruin this for me.”

Spock studies me quietly.

"So you're staying."

"I'm staying."

A slow nod.

"Okay."

"I am thinking about making one change."

"What kind of change?"