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“For what?”

“I don’t know. But the security will be ramped up. I think they’re going to discuss something big.”

“Good. Everyone.” I raise my voice so everyone can hear me. “Tomorrow we are going to attack that restaurant and kill everyone. But Lucas needs to be captured. Alive.”

“That doesn’t sound like fun.” Oliver is pouting, and I ignore his disdain for my order.

“I need him because he can tell us where Dario is.” My explanation seems to click because a collective "Ahh..." ripples through the room.

“I propose we all go to sleep. We need to be well-rested for tomorrow. If Dario is behind that meeting, it’s going to be bloody and messy.”

“I like messy,” Josh states. That coming from him surprises us all. He’s normally into sneak attacks and being agile, not this time. He’s at his wits end with all of this and wants to see my father die.

“I can give you messy in about twenty minutes if you want to.” Oliver wouldn’t be Oliver if he didn’t say something remotely sexual. Josh is probably tired because he doesn’t berate him or hold a gun to his head. He puts his hand on Oliver’s back and guides him out of my house.

Sara comes over and gives me a hug.

“If you need anything, call me.” I squeeze her shoulder in response and Adam walks both her and Hana out. That leaves just Lana and M.

“Are you going to be bring me home?” she asks me as she walks towards the shut door. I grab a knife and throw it right above her hand as she reaches for the handle. Lana doesn’t turn around and keeps her hand on the doorknob.

“You seem to have forgotten that I don’t trust you. You’re not going anywhere.” My voice is low and quiet—unwavering.

“Turn around.” She isn’t listening to me and it’s pissing me off. I grab another knife and throw it; aiming it underneath her hand.

Lana hears the whoosh of the knife and steps aside, quickly. She grabs one of the knives and it flies through the air. Missing my head by a couple of centimeters.

“You’re getting better. The only thing you’re missing, is taking a breath for just a couple of seconds before you throw it. That small window of focus can mean life or death.” I don’t know why I’m giving her advice, blame it on my protective instinct.

“And where I’m going to sleep?” She’s irritated, and I don’t care.

“In my bed. I’m going to keep a close on you.”

For a heartbeat, she simply stares at me. Then she laughs, not out of amusement—out of disbelief. Her laugh is short, sharp and dripping with condescension.

“You’re so unbelievably smug.”

I don’t flinch.

“And you're not leaving.”

The silence between us is taut enough to snap. The muscles around her chin jump, and she takes slow steps toward me until a mere breath separates us. She tips her chin up, refusing to give me the satisfaction of looking intimidated. But I see right through her.

The eyes are the window to the soul, and the weather behind hers…is clear.

“You think I take orders from you? I’m not a part of your team.”

“No.” My gaze on her doesn’t waver. “I think you'll do what you have to.”

Her eyes search my face, deciphering if I’m going to crack. I won’t and she realizes that.

“This changes nothing,” she says quietly.

“Are you already thinking about what can happen? Are you that easily tempted?”

She licks her lips and slowly opens her mouth. “You’re going to regret this.”

I turn around without another word and head for the stairs. I don’t hear Lana following me, but after a minute, she does. I look over my shoulder and she’s marching toward me like she’s just been sentenced to death. Rather than surrendering, she shoves past me, and I’m okay with that. It gives me a chance to look at her beautiful ass.