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A shadow crosses over Oliver’s face, and he nods in agreement. “I know. That’s a big part of why I spied on Ludo today. We need to end this as quickly and cleanly as possible.”
“Yeah,” I say. “But you know what it’s like when you can’t stop worrying. We always try to be there for you when things get bad. Right now, Elliot needs us to help him in whatever way possible. The least we can do is to not put ourselves in unnecessary danger.”
Oliver shakes his head. “The more we know, the sooner we can get this over with.That’swhat will soothe Elliot’s anxiety. Not continuing to play it safe. I’m worried, too. That’s why I want Ludo chained up downstairs as soon as possible and everything that belongs to him burned to the ground.”
“Yes, but—”
“No.We knew we’d have to take risks. This was a relatively small one considering it’s given us the peace of mind to continue with our current plan. Knowing Ludo doesn’t see Wren as a threat—that means she’ll practically be invisible to his men the night of the wedding. They’ll be on the lookout forrealthreats. Didn’t you see Elliot’s reaction when I told you what I heard? He looked so relieved.”
“AboutWren,yes. But now he’s worried about you going off on your own and getting yourself killed.”
Oliver is in the middle of pulling his shirt off, but my words make him pause. “Oh.”
“You’re beginning to establish a pattern,” I tell him gently. “First, it was getting yourself kidnapped to save Wren. Now, it’s this. Trust me, I get it. But just think about Elliot next time, okay?”
“I’m just tired of living our lives based onwhat ifs.”He rolls his eyes as he tosses his shirt onto the bed. “Which is stupid of me to say, I know.”
“O . . .”
“I’m sorry,” he says softly. “You two have always been so patient with my anxiety. I’m just not used to having to do the same for Ell. I don’t like how shaken he is by this.” He runs a hand over his face before staring at the floor. “It scares me.”
“I know.” Pulling him into a hug, I stroke a hand down his spine.
Normally, Oliver is the one full ofwhat ifs.Elliot and I always do our best to be accommodating. Planes make him less anxious than driving, so we fly whenever we can. Not working alone was actuallyhisidea because he’d get so worried when one of us did a job by ourselves.
Now we’re used to it, and having one of them with me has saved my ass more times than I care to admit. The most recent incident being Adam, although the fucker didn’t actually pose a threat.
“I know you’re trying to help him,” I murmur, and his arms tighten around my waist. “But I think what Elliot needs right now is predictability.”
“Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense.” The words are muffled considering Oliver is speaking directly into my chest. He makes no move to let go of me, so I continue running my fingers up and down his back.
“I want this to be over, too,” I whisper.
I can’t deny that I need to destroy Ludo in every way possible. But there’s also no getting around the fact that the path we’ve taken is slowly wearing us down. I haven’t seen Elliot read for pleasure in god knows how long. Oliver has been distracted with our project for Wren, but otherwise, I’ve missed the joy that usually sparkles in his eyes.
As for me, I can’t say I’m much worse, but that’s because I’m used to the exhaustion that comes with being in a constant state of anger. If anything, approaching Ludo’s demise is helping me. I’m getting closer and closer to finally letting loose.
“I won’t do it again,” Oliver says after a minute. “No more going off on my own.”
“I’m not the one who needs to hear it.”
With a sigh, Oliver pulls away. “I’ll talk to him. It’s the least he deserves.”
“Sooner than later, yeah?”
He nods. “And I think we should give Wren her surprise today. She deserves it with how hard she’s working, and I think it’ll cheer Ell up, too.”
“Is it ready?”
“Ell said he has one last thing to add to it. Apparently it arrived this morning.”
“Perfect. But apologize first, okay?”
“I know. I’ll do it once Wren is done practicing with the safe. There’s no way Elliot is leaving her side.”
With a hum of agreement, I press my lips to Oliver’s forehead. Elliot can’t be there with Wren the night of the wedding, but he’ll do everything he can to help her before and after. We all will. I just hope it’s enough.
Chapter thirteen
