Page 129 of The Price of Forever

But continuing with the Fairchilds as my employer meant I needed to end things with Jordan.

If I wanted to keep this job, keep her safe, and do right by her brothers, I needed to execute a clean break. And if she wanted to move forward with this evidence-gathering mission, I’d help her craft a plan. As a colleague. Not as her confidante and lover.

The plan already tasted sour. But I couldn’t afford to fuck this up. My love affair with Jordan was not the priority here—the safety of the entire family was most important. Making it through this spontaneous covert mission alive was most important.

She and I could figure out our tangled love story later. Right now, I needed to re-focus in the worst way.

Who else could be at her side when she went back into the lion’s den to collect evidence from Eli? I sure as fuck wouldn’t be sending Chico or Liam in there with her. No, nobody would protect her well enough. The only person I’d trust even slightly would be Trojan, and he…well…

My gaze drifted back to my cell phone.

He was already used to me calling him with some crazy-ass ideas. What was one more?

If there was anybody I’d pick for my intel squad, it would be him. I just needed to figure out a way to convince him to say yes.

CHAPTER THIRTY

JORDAN

My phone chimed with a text during my shift at the coffee shop. Axel sent me a picture of himself holding a key between his thumb and forefinger, accompanied by the text: Got your keys little sis. When do you want to move in?

Chico and I went straight to the penthouse when my shift was over. Cora and Axel were both there, beaming. After a lot of hugging and shrieking and jumping, Axel formally handed me the key.

“Want to go see it?” he asked.

“Yes!” I shrieked. “How did you make that happen so fast? It was my top pick, too!”

“I told you. Connections.” He tipped his head toward Cora. I almost broke down in tears. “I might have paid your security deposit for you, too. I know you didn’t want anyone paying your way, but consider it a housewarming gift.”

I swallowed a knot in my throat, pocketing the key. “Thanks, big bro. I appreciate that.”

He tugged my ear. “Anytime, Jordan.”

“And thank you, Cora, for all your help.”

Cora stepped forward, and I bridged the distance, hugging her tightly.

“It’s the least I could do,” she said. “I’m so excited for this new chapter in your life. And I can’t wait to see how you decorate it.” She squeezed the sides of my arms as she stepped back. “Just let me know if you need any help. I know a few interior designers who you’d love. We could just consider it another housewarming gift.”

While her words warmed my chest, my stomach felt a particular type of sick chill. Because her generosity was occurring at the same time as my deceit. Even though it was for a greater good…it didn’t sit right. I shoved the thoughts aside, determined to enjoy this family moment without anything bringing me down.

Damian and Trace joined us, all six of us piling into the SUV with Legs. As we crossed town, my entire body buzzing with happiness and belonging, the conversation turned to Seven.

“Where’s Seven today?” Trace asked good-naturedly, turning to face Chico and me in the third row of the SUV.

Chico glanced at me first before answering. “Not sure. Had some other business to attend to.”

“Probably at the office,” Axel said, his eyes on the world flashing past the windows.

I snorted. “What office? Is that code for the bathroom?”

Damian laughed. “No. It’s his actual office.”

Confusion made slow steps throughout me. “Wait, for real?”

“Yeah. He rents one from us,” Trace said helpfully. “In the same building as the one we dedicated to you and Kaylee.”

“The building that started it all,” Axel said quietly, nudging Cora, who giggled in response.

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