Page 112 of Tempting Fate

“Hunter says our relationship is Brutus’ weak spot… that it’s one of the reasons why your dad’s tryna consolidate power in his faction and cut me out. I don’t know the details—none of the old-timers are tellin’ me shit, but it appears there’s an old grudge between my dad and yours that’s behind Brutus’ inability to accept me as your fiancé and as his second-in-command.”

Scepticism enters Lily’s gaze. “Hunter’s wrong. Dad didn’t like the idea of us at the beginning, then he came around. There must be another reason.”

“Think about it… when he found out the truth about Alex, he blamed you and me. Said he was the only one who could fix it. Tried to get between us. That sound like a man who’s on board with our engagement?” Although I pose my last statement as a question, I don’t allow Lily time to respond. “Doesn’t matter, anyhow. The reason for our breakup is threefold, Cherub. You can’t stay in the compound. It’s compromised. Joseph has been allowed in twice in two days… how long before Alex sneaks inside too? So, we pretend to break up to get you out of here. That gets you on your father’s good side. It gets me out of his crosshairs. It keeps you safe.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I’m not askin’ you to like it… what I’m askin’ is for you to trust me with this.”

“What if Alex comes after?—”

Hearing the worry in her voice as she asks about her crazy ex snaps the tenuous hold I have on my control. I lurch forward, trapping her between me and the cold wall as I seize hold of her shoulders to keep her in place. She swallows deep, averting her gaze when my eyes seek out hers.

“What did I say about worryin’ over Alex and me?”

Eyes darting anywhere but at mine, Lily paraphrases my assertion from yesterday, “That the only way he can hurt you is to hurt me.”

“Exactly.”

“I can’t help it.”

“All you have to do is trust me to keep you safe. To end your nightmare like I shoulda done five years ago.”

“I’ll try.”

“Try harder, please.”

“I will.” The belief in Lily’s expression when she finally locks eyes with me warms my chest. I didn’t realise how much it hurt to not possess her full faith until this moment. The crack in my heart, one that I’ve been ignoring for too long, begins to heal. All that remains is the tiniest fissure when she demands, “Promise me this is going to end with him dead and you in one piece.”

“I promise. He’s gonna die the bloodiest death possible, metukà shelì. Then you can sleep at night without fear that he’s comin’ to take you away from me.”

Although I give her the guarantee she seeks, I can’t help but find the words hollow.

I’ve let her down before.

What if it happens again?

21

LILY

My pulse spikes when someone bangs on the workshop door. Zeke’s fingers tighten around my shoulders, warning me that he wasn’t expecting anyone to interrupt us. His body stiffens and his gaze darts from the main entrance, where the person knocks a second time, to the secondary exit hidden behind a set of toolboxes.

“Where’s your gun?”

“In my bag.” I use my chin to gesture to the bench where my handbag sits.

“Grab it while I check who’s at the door.”

When he lets me go, I rush over to my weapon. Zeke unholsters one of the handguns tucked under his arm and carefully advances on the main doors. We both breathe with relief when the intruder announces himself.

“It’s just me,” Hunter yells. “I’m comin’ in on the count of five, so I’d appreciate if you’d button up your pants and lower your weapons before then.”

“Little shit,” Zeke curses. “You can come in now.”

I allow my body to relax and slide my gun back into my bag as Slash’s little brother ambles inside the workshop that’s hosted mine and Zeke’s relationship counselling for the past hour.

“Wyatt’s lookin’ for you,” Hunter tells Zeke. “Said somethin’ about continuin’ your conversation from the hospital. Sounded urgent, so I said I’d come get you.”

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