Page 23 of Stiletto's Savior

I chuckle, shaking my head. “I don’t have a crush on her.”

“Sure, right",” she rolls her eyes, a sly grin on her lips. “Keep telling yourself that, Miles.”

“Listen, it’s not that simple,” I insist, the heat creeping up my neck. “There’s a lot at stake here.”

“Life’s short, Miles. You gotta say something when we get her back.” Her smile softens, revealing a deeper understanding.

“Yeah, well…” I hesitate. The truth hangs heavy between us. “Maybe I do have feelings for her. But what if it’s not the right time?”

“Time waits for no one. Look at this mess we’re in.” She gestures around us. “You can’t take anything for granted.”

“Guess you’re right,” I admit, the weight of it settling in.

Siren’s words echo in my mind, and for the first time, I wonder if I’ve been a fool all along.

Her lips curve into a knowing smile. “I get it. It’s a lot.” She steps closer, hands on her hips, her big brown eyes studying me intently. “Hey,” she says, stepping closer, her tone shifting. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just... thinking about all this shit.” I shrug, avoiding her gaze.

“Yeah, I’m thinking about it a lot lately too. Are you thinking about my sister?” Her question hangs in the air, teasing, prodding.

“I don’t think I ever stop thinking about your sister,” I admit, the truth is slipping out before I can catch it.

“Well, don’t overthink it. We’re gonna find her before it’s too late.”

“I pray that you’re right.” I nod, but doubt lingers like smoke in my mind.

I kick the gravel under my boot, sending a few stones skittering across the pavement.

The club’s building looms behind me—solid, unyielding.

It feels like a damn fortress. Yet, it’s a fortress that couldn’t protect one of their own.

“Church is where the officers and full patch members discuss club issues, in case you didn’t know,” Siren says, her voice steady. She leans against the wall, arms crossed. “They vote on stuff. Strategy, rules, deal with major issues.”

“Right,” I nod, piecing it together. “And you don’t get to sit in there because…?”

“Because I’m just a prospect.” She shrugs, but I catch the hint of frustration in her eyes. “It’s like an inner sanctum or some shit.”

“Sounds pretty exclusive,” I mutter, more to myself than her.

“Do you think they’ll find her?” I ask, the words spilling out before I can stop them.

I hate how vulnerable I sound, but I need to know.

“My sister?” She straightens up, looking me dead in the eye. “Of course they will.”

“Yeah?” I scoff, folding my arms. “You really believe that?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Her brows knit together. “She’s strong. Just like us.”

“Strong doesn’t mean safe.” I shove a hand through my hair, frustration boiling over. “What if they don’t find her in time? What if?—”

“Stop.” She cuts me off, stepping closer. “You have to trust them. Trust us. We’re not going to let her die, Miles.”

“Easy for you to say, she could already be dead. ” I shake my head, but her gaze holds mine, fierce and unwavering.

“Look, Miles.” She softens a bit. “You can’t let fear cloud your judgment. If you keep worrying, you won’t be able to think straight when we do find her.”

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