Page 147 of Hell Breaks Loose

Logically, as an adult, I know she was trying to survive.

Trying to make me strong and keep me from drawing attention in the wrong ways. But where was the kindness for me?

“I’m glad you got to know that side of her, Sing,” I finally say, inhaling to keep the tears from forming in my eyes. “I never did. But I suppose I should thank you for saving her life, all the same.”

“No need.”

“No need, but I want to. I also would like to see her. To ask her…”

So many things.

Gavin sits up straighter, eyeing me. “I’ll come with you.”

“Same.” Tell’s on his feet in the blink of an eye.

“No, no. I… I shouldn’t even be doing this now. We have too much going on.”

“Not so much that we can’t spare you for a few days.” Ora reaches for my hand across the conference table.

I smile as I squeeze her hand back in response. “Thanks.”

“She’s right. We need to go,” Tell encourages me.

“Not we. Just me. And while I’m gone, I want you to move us into position for an offensive.” I raise my eyes to Gavin’s.

“Hell, I?—”

“You’ve been avoiding this for days, Gav. We need you. You’re the best we have.” My hand cups his cheek, aching for the pain I see in his face. “I need you.”

“She’s right,” Sing chimes in. “I knew the minute we met who you were to her.”

“I’m not that man anymore. I don’t want to be the monster I was,” Gavin mutters, low and angry. Hurt.

“You were never a monster, Gavvy,” Alaya interjects, her face hard and serious for a change. “You followed orders.”

“So I’m just supposed to follow them now?” he growls.

“No. We need you to give them, big guy.” Ora pats him on the back.

“To protect our people. Their families,” Tell adds, catching Gavin’s gaze and holding it with his.

“Not to destroy. To preserve. To protect.” I pull him into a soft, gentle kiss.

“You always knew just how to get me to do whatever you wanted.” He chuckles into my lips.

“Not like that. If you really don’t want this, you can say no.”

“I won’t turn my back on my home. And if we are going to have a chance of saving Sanctum, of saving Evan…” He nods, taking a deep breath.

“He’s back!” Ora cheers, hopping to her feet. “What about your mom, Hell?”

“I mean, I don’t even know where she is…” I lead, steepling the tips of my fingers on the table.

Sing sighs. “I will take you. I will go with her to make sure she is safe.”

“Only because I knew who you were the minute we met, too.” Gavin grins wickedly, craning his neck forward. “It’s her life or yours, got it?”

“Naturally.”

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