Page 119 of Crown of Lies

“It’s complicated,” I say, since that’s the absolute fucking truth. “But it’s related to why someone’s still after our gang. We need to find it before they do.”

“And you trust them with this?” He nods towards the Princes.

I meet his gaze steadily. “I do. We’re in this together now.”

Emmett leans in closer. “What exactly is this thing? Why’s it so important?”

I hesitate, feeling the weight of everything we’ve learned pressing down on me. The marker, The Saint, Silas—it’s all connected in ways I’m still trying to understand. Sharing too much could put Emmett and the others in danger.

“I promise I’ll tell you everything once we find it and deal with the situation,” I say finally. “But for now, the less you know, the safer you are.”

Emmett’s jaw tightens, his brow furrowing deeper. I recognize the glare, and he’s worked with me long enough to see the familiar signs. I’m holding back, and he knows it.

“You’ve told them everything, haven’t you? While keeping us in the dark.”

I grit my teeth, feeling a familiar defensiveness rise within me. “I haven’t told them everything. But they know more because they’re helping. They chose me, Emmett.”

“That’s your problem,” he says insistently. “You’re forgetting they’re still the enemy. You can’t trust them like you trust us.”His eyes dart toward the Princes, his voice lowering to a fierce whisper. “You know they’d tear us apart if they thought they had half a chance. Don’t let feelings cloud your judgment.”

I flinch, feeling the weight of his words. The old me would’ve been screaming the same concerns, suspicious of every move the Princes made. But everything’s changed, and I’m not that person anymore.

“I know they risked their lives to save me from the Young Killers. They didn’t have to do that. They sure as hell didn’t have to show up when I needed them—when they knew it was a trap. This isn’t just some game to them, and it’s not to me either.”

Emmett crosses his arms, his expression unyielding. “That doesn’t change who they are, Quinn. They’re loyal to their club first and foremost. Just like we are.”

“And Nico’s loyal to me. He’s my husband. He took those vows in front of the universe and everyone.” I pause, then lean in closer for emphasis. “Just like I did.”

Emmett studies me, his gaze flicking briefly to Nico, then back to me. “What about the other two?” His eyes flash—a spark of realization, of memory. I know he’s thinking about that night, about Atlas.

I’m thinking about it, anyway.

“I’m with them too,” I admit. I know how it sounds, but it’s the truth. What we’re doing isn’t traditional, but it’s ours. “It’s not something I planned or expected, but it just happened this way.”

Uncertainty flickers across Emmett’s face, and his brow furrows again as he searches my eyes. “Is this why nothing ever happened between you and me? You needed—you wanted… this?” He gestures vaguely, his jaw clenching.

I shake my head, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. “No, Emmett. I never expected this. It was never a choice or a plan.” I take a second to keep my tone in check. I don’t want togive Emmett the wrong idea, but I don’t want to be a bitch about it, either. “And nothing would’ve happened between us, not like that. I care about you, I value you as my friend and my second, but that’s all.”

He stares at me, his eyes searching for something—maybe a sign of a lie or hesitation. But I’ve made my peace with this. I know what I want, and it’s not something I’ll ever look to Emmett for.

“You and me, Emmett… it was never going to be that way,” I continue gently. “I don’t have those kinds of feelings for you, and I never did. I’m sorry if I led you on or gave you the wrong idea, but I need you to understand.”

Emmett’s eyes darken, his brows knitting together as he searches my face. “I guess I always hoped, but…” He trails off, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I care about you, Quinn. I would’ve done anything for you.”

“I know, and I’m sorry if I hurt you. But this is how it is. I can’t change it, and I don’t want to.”

He nods, his expression pained. “I get it. I just never thought—I mean, with them being who they are…” He waves a hand, his voice trailing off as he struggles to find the right words. “It’s just a lot to take in.”

“It’s a lot for me too,” I admit. “But it’s my choice, and I’m happy with it.”

Emmett’s shoulders slump slightly, and he shoves his hands into his pockets. “Okay. I’ll respect that. It’s your call.” He straightens, giving me a small, tight smile. “I’m gonna go check on the new shipment we were expecting. Make sure everything’s in order.”

“Thanks, Emmett.” I squeeze his arm, grateful for his understanding. “I need you to keep an eye on things, especially now that we’re dealing with this mess. You’re my right hand, and I trust you.”

He nods, a slight grin tugging at his lips. “I’ll keep ’em in line. You know that.” With one last look, he turns and walks out of the shop, his shoulders set in a determined line.

I watch him go, a weight lifting from my chest. I hate keeping things from Emmett, but I need him focused and clear-headed. We can’t risk him getting tangled up in our mess, especially not now.

Turning back to my three men, I take a deep breath. “Let’s go to the back room.” I push open the door, stepping aside to let them enter first. Their eyes widen as they take in the space—not just a back office, but a near-sacred place that’s filled with all the secrets of our gang.

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