Page 110 of Chasing Sparks

“Kevin did,” Lucille says. “Or one of his guys. I found them in his desk drawer right before I left. I knew then he was watching you because I recognized the sign forBlack Lotus.”

But I’m not worried about my safety. It’s the sight of Ori’s face in those photos that hits me like a gut punch—each one a stark reminder of how close this bastard is to destroying everything I care about.

“He’s watching her.”

“And waiting,” Trace says grimly. “You saw what he did to Lucille’s face. He’s capable of far worse.”

“But why Ori? She has nothing to do with this.”

“Because Kevin feels you took something that belonged to him.” Trace jerks his thumb toward Lucille. “Even if he’s glad to be rid of her, he won’t forgive the perceived slight. He’ll go after something you care about, just to make a point. Pretty obvious who that is.”

“I can’t do this.” The words come out rough, a plea I don’t even recognize as my own.

I never thought anyone would make me want to take a chance on the future again, but then Ori walked into my life. And now my past is demanding I throw it all away?

Trace’s expression hardens, his tone cutting through my hesitation. “You think this is about your relationship? About whether Ori forgives you? Wake up, Ash—it’s about keeping her safe. Kevin’s already circling. If you step out of line, she’s his next move. You help me, and I’ll make sure Kevin doesn’t get anywhere near her.”

My hands tighten on the back of the chair, my knuckles white from the force of it. Anger simmers just beneath my skin, but Trace doesn’t let up.

“You love her? Fine. Then protect her. You want to keep her safe? This is how.”

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” I mutter the word over and over, desperate to awaken from this nightmare.

But it’s not happening.

“Ash, I hate that you’re involved. You’re innocent in this. So are the people you love. I promise I’ll keep all of you safe, but I need your help to do that. What do you say?”

The weight of Trace’s words settles over me like a vise, squeezing tighter with every passing second.

I have no choice. To protect the woman I love, I have to lie to her.

I have to break her heart. Shatter any belief she has in me, in us, and in the future we could have had together.

They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Well, I knowexactlywhat I’ve got with Ori—and what I’m about to lose. The thought makes me want to vomit.

But one thought rings louder than the rest.

I love you, Ori. Fuck, I should’ve told you that sooner. I should have said something on that first day. That first week.

Now, I may never get the chance to give her the life she deserves.

I thought losing Lucille was bad? It’s nothing compared to giving up the woman I adore. But Trace is right, I’ll lose my damn mind if harm befalls Ori.

I take another swig of whiskey, slamming the glass on the table. “Fine. But when this is over, I’m done and you two will get the fuck out of my life. No questions asked.”

If keeping Ori safe means ripping my heart out and handing it over, then so be it. But Kevin? That bastard won’t make it out of this unscathed.

Trace nods, his expression grim. “Fair enough. But for now, we play the hand we’ve been dealt.”

Chapter 16

Breakfast in Bed … For Three?

Ori

Ash isn’t the only one capable of surprises.

The man has been burning the candle at both ends, running on a few hours’ sleep per night and subsisting on whatever food he can grab on the fly. So, I’m bringing him breakfast in bed.

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