Page 131 of Magic or Madness

“Yeah, I’m sure the guys won’t mind. We’ve got enough here, but it’s always better to pad the fake with real,” he tells me, and I nod like I’m fully aware of what that means.

We call everyone else in to update them on my idea, and the guys barely push back, agreeing almost instantly. We get straight to work, planning every single detail, attempting to cover every possible problem we could face. It’s hours before we come up for air and take a break, but finally, we have a plan in place.

“Bad-fucking-ass, Fal. This bait we’re dangling is absolutely perfect,” Oliver compliments, and I smile, rolling my eyes at him.

“Only if it works, Olly.”

Lex types out the email, and we all approve, watching with bated breath as he pushes send. We chose a discreet meeting place a few miles away, at an old abandoned warehouse. Ozzy will be handling the cash, with Oliver there for backup. Lex and Journey will be in the van gathering surveillance and keeping eyes on the street cameras in the area.

I’m benched, forced to stay home to avoid any of the danger. I will be on Lex’s laptop though, receiving the photos and videos in real time to analyze.

With Max taking a littleleave of absenceI get my own Bluetooth earpiece, just like I’m part of the crew.

There’s nothing else left to do but wait for a reply, so we take a break while Lex gets the money together, equipping the bag with a small tracking device.

Suddenly, I feel like I’m in the middle of some crime TV show, and my mind spins thinking about how I ended up in this kind of situation, living out a real-life version ofLaw and Order.

I love being a part of this family, and helping Ozzy when I can, but the uneasiness I feel in my stomach is a sign that I might not be as cut out for this as I thought.

Watching them all step into the path of danger terrifies me, knowing if anything happened to them I’d be fucking gutted, especially since this was my plan.

The guilt would eat me alive, and I get emotional just thinking about it, but right on cue, Ozzy reads my mind, wrapping me into his arms.

“We’re going to be just fine, Bambi. Nothing to worry about,” he whispers, gently kissing my forehead.

I look into his eyes, my head tipping back, and he believes what he’s saying, that much I can tell. He’s not patronizing me, or giving me false confidence, he knows that they’re capable of pulling this off, and it helps my anxiety immensely.

“Do you need a random fact, or are you going to be alright?” He strokes my cheek, and my heart swells because he just knows meso well.

“I’m good, baby. Thank you.” I hold him tighter, not wanting to break apart from his embrace.

“Why don’t you go lay down? It’s late, and I can come get you if we get anything,” he offers, and I nod, feeling the effects of brainstorming all day – well into the night.

“Carry me?” I whisper, and he scoops me up without hesitation, my arms falling securely around his neck.

“I love you, you know that?” He says softly, his smile lighting up the darkest parts of me.

“You might have to show me,” I tease, and he lets out a deep sigh, like he’s contemplating a tough decision.

It’s been a long couple of days, the stress piling on nonstop, but maybe we don’t find relief in the same ways. As much as I want him, I decide not to push, allowing him to work through this in his own way.

“Don’t tempt me,my beautiful girl.” He kisses my forehead, gently lowering me into bed.

“Stay. Just for a minute,” I plead, and he kicks off his boots, slipping under the covers with me.

I rest my head on his chest, the familiarity and comfort bringing a sense of calm over me instantly, and I know this is where I’m the safest. Right here, in his arms.

He holds me together, especially when I’m afraid of falling apart, and tonight is no different.

There should be a million anxious thoughts on a loop in my mind, but this time, I let all of the scarywhat-if scenariosgo, drifting to sleep faster than I have in days.

It’s beentwo days since we sent the email to the client, and it’s been nothing but radio silence since. He’s got us dangling on the edge, waiting for his terms, but today was supposed to be the heroin job, and he has to reach out at some point.

“Fal?” A knock on the door gives me jump scare, but Cami slips into my room, a sneaky smile on her face.

“Jesus, Camila. You gave me a heart attack,” I laugh, and she lays on the bed beside me.

She curls her body until she’s facing me, our faces only inches apart.

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