Page 78 of Barrett

“This house is so big,” Noah murmured. “How do you not get lost in it?”

“You get used to it,” I said. “Usually when I’m here, I’m downstairs, but I know the layout well.” The place had video surveillance, a hell of a security system, more guns than we could ever need, as well as ammunition. And there were hidden rooms where we could stay or hide whoever needed it. I wasn’t going to tell Noah all of that. He was on a need-to-know basis.

The entry to the kitchen was arched, adding to the charm of the house. We entered and found Sylvan placing bowls of soup on the table.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said. “If you don’t like what I’ve made, I can cook something else.”

“I’m sure it’s good, Syl,” I told him. Having to cook for us shouldn’t cause him anxiety.

“This kitchen is incredible,” Barrett said in awe. He ran his fingers over the light-beige stone of the countertops as his eyes went to the warm brown cabinets and the recessed lighting. The appliances were on the newer side, the stainless steel shining.

Jordan didn’t do anything half-assed and the house reflected it. Anything Sylvan wanted; Jordan gave him. Of course, Sylvan rarely asked for anything and if he needed to make a purchase, he did it with his own money. He thought Jordan had already done more than enough for him.

Barrett led Noah to the breakfast nook while I carried plates with sandwiches on them to the table. Sylvan was still nervous, but he was more relaxed than before.

“Raiden’s coming?” he asked.

I nodded. “Probably Vincent too.”

“Oh.”

Leaning close, I whispered, “All you have to do is ask and he’ll come out here.”

A blush quickly rose over his cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure.”

Sylvan smiled as he set a plate on the table then left to get drinks.

“What’s that about?” Barrett asked.

“Ollie.”

Barrett’s gaze went from me to Sylvan and back. I put my finger to my lips, not wanting to embarrass Sylvan further.

33

BARRETT

Reghan and Sylvan had left the kitchen after eating, under the guise of Reghan wanting Sylvan to show him something in the house. It wasn’t sly in the least, but it gave me time alone with Noah. The problem was me pushing him to talk. I hated it and didn’t want to. The thought of the other men who could be on their way to be sold was what had me speaking to him. I couldn’t let that happen.

“Noah,” I said gently.

“I know. You want the name.”

I nodded. “You’re here, protected. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

“If I tell you, you’re going to leave me here. After what I’d heard about you and your brother from him, how he said you’re a threat to what he’s doing, I knew you’d be safe.”

“And you knew where I lived.” It wasn’t a question. He ran to my home.

He bit his bottom lip for a moment before saying, “Your name is familiar, as is your job, but you’re safe. You’re not the same as the rest.”

“The man who took you is a relative. A father?”

“No, cousin.”

“Okay. Either he must be in a high-power position, or another family member is, because there are no records of you in the system.”

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