Page 93 of Bulletproof Love

Falin leans closer. “You found a vulnerability?”

“More than one.” Leon locks in, his voice grows louder as he explains. “Their entire system relies on moving money through a series of go-betweens before it reaches its final destination. But they got sloppy. Started reusing the same paths, same timing.”

“Can you get in? Move that money?” I ask, trying to understand even a fraction of what he’s saying.

“Working on it, but yes.” His eyes meet mine, focused and intense. “And I’m going to redirect every last penny. We can help those girls, Ray’s family, all his guys too. Whatever else, I’ll make sure to send to other organizations.”

Falin squeezes his shoulder. “You’re kinda brilliant, you know that? In a Bond villain sort of way.”

“It won’t bring them back,” Leon says quietly, his hand rubbing his tired eyes. “It won’t change what they’ve gone through.”

“No,” Falin agrees. “But it’s a start.”

“Do your thing, you British mastermind,” I say. “Let’s make Orlov wish he never touched Bailey.”

We sit in silence for a moment, watching as Leon’s code slowly dismantles the empire Orlov built, piece by digital piece. I have no fucking clue what he’s doing, or how, but damn if I’m not blown away.

I think about Bailey, and every other victim we couldn’t save. The ones from the gala… the photos on the drive. We have to find a way to help as many as we can.

Falin grabs the cat carrier from the bedroom, breaking me away from my thoughts.

“Did you say your goodbyes?” I ask Leon, pulling my gaze away from the screen. He raises a brow. “The kittens,” I add. “You know we talked about this last week.”

“Shit.” He drags his hand down his face with a sigh. “Completely slipped my mind. You’re certain about this?”

No. They’re my children. I saved them from death, nursed them to health. They carried me through my darkest hours. “I am. If we’re going to London, we can’t bring them with us.”

Leon rises and stretches, scooping Havoc from her spot on the cat tower. He hugs her close to his cheek, inhaling her kitten scent. I swear it’s better than drugs. “About that.”

“About what?” Falin asks, coming to our side.

“I was thinking I should head to London first, scope things out. Stay with my mum while I hunt down a decent flat. Reach out to some contacts there.”

He returns Havoc to her tower and she curls up, a perfect little puff ball. “What are we supposed to do here?”

I can’t stand more waiting, especially knowing Bailey’s most likely not even in this country anymore. Leon glances between Falin and me, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “I’m sure you two can keep busy.”

“You really shouldn’t travel that far yet,” Falin says. “Plus, you have another follow up with the surgeon in a few weeks.”

“Have you run this by Damon?” I ask. These decisions usually involve all of us. The thought of Leon across a damn ocean alone, potentially getting into trouble, doesn’t sit well with me. Yes, he can handle himself, but he prefers to keep to his desk, managing things from behind his screen. I don’t know if he has what it takes to kill if he needs to. Not like me or Damon.

“Spoke to him earlier, before they went out.” He exhales. “Look, I’ll be honest. The atmosphere here is getting a bit too… coupley. I need some space… just for a few weeks.”

“We get it,” Falin answers for both of us. And I do understand. I’d feel the same way living with two couples who can’t keep their hands off each other.

“And Jas, finding her will be my only priority the moment I land. I promise you that.”

“I know, brother.” I nod. “If that’s what you think is best, then you have my blessing. As soon as you’re ready for us, we’ll be there.”

Falin pets the sleeping kittens. “So, does this mean we can keep them?”

“I guess so.” I can’t help but smile. “For now.”

“Probably for the best, considering we didn’t even ask Bella’s family if the girls could have them.” She moves the cat carrier to the side of the room.

“True,” I say. “For all we know, they could be allergic.”

“Better give it a few weeks before we ask,” she says with a smirk.

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