Page 179 of Menace in Vegas

"We’ll face this head-on," I whisper into the space between us. “Together.”

His breath is warm against my hair. "Yes, we will."

I really hope he means it.

Because if he doesn’t… The secrets might be what destroy us.

81

CONNOR

Ican’t sleep.

I’m too tense and wired from that call I received earlier.

My gaze drops to the bed.

Allie’s curled beside me, breathing soft and even.

I move to her. My hand rests on her hip, anchoring me, keeping the chaos inside my chest from swallowing me whole.

But my mind won’t stop. Not for a second.

Stryker confirmed that Landon is in Key West, too.

My hands curl into fists. The bastard is using Allie as leverage, trying to manipulate me into controlling Daltyn.

Because Landon wants Peyton.

And so does Daltyn.

He wouldn’t be here otherwise.

I just wish I could find him. Talk to him. Figure out what the hell we’re walking into.

A long sigh slips from my chest.

I don’t know what’s worse. How close Landon’s already gotten, or how many steps ahead he is.

* * *

Before sunrise,I slip out of bed and settle at the kitchen table.

The flowers I bought for Allie sit in a gaudy vase Gram gave us, still wilted like they know what’s coming.

I check my phone. No updates from Stryker. Just a “working on it” text from hours ago.

I pull up maps. Start marking locations where I saw Peyton. Where the hooded guy, who I firmly believe to be Landon, ducked into that alley. Where he reappeared.

Where Allie spotted him.

I’m not just waiting anymore. I’m preparing.

By the time Allie walks into the kitchen, the sun’s creeping through the curtains, and I’ve had enough caffeine to fuel a riot.

She’s in my jersey, hair messy, her eyes sharp and sleepy. She looks like sin and salvation wrapped together.

And for a second, I forget the storm outside.

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