Page 105 of Veil of Secrets

She nods, like she expected that. “Doesn’t mean it’s all you want.”

“You think I want something else?” I ask, watching her close.

Her fingers still, resting near mine. “I think you want this.” She gestures between us, not touching, just pointing out what’s there. “Something that’s not just knives and deals.”

I lean forward, elbows on my knees. “You’re right. I want you here. Not because I need you to fight. Because I want you to stay.”

Her eyes soften, just a fraction, but she doesn’t look away. “That’s a big ask, Nico.”

“I know.” I sit up, meeting her gaze. “But I’m asking anyway.”

She’s quiet for a moment, looking back at the ocean. “I’ve been running since I was a kid. From Tommy, from Vince, from everyone who thought they could own me. Stopping feels… wrong.”

“But you’re still sitting here,” I say, voice steady. “That’s not running.”

She laughs again, softer this time. “You’re too good at this.”

“At what?” I raise an eyebrow, leaning closer.

“Making me think I could stay.” Her hand brushes mine, not accidental, fingers lingering. “I’m not saying yes. Not yet.”

“I’ll take ‘not yet’ over nothing,” I say, turning my hand to hold hers, loose but firm. “You don’t owe me promises.”

“Good, ‘cause I’m bad at those.” Her thumb traces my knuckles, rough and slow. “But I’m not leaving today.”

I squeeze her hand, just enough. “That’s enough.”

She pulls back, but not far, her shoulder still close to mine. “What happens now? Marco’s done, Vince too. Their crews are in pieces.”

I look out at the water, dawn turning it gold at the edges. “Someone’ll try to fill the gap. Always do. Luca’s already got names—guys who were loyal to Marco, others who’ll want what we took.”

“You trust Luca to handle it?” she asks, voice sharp, like she’s testing.

“He’s solid,” I say, meeting her eyes. “But I’m not handing this off. We’re in it, you and me.”

Her lips curve, a real smile this time. “You sure you want me in your mess?”

“I’m sure I don’t want you anywhere else.” I lean closer, my hand brushing her chain again, feeling its weight. “You’re better at this than anyone I’ve known.”

She snorts, shaking her head. “Flattery’s not your style.”

“It’s not flattery,” I say, voice low. “It’s the truth. You’re sharp, steady. You don’t break.”

Her eyes meet mine, holding steady. “Neither do you.”

“Not with you here,” I say, and I mean it, every word.

She’s quiet again, then leans her head against my shoulder, just for a moment. “This is new. Sitting like this. Not fighting, not running.”

“Yeah,” I agree, feeling her warmth against me. “Feels right, though.”

“It does.” She lifts her head, looking at me. “But don’t get used to it. I’m not good at staying still.”

I laugh, rough. “I’ll keep up.”

“You’d better.” Her hand finds mine again, fingers lacing tight. “What’s the next move?”

I think about it, the city waking behind us, the fight never really over. “We head back to the hideout. Go through what we took from the vault. Figure out who’s coming for us next.”

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