Page 228 of Celestial Combat

Trevor blinked, stunned for half a beat. “Not the Russians?”

“We also found out who’s after the big Families.”

“Seriously?” Zach asked.

Maria’s voice came fast. “How?”

“Zane’s mentor was involved with Tao,” I said. “And the man who attacked me back in college. So that connects Ruiz, the Yakuza, and now some rogue Russians.NotBratva,” I clarified. “Matteo was right about that. We didn’t get a name, just that it’s a man from South America.”

Trevor crossed his arms, but the fire in his eyes had dimmed. His voice was still sharp, though. “Then why are you in Thailand? Why didn’t you come back to New York?”

“We spread my mother’s ashes yesterday,” Zane said, quietly. “On one of the cliffs. She loved this island.”

Trevor froze – just stopped, hand halfway raised. He looked at Zane. “Fuck, man,” He muttered, pressing his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose.

Zach settled a hand on Zane’s shoulder. “I’m sure it was a beautiful goodbye.”

Maria’s voice was softer than I’d ever heard it. “She was an amazing woman. She raised you right.”

Trevor lowered his head. “?????????????.”

Zane nodded, silent.

And for the first time since they kicked down our door, I felt the storm begin to pass.

The tension in the room still buzzed, but it had quieted – settled into the corners, not as volatile. Zane and Maria were talking by the windows, and Zach had slumped onto the couch, his hand holding onto Maria’s leg, at his side.

But Trevor hadn’t moved much.

I caught his eye and gave a small nod, tilting my head toward the villa’s open-air hallway. He followed without a word.

Outside, by the pool, we were alone. The scent of salt and blooming floated in the breeze. I kept my voice low, just for him.

“I need you to be considerate. He’s going through a lot right now.”

“How long has this been going on for?”

“Trevor–”

“Did he push you–”

I smacked him. Light. More of a reminder than a punishment. “Three months.”

“Three months?!”

“Officially.”

He dragged a hand over his face and squeezed the bridge of his nose like it could block out the truth. “You’re my sister. He should’ve known better. He’s six years older. I don’t like this whole messing around with my best friend behind my back.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Right. Same way you messed around with Natalia –my best friend– behind my back in college, kept her single for four years because you’re an asshole, and then came back to New York only to date her in secret again, propose, and get her pregnant.Behind my back.”

“That’s not the same – ”

“Don’t make me call Natalia.”

His eyes narrowed, warning. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

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