Page 15 of King of Praise
“Deep thoughts for this early in the morning,” I say, forcing a chuckle. “Coffee hasn’t kicked in yet?”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Just observing. It’s what I do. Anything you want to tell me?”
“Like what?” I ask, turning to fully face her.
She moves closer, lowering her voice. “You tell me. Something’s off. I can feel it.”
“Just business stress.” I meet her gaze, decades of practice keeping my expression neutral. “You know how things get when territory shifts.”
“Territory isn’t all that’s shifting.” She steps closer, voice dropping further. “Word is the Barone family’s making moves. Marcus might be in jail, but Francesca’s not sitting idle. You guys need to watch your backs.”
The warning surprises me, not the information itself, but that she’s sharing it. Eve usually maintains strict boundaries between her work and Zeke’salternativebusiness ventures.
“We’re always careful.” I match her quiet tone. “You know that.”
“Do I?” Her eyes narrow. “Because lately it feels like everyone’s keeping secrets. Even from me.”
If you only knew what I’m hiding in that cabin.
“Eve,” I say in a gentle voice. She’s been good for Zeke, good for all of us really. “Some secrets protect people. You know that better than most.”
“And some secrets get people killed.” She holds my gaze. “Just be careful, okay? Whatever’s going on, whatever you’re not telling me, make sure it’s worth the risk.”
Worth the risk.
Naomi’s face flashes through my mind. Her green eyes wide with terror, freckles stark against her pale skin as she huddled in my apartment corner. The gentle way she touches Powder, the quiet strength in her voice when she thanks me for simple kindness. The flutter of her eyelashes against her cheek as she slept in my bed last night.
Yes, something fierce inside me answers.She’s worth any risk.
“I hear you.” I squeeze Eve’s shoulder gently. “And I appreciate the warning. But you don’t need to worry about me.”
“Someone has to.” She smiles, but concern still shadows her eyes. “You’re family, Micah. Whatever’s keeping you up at night and got you always looking over your shoulder, you don’t have to handle it alone.”
In another life, I might have told her everything. Might have trusted her detective’s instinct to help navigate this mess. But I can’t put that burden on her, can’t force her to choose between her badge and her family.
“I know.” I manage a small smile. “But some burdens we have to carry alone.”
“Stubborn old man.” She shakes her head fondly. “At least try to get some sleep, okay? You look like you’ve been fighting demons.”
If she only knew how accurate that assessment is.
“Yes, ma’am.” I sketch a mock salute, earning an eye roll.
“Don’t ‘ma’am’ me. I’m not that old.” Eve glances over her shoulder toward the kitchen where Leo is eating before she turns back to me and smiles. “Just remember what I said. Be careful.”
I nod, leaning against the wall as I wait. Her warning echoes in my mind as I cross my arms over my chest.Be careful. Some secrets get people killed.
She’s not wrong. The secrets I’m keeping could get us in all sorts of trouble if they come to light. But I don’t have a choice. Protecting Naomi has become as natural as breathing, as essential as my own heartbeat.
Make sure it’s worth the risk.
Naomi’s face fills my mind again—not the terrified woman I found covered in blood, but the quiet strength I glimpsed this morning. The way she looked in my kitchen, making breakfast like she belonged there. The trust in her eyes when she let me hold her while she cried.
Yes, my heart answers again.She’s worth any risk. She’s worth everything.
The mahogany-paneledwalls of Zeke’s home office suffocate me as I follow him inside with Eli and Sebastian close behind. Security monitors mounted near his desk display various angles of the manicured grounds. It’s a subtle reminder that despite its luxury, this remains a fortress. Even more so since Nicolo’s recent appearances.
Years of experience in this life have taught me to catalog exits and vulnerabilities automatically. Two windows overlooking the garden. A hidden door behind the bookcase that leads to an underground tunnel. Three different weapons concealed within easy reach of Zeke’s desk.
