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Travis hesitated.

“Problem?” Rye cocked a brow.

“I’m ... thinking about taking care of my business over the phone, sending some people I trust out to handle the other ... stuff.”

“No.” Isabel’s voice was flat.

Now both Rye’s brows shot up.

Travis ignored him, turning to face Isabel. “I don’t feel right leaving you, not after hearing that fucker has been out as long as he has, how much planning he put into this.”

“Do you trust the men Miles is sending out?”

“Ace is a woman,” Rye offered helpfully as he crossed his arms over his chest. The tattoos twining around his arms rippled with the movements.

Travis scowled at him. “Do you mind?”

“Not a bit,” the man said cheerfully.

Annoyed, he looked back at Isabel. “Yes, I trust them or I wouldn’t let them near you. But—”

“Travis, go see your family.” She closed the distance between them and laid a hand on his cheek. “He knows who you are. You think I don’t see the fear in your eyes when you’re thinking about your family? Iknowyou’re not worried for yourself. You’ll feel better when they’re under protection, and youcan’thurt them by letting strangers tell them the truth.”

“They wouldn’t say shit,” Travis bit off.

“They’re not stupid.” She held his gaze steadily. “Your twin knows you inside and out. And your mom ... I swear, I can still remember the way she looked at me, like she could see inside my head. They may not knowwhatyou do, but they know you’re hiding things. Go tell them. It won’t take long. I’ll befine.”

“Isabel ... ”

She placed her fingers over his lips. “I’m right, and you know it. So quit fighting with me.”

Swearing, he pulled her to him, one hand cupping the back of her neck.

After a quick, rough kiss, he turned and faced Rye. “Outside. I’ll give you a quick rundown then I’m heading out.”

Chapter 24

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