Page 78 of Linger

“Vinny gave them locations for each of the letter victims and said the last location was important. Said it had to be their last mark because the apartment belonged to—well, a Borello whore,” Lily said, the last coming out on an apologetic whisper because she knew I was listening. “Vinny, Lachlan, and a few others were checking the complex and building when Lachlan ran into Willow and apparently recognized her.”

Willow’s in danger.

“He said he wants the girl who can survive them and who’s wanted by so many of us.”

Fuck that.

“And Lachlan knows I’m worth more to you than she is, so they took me instead of killing me.”

A warning growl built in my chest when Maverick slammed me into the closest chair as if he’d known I was about to react to Lily’s words.

Dare’s glare shifted our way just as Lily added, “Do not leave the house.”

“Lil—”

“They’re waiting,” she argued. “They’ve planned everything—including this call.”

“I’m not fucking leaving you there,” he shouted over her.

“She knows you’re not,” I snapped and shoved Maverick away when he tried stopping me. “You really think Lily’s worried we aren’t coming for her? Jesus, Dare, she knows we’re coming. She also knows what happens when we do.”

I gestured to the phone he was holding, my words like grated steel when I continued. “Keane Street murders at random, but all this shit has been so damn calculated. You honestly think Lachlan fucking Keane ever once considered I’d let you trade Willow for Lily? They aren’t just waiting for us to come for Lily,” I seethed. “They’re waiting for us to leave Willow here. Alone.”

Dare just watched me, not giving any indication as to what he might be thinking before he vowed, “We’re coming to get you.”

“Dare, no,” Lily cried. “It’s a trap. Do not go—”

“Lil?” Dare muttered when the call abruptly ended, a whisper of worry coating her name. His fear-fueled curses followed me as I pushed from the table and stalked from the room, ignoring Maverick’s attempt at stopping me.

I was too restless. Too anxious. Too scared.

“Fucking try,” I challenged when a firm hand clamped down on my shoulder halfway down the hall, my narrowed gaze snapping back to find Conor there, keeping me in place. “Try to stop me.”

He held his free hand up in a pacifying motion. “You think I don’t get it?” he asked solemnly. “Every one of us has felt your fear before. We’re feeling it now.” That hand hit his chest as if the entire situation was slaying him. “My job was to protect Lily for years. I would do anything for her. Trading anyone—or even putting them in danger—isn’t one of them.”

“Then get your hand off me.”

“We’ll keep Willow safe,” he said as he released me. “Kieran and Jess just got back—they’re looking for her.”

My head shook wildly as I slowly continued down the hall. “No, see, safe isn’t good enough anymore. KSG’s after her—a Keane wants her—so I need you to relocate her. I need her removed from our world permanently.”

Conor’s expression shifted, doubt and understanding flashing there. “You don’t want that.”

“Bet.”

“Diggs—”

“This is what you fucking do,” I nearly shouted. “This is what you all do. You move women to keep them safe. She isn’t safe. Fucking move her.”

Conor went to say something and blew out a harsh breath instead. After a moment, he shrugged and said, “No.”

My shoulders sagged at the small but profound response, the word forcing a betraying wheeze from me.

With every person in this blended family, I’d never questioned a request or demand. I’d just done what was needed.

Always ready to go. Always ready to sniff out danger on the way to save whoever needed it. Always ready to take the first, second, and third bullet. Always there for the people who meant the most, even if I didn’t totally agree with it. Their decision. Their consequences to deal with.

It usually worked out in the end anyway.

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