Page 84 of The Protection Agreement

“Wait, isn’t Lexi in New York?” Declan asks.

Damn, I think. I forgot he knows she’s in New York. Before I can come up with some soft lie—

“You were not supposed to follow her,” Declan reminds me in a reprimanding tone.

“Who’s going to stop me now that I have?” I shot back.

“Motherfucker can’t sleep without her,” Luke mocks, and I hear Adam laugh.

“Or he’s scared her brother might take her away,” Declan adds.

“That too,” Daniel says immediately.

“Fuck all of you. I just need to make sure she’s safe,” I snap.

“Sure, not because you’re scared of Jonah taking her away,” Declan says.

“Like I said, fuck all of you.” They laugh.

I can’t escape it. I used to be the one teasing them. Now I’m just as bad, maybe worse.

“Alright, alright. We won’t bust your balls. Bring her back safe. Anne likes her a lot, and Julian’s department is showing real improvement, so I’m the first to say I need her back too,” Declan says.

“Alright, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

I hang up before anyone can respond and sit down on the living room sofa. Her jacket is draped over the armrest. I pick it up and inhale her scent. Fuck, I’ve missed her. It doesn’t help that I keep fighting the fear of losing her.

I go through emails and handle a few things Grayson flagged. My phone rings again. Dad. He’s been calling more lately to check on Jola and me. I guess we share the same fear, just for different reasons.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hi, Son. Just checking on you and Jola.”

“She’s good. Already asleep,” I lie before he asks to speak to her. I swear he’s waiting for me to say we’re getting married and popping out little Eni.

“Okay. And you? Are you good?”

“I’m good, Dad.”

“Good. Have a good night.”

“Night, Dad.”

I hang up. A few minutes later, Ice texts.

Ice: We’re on our way up.

I get up and remove every sign of me, then move into the bedroom and close the door. A few minutes pass before I hear her.

“The skyline was so beautiful. Now I can cross New York off my list.” She sounds happy.

“How many are on your list? And how many skylines have you seen?” Ice asks, just as my phone pings.

Ice: We’re alone.

“I have…” she starts, counting on her fingers.

I open the bedroom door.