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“So, it’s still true?” My attention snaps to Alec as Mav asks the question. “We’re free and clear?”
“One hundred percent. Once you walk out of this building, as long as you uphold our terms, you’ve got a clean slate.”
A wave of relief washes over me at his confirmation.
“And him?” Mav gestures to the chair where Lucian’s whimpering behind his gag.
“I told you, as of midnight, the Devoreauxs ceased to exist. Elliot, his wife, and Luc’s siblings have already been gifted their new identities and are on their way to their new lives. His parents were informed their children’s placements would be different from theirs. It was also explained that to protect them as they transition into WITSEC, there would be no contact permitted within the first year. You do your due diligence in disposing of the body, this will never blow back on you.”
Lucian’s whimpers escalate into full blown sobs as he begins thrashing about, refusing to quiet until Kellerman approaches him, striking him square in his jaw.
“So,” Enzo interjects, “if you have no further questions, I will bid you farewell.”
“Wait!” Mav calls out. “Years ago, when Yuri was hell-bent on coming for me, why’d you stop it? Why’d you protect me?”
Shit. Here we go.
“Initially?” Enzo asks, his eyes shifting between us. “Nick paid me.”
Shoving my hands in my pockets, I stare off to the opposite side of the room in an effort to avoid his gaze.
“Fifteen percent of his entire operation to issue the protection order.”
I can feel the heat of Mav’s stare burning into the side of my face, though I refuse to look at him. I’m not trying to have this conversation with an audience.
“I’ve enjoyed watching you both grow.” Enzo approaches Mav, clapping him on the shoulder. “As much as I’m going to miss you, I’m happy you both are out. The potential you two possess is too great to be wasted in this life. Also, you never gave me up. On top of everything else, you’re both loyal to the end.”
I breathe a silent sigh of overwhelming relief that he is supportive of our retirement. It will make the transition that much smoother.
“You ever need anything, you say the word.” And on that note, Enzo exits the basement.
The silence stretches on in his absence as the intensity of Mav’s gaze finds me once more. It’s unnerving, the awkward sensation invoking an extreme sense of discomfort under the weight of his attention.
“What?” I snap, shuffling my feet.
“You paid to protect me. After everything that went down. Why would you do that?”
“You did it for me.” I shrug.
“I picked up a contract. You handed over a portion of your business. It’s not the same. Why, Nick?”
I briefly consider lying, brushing off the whole thing and saying I did it for J. However, I’m currently dealing with a wife who’s questioning the extent of my love for her because I’ve spent years downplaying the truth. So, in the spirit of being forthcoming moving forward, I decide to just put it out there.
Well, damn. I guess we’re doing this right now, then.
“Because this is us, Mav. It’s what we do. We scream, we fight, we occasionally shoot each other… but we’re brothers. We can pull this ‘I hate you’ shit all we want, we can pretend any truce is all because of J… but whenever we needed it, whenever it’s counted, we’ve been there for each other. That means something to me.”
The asshole’s pulling me in for a hug before I’m able to register his intentions, though I surprise myself even more when I realize I’m hugging him back with considerable force. It’s surprisingly… comforting.
Kellerman interrupts the moment with a clearing of his throat, reminding us of his presence and causing us to break apart. “All right boys, before you start braiding one another’s hair, I just want to make sure we understand one another. He can never be found.” He points to Lucian, who’s practically pissing himself. “I can’t protect you if he is.”
Crossing my arms overtop my chest, I stare down at him with a sense of smug satisfaction. I would love nothing more than to crack open this fucker’s skull. Though, while my desire for blood lust is great, my love for Daphne is more. As I stand, I’m free and clear. Kellerman was already here when we arrived. I can’t trust he didn’t plant some kind of a camera down here looking to gain leverage to use at a later time. It just isn’t worth the risk.
“Honestly, Alec, while I appreciate the gesture, offing that piece of shit in the presence of a federal agent is a little brazen, even for me. No offense.”
Kellerman then offers the honors to Mav, who also politely refuses. I’m forced to watch as Lucian visibly relaxes at the realization he’s going to get to walk after all. Prick.
“I’m actually going to miss you guys, if you can believe that.” Alec smiles as he offers the sentiment.
