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Elio nods, his expression softening. “Of course. I’m sure they’re fine, but I’ll keep an eye out.”
I try to push my concerns aside as we eat lunch, but I can’t shake the feeling that something might be off with our two friends.
51
ELIO
Istride into the den, the air thick with smoke and the clink of glasses. Spotting Tyler at the bar, I approach him, clapping him on the shoulder.
“Ty, you seen Maeve or Emily around? Camila’s worried about them.”
Tyler takes a swig of his beer and shakes his head. “Nah, man, Diego, Andrei, and Zane have been keeping Maeve occupied, if you know what I mean.” He winks.
I raise an eyebrow. “And Emily?”
“It’s the same deal with Nico, Gunner, and Tiernan. Those boys are insatiable,” Tyler chuckles.
I lean against the bar, processing this information. It’s not surprising, given the reputation of the men who Dimitry Sokolov has inducted into the fold. Still, I can’t help feeling concerned for Camila’s friends.
“Well, as long as they’re not in any trouble. Camila’s been stressing about it.”
Tyler nods, a smirk playing on his lips. “Oh, I’m sure they’re handling themselves just fine. Those girls know how to play the game.”
We share a knowing look, the unspoken understanding of the Nexus hanging between us. It’s a life of power, pleasure, and danger that Camila is still learning to navigate.
“Speaking of handling themselves, how’s your little princess doing?” Tyler asks, his tone suggestive.
I feel a surge of possessiveness at the mention of Camila. “She’s doing just fine, Ty. What about your girl. Lucia, isn’t it?”
Tyler’s smirk widens at the mention of Lucia. “She’s a firecracker, that one. Keeps us on our toes.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “I bet she does. You always did like a challenge.”
Tyler’s eyes gleam with mischief. “What can I say? I’ve got a type.”
I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “And that type wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain Nico Bianchi, would it?”
Tyler’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Elio.”
I hold up my hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m just calling it like I see it. You and Nico have had this rivalry going on for years. It’s no coincidence you picked his sister to play with.”
Tyler takes another swig of his beer, his gaze hardening. “I picked her because she’s hot and knows how to have a good time.”
I raise an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Sure, Ty. Whatever you say.”
The tension between us is palpable, the unspoken history of Tyler and Nico’s rivalry hanging in the air. I know there’s more to the story than he lets on, but I’m not about to push the issue. In the world of the Nexus, some secrets are best left buried.
“Just be careful. Nico’s not someone you want to piss off.” I clap Tyler on the shoulder, my tone warning.
Tyler scoffs, his bravado returning. “I can handle Nico. And Lucia. Don’t you worry about me, Elio.”
I nod, knowing there’s no point in arguing. Tyler’s always been the type to learn things the hard way. I just hope he doesn’t get in over his head this time.
I chuck back the rest of my drink, pushing off the bar. “I better get back to Camila and let her know her friends are alright.”
Tyler nods, raising his glass in salute. “You do that, man. And tell her not to worry.”
With a final nod, I exit the den, my mind already back on Camila and how to reassure her. In this world, loyalty and protection are everything - and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
