Page 173 of Trapped Truth

Grunting, Hyland clicks on the turn indicator to enter our quiet, tree-lined street. “Like he isn’t tracking our phones.”

“I’d be mad if he wasn’t,” Tom mutters.

“You know the over-protective big brother act is going to get old one day, right? I’m thirty-two years old.”

“You could be ninety-two, and I’d still be concerned, trouble. It’s kinda my job.”

“Worry about yourself and that fiancé of yours, big bro.”

He rolls his eyes. “Jamie’s fine now that he has a ring, thanks.”

“Better get started on the wedding planning then.”

“Nope, that’s all his domain. I’m only signing off the cheques.”

“Smart man.” Hyland’s blonde ponytail bobs when he nods.

“Hey!” I glare at him.

“What? Sounds like the best policy to me. It’s what I would do.”

“You’re not engaged, Hy.”

“Not yet.” He shoots me a filthy wink. “I’ve still got time.”

“None of that.” Unclipping his seatbelt, Tom pulls a sour face. “I’ve barely wrapped my head around four men dating my baby sister. I’m not about to walk her down the aisle too.”

“Nah.” I wave my hand. “You’ve gotta go first.”

When Tom hops from the SUV and slams the door harder than necessary, we burst into laughter. As Hyland rubs a hand over his face, I crane over the centre console to push it aside so I can peck his open lips.

Seeing them in the crowd while I fought my opponent felt like a full circle moment. They were beaming and proud. Not watching 768. Not a captive. But me—Ember Lawson. Girlfriend. Survivor. Soon-to-be ex-agent.

That’s right.

With Nolan Madden’s life-long conviction looming, I’ve handed in my notice at Sabre Security. It was a lengthy conversation with the directors, but ultimately, the decision feels right. The company saved my life. It gave me purpose when I had nothing after I came home.

Now I have everything.

And I want to enjoy every minute of it.

We split apart when my passenger door opens, unveiling Axel’s maniacal grin. In messy spikes, his newly redyed amethyst hair casts shadows over his face, while his latest selection of graphic tees is bordering on the sociopathic.

Today’s multicoloured choice is no exception. I can’t go to hell, Satan has a restraining order against me. I’m sure that raised some eyebrows among the rich and powerful donating to our cause today. No doubt he enjoyed causing some chaos.

“We have a surprise for you!”

“What is it?” I eye him suspiciously.

“Come inside and see, dimples.”

“Hyland?”

“Nope.” He climbs from the driver’s seat. “You’re not getting it out of me either.”

“Ugh, I hate surprises.”

“Not possible.” Axel yanks me from the car, only narrowly avoiding dislocating my arms. “Hurry up!”