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For a moment, I expect an argument or a lecture. Maybe even Conor throwing me over his shoulder and locking me in the bedroom. Instead, he nods. The tension in his jaw is the only indication that he dislikes my decision. Leaning forward, he presses a gentle kiss to my forehead.

“Everyone is meeting here at five to go over the plan.”

I blink.

“You have a plan?”

The question is out before I can stop it. Of course, they have a plan. These people probably have plans for making coffee. Conor raises an eyebrow.

“Jaxon.”

Right, stupid question. They had a plan when they went after Henry. They had a plan when they got me out of the fighting circuit. Hell, I’m fairly certain they have contingency plans for their contingency plans.

A small smile tugs at my lips. The military would love these people. Or arrest them. Possibly both. Despite the knot forming in my stomach, some of the tension eases.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Murphy family, it’s that they don’t walk into situations unprepared.

Whatever happens tonight, I won’t be facing it alone.

Chapter 40

Conor

Five o’clock comes too soon. Jaxon and I spend the day doing very little. Lunch on the back deck. Jaxon reading while I handle coordinating with Ronan. All very domesticated. The thought would have horrified me a month ago. Having someone else in my space has never appealed to me. Ever.

People are disruptive, noisy, and demanding. Even the people I care about are generally easier to tolerate in limited doses. Yet all day I find myself seeking Jaxon out. At one point, I carry my laptop outside and set up at the table simply because that’s where he is. Not because I need anything from him. Not because we’re talking. He’s stretched out on one of the loungers with a book. I’m reviewing Ronan’s reports.

Every time I look up, I know exactly where he is. Sometimes he’s reading. Sometimes he’s asleep. Once, I catch him watching me over the top of his book. He immediately looks away, as though he’d been caught doing something inappropriate. I pretend not to notice. The behavior repeats three more times throughout the afternoon. Endearing.

Another word I never expected to apply to another human being. The strange thing is that being around him doesn’t feel intrusive. It doesn’t feel like work. It doesn’t even feel unusual anymore. As though my brain has already accepted his presence as a permanent variable. The realization should concern me. Instead, I find myself wondering if he’ll want to sit out here again tomorrow.

A car pulls through the front gates. Then another. The sound drags me from my thoughts. Five o’clock. Reality has arrived.

Jaxon helps Colton set the table while Mom unpacks the sandwiches. Nothing heavy, just enough food to keep everyone occupied while we discuss business. Colton is in the middle of explaining the horrors of potty training. Apparently, children are capable of weaponizing bodily functions. The conversation is far more detailed than I ever needed it to be.

Jaxon listens to every word. Most people would be looking for an escape route by now. Instead, he asks questions. Actual questions. The kind that suggests he’s genuinely interested in the answer. I find myself watching him. His attention never wavers.

The corner of his mouth lifts when Colton describes one particularly disastrous incident involving Ollie and an expensive rug. But it’s something else that catches my attention.

Every time Colton talks about Ollie, Jaxon’s expression changes. Only slightly. A fraction of a second, and then it’s gone. I don’t know what it means.

Across the table, Ronan sits with his laptop open and a small tablet propped beside it. Every minute or so, his eyes flick toward the screen. Then back to his work. Then back again.

“What’s with the tablet?” I ask.

Ronan doesn’t even look up. “Xavier and Jess are babysitting.”

I wait. Ronan finally glances up. “And?”

“And I have the live feed on the tablet.”

I stare at him. He stares back.

“Ronan.”

“What?”

“You realize that’s insane.”