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“I’m afraid so.”
“They’ll never give up,” I murmur, my gaze lowering.
Of all the fucked-up things in this world they could do, they continue to choose one of the worst.
They all deserve a special place in Hell.
I just hope that day comes sooner rather than later.
Vin stands, pressing his palms to the desk as he glances between us with excitement in his eyes. “When the time is right, I want to destroy it.”
“And when will that be?” I ask.
He taps the side of his head. “I’ll know.”
“Okay.” Leo nods. “And will you ever let us know who this informant of yours is?”
“When the time is right,” he answers, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Leo mutters something under his breath before rolling his eyes.
“Alright.” Eli straightens, setting his coffee on the windowsill. He crosses his arms over his chest, looking every part the former Navy SEAL. “Well, when the time is right, we’ll be ready.” He pauses, scratching his chin. “But there is something I’ve been wondering.” He looks around at the others before his gaze lands on Vin. “What’s your final move to end this war once and for all?”
Vin looks over to the corner of his office where his chessboard resides. “You know, the funny thing about chess is you think the game ends with the final move.” A wicked smile grows across his face. “But only a few know that’s when the game has just begun.”
Chapter nine
Charlotte
My hands smooth over the skirt of my white floral dress as panic tightens around my ribs. My heart beats so fast I can feel it in my throat, and no matter how many times I rub my palms together, they won’t stop trembling.
They’re going to hate me.
“Are you okay?”
I glance up at Alex and swallow my nerves as I get lost in his beautiful stormy-grey irises. Every time my eyes take him in, I find my heart accelerating for a completely different reason than fear. Proven a few days ago when he stood in the kitchen with nothing on but grey sweatpants, a sculpted chest full of ink, a face full of stubble, and his glasses. No man should look that good in glasses. I internally shake my head at the memory, scolding myself for the unusual feeling that transpired in my core, which is exactly why I quickly busied myself with the dishes, needing to look anywhere but at him.
Concern darkens his eyes as they search my face. Clara rests against his broad chest, fighting sleep as she rubs her tiny fist against one eye with Squish tucked safely beneath her arm.
“I’m fine,” I tell him.
He arches a brow, not missing a trick.
I let out a shaky breath, wringing my fingers together. “I’m just a little worried about what they’re going to think about me…being here.”
His brows furrow. “Why?”
I tug on the sleeves of my cardigan. “I’m putting your family in danger by being here.” My gaze drops to the walkway, my foot shuffling nervously. “I would understand if my presence made them…uncomfortable, and if they want me to leave, I’d respect their wishes and—”
“No,” he says at once, his voice firm and steady, holding no room for questions. Oddly enough…it doesn’t frighten me. He slowly shakes his head. “They just want to help you.”
“They do?” I can’t understand why.
He nods. “I promise you have nothing to fear from my family.”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. “If you say so.”
For a fleeting second, his eyes float to my mouth, and I watch as his throat bobs before he quickly looks away, dragging his fingers through his hair. “Besides, no one will ever get past these walls that surround our estate. Especially not after recent improvements. This is the safest place you could be.” He leads the way up the front steps, reaching the massive door of his mother’s house, and holds it open, gesturing for me to enter first.
