I think about the stories I’ve heard over the years—people who tried to leave the organization and ended up dead. There was that one man who tried to walk away, only to be found in a car accident that was anything but accidental. Another person, a woman who tried to go public with what she knew, was found dead under mysterious circumstances, her death was ruled a suicide but with too many unanswered questions. And then there was the high-profile case of someone who simplyvanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling reminder of the consequences of crossing The Assembly.
The danger isn’t just a vague threat; it’s real and tangible, and it feels like a shadow that’s always lurking just out of sight.
Jack frowns. “We’ll figure it out, baby. I promise. But first, let’s get through breakfast, okay? We both need to eat and rest before whatever comes next.”
I manage a smile, appreciating the steadiness in his voice. “Okay.”
We finish our meal in silence except for Sienna banging her hands against her seat and giggling. Jack keeps a close eye on both of us, his protective instincts seemingly on high alert, the anxious energy in the room evidence that I’m not the only one feeling somewhat at a loss here. It would be nice to know what my dad’s people want withme, if that’s even what’s happening here.
There are so many unanswered questions.
So much speculation on my part, and I am certain this will be what drives me insane.
As much as I distanced myself from my parents over the years, apparently it wasn’t enough.
After breakfast, we clear the table and wash the dishes together. I can’t shake the nagging worry.
“Thank you,” I voice from my spot next to him at the sink, hand-drying the last of the plates.
He turns to face me, takes the plate from my hand, and lays it on the counter along with the damp dish towel. “I’ve got you.” He pulls my body flush against his, and I go lax.
I nod. I kind of want to cry.
The sun climbs higher in the sky outside the window, and Sienna squeals from her highchair ready to be released from her confines.
I slowly pull away from him, standing on my tiptoes to place a kiss on the edge of his jaw. I move to walk away, but he pulls me back. Gripping my jaw, he squishes my cheeks together and tilts my face toward his, smacking a kiss on my lips before releasing me. Butterflies take flight in my stomach at the possessive way he handles me; like I’ve belonged to him all along.
I take Sienna from her seat and carry her tray over to the sink, dropping it inside. She twists her sticky fingers in my hair, but I don’t mind. “You need a bath, cutie,” I smile down at her.
“I’ll grab her a change of clothes.” Jack kisses the top of her head and we head up the stairs together.
We make a great team and I can so easily picture us together like this every day.
As we go through the motions of the rest of the morning, I hold onto Jack’s promise. No matter what happens next, I feel confident that he meant what he said.
He has me.
I have him too.
It’s notuntil we’ve finished putting Sienna down for her nap and I’m curled up on the couch with my laptop catching up on school work before Jack brings up what Stu mentioned last night.
“I’m not sure we can be too careful,” he takes a seat next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
“Careful is my middle name,” I say absently, my attention split between what he’s saying and the words sprawled across my screen.
“Your middle name is Elise.”
I jerk my head toward him and give him a raised eyebrow. “I’m curious exactly how much you know about me that I haven’t shared.”
He kisses my forehead. “Enough. And I’m about to know more because you’re moving in with me.” His tone doesn’t leave any room for argument.
I close my laptop and toss it to the side.
I struggle to formulate a response. This is insane, but also probably not the worst idea. I’m here most of the time anyway. It's true, moving in so soon feels like jumping off a cliff without checking if there's water below, but the danger of the stalker makes it feel like a necessary risk.
The idea of having this safe place where I don’t have to constantly look over my shoulder is incredibly appealing. And if I'm honest, the thought of being here with him is definitely comforting. As much as it terrifies me, the logic starts to outweigh the fear, and I find that it’s not hard to convince myself this might actually be the right move.
He uses the crook of his finger to tip my mouth closed, then leans down to kiss me again. I am becoming addicted to the casualness of his touch, and the way his mouth feels on mine.
