So, Jason had either been so fearful of prison life and what it held in store for him that he’d offed himself. Or Damon, who Micah imagined had connections everywhere – even on the police force – had ordered a hit.

Either way, it occurred to Micah that everything he’d done by making that 9-1-1 call – blowing up his life, risking his reputation at work, worrying his father, utterly destroying his relationship with Damon – had all been for nothing.

Feeling the beginnings of a panic attack brewing, Micah put down his ice cream and dug the heels of his palms into his eyes, telling himself to just breathe.

You’d probably be better off right now if you had just allowed Jason to kill you.

It was a horrible, selfish thought – and Micah didn’t truly believe it – but he allowed himself to experience it fully, let the anguish and melancholy that powered it wash over him – before letting it go.

“I think you should stay with me for a while.”

Micah stiffened. Consumed by his spiraling thoughts, he’d forgotten for a moment that Tessa was still there. Regardless, he didn’t have to think about it long before giving her an answer. “No.”

Tessa frowned, and recognizing the stubborn tilt to her chin, Micah braced himself for a fight. “But what if it was one of Damon’s cronies that got to Vitali? What if-?”

“Even if it was,” Micah interrupted, knowing exactly where she was going with this, “Damon would never hurt me.”

It was something Micah clung to – something he knew to be true deep down in his gut even as he’d watched the man wipe himself of emotion and walk away from him four days ago.

“You can’t possibly know that,” Tessa argued. “And even if you’re right, and Damon wouldn’t lay a hand on you, it doesn’t mean his associates would have the same qualms. You’ve told me how temperamental his sisters are, how his uncle threatened you at that gala. Are you really so sure they won’t come for you?”

Micah allowed his gaze to flitter to the floor, knowing he didn’t have a sufficient answer – because while he knew with his entire being that Damon would never hurt him, he wasn’t sure if the man had enough residual fondness left in him to stop Joelle, or Caprice, or Marco from seeking revenge if they were so inclined.

His lack of answer was telling, but Micah must have been doing a passable impression of a kicked puppy, because Tessa sighed. “It’s not just that,” she said. “I’m worried about you. It’s not healthy for you to be cooped up here alone all day, brooding and miserable.”

“Your only spare room is the nursery. You can’t dismantle that for me. The babies could be coming any day.”