His Adam’s apple moved hard as he swallowed. His eyes narrowed on me as shock washed over him. Maybe a little guilt. I hoped so, at least. He needed to understand the consequences of his actions in associating with men like Daniel and Jamie.

“I had no idea the men you were trying to steal a car with also happened to work with Daniel and Jamie, or that you’d be at that rave. It’s all just a wild coincidence.” I stopped walking and set my hands on the breakfast bar counter separating us. “Or you could say it was fate. Because we met, and then I was there to have your six, so you didn’t die.” My chest ached at that last word, at how close he really had been to death.

He lowered his arms, and with it his guard, his hands falling to his lap.

“Now that I’ve told you my side of the story,” I bit out, the pain of remembering I could’ve lost him sinking deep into my bones all over again, “I’d say it’s your turn to tell me yours.”

20. Constantine

Chapter 20

Constantine

“Lennon and Jamie’s last name, what is it?” I asked when he’d kept quiet, slowly eroding what was left of my patience. You almost died. I almost lost you. Those words kept spiraling in my head, and I’d snap if I didn’t hit stop on my thoughts and right damn quick.

He rested his palms on the counter and released a deep breath. A lock of his dark hair fell across his face, and he didn’t bother to brush it away.

You need a haircut. I shook my head at that thought, and while waiting for him to breach the quiet and answer me, I took out my phone. I needed to relay everything he said to Izzy in case it helped with her research into Jamie’s crew.

“Kelly. That’s their last name.”

My brows shot up, not because he’d finally been honest, but at the familiarity of that name. “Any relation to Dylan Kelly?”

He finally made eye contact, and he nodded. “That’s Lennon’s uncle on her mother’s side. He’s who she’s been living with in New York.” He added, probably assuming I’d ask, “They kept their mom’s last name.”

Now we’re getting somewhere. “And where does Jamie live?”

“He’s been staying with Dylan, too.”

“Any idea why they went to a hotel instead of back home after the rave?”

“I talked to Lennon on the phone an hour ago. She told me Jamie and Daniel felt it’d be best to lie low after what went down. Jamie asked Dylan to get them a suite at a hotel.”

“Dylan with them, too?” I texted my sister, then looked up at him, checking his eyes for a lie.