But Enzo was right. Partially, at least. It wasn’t myself I was worried about. It was what my death would do to my son and Juliette. To just get me back in their lives, only to be taken from them . . .

I had no doubt we’d rescue Lennon, but something told me I’d be sacrificing my life for hers. I had a decision to make. Of course, I’d choose hers over mine. “Because that’s just the kind of man you are.” Colin’s words from yesterday echoed through my mind.

“Everything okay out here?” At Juliette’s voice, Enzo returned his shades in place, then stepped aside so I could put eyes on her.

She wasn’t alone. She had her brother with her as backup.

“I’m Lorenzo Costa. Easton, right?” Enzo made the first move, offering Easton his hand as Juliette maneuvered around their greeting to get to me.

“Are you all right?” She set her hand on my chest, where she’d find my battle-hardened heart raging beat for anxious beat.

I wrapped my hand around her wrist but couldn’t bring myself to remove her touch. “I need you to promise me something.”

She shook her head as if already knowing the question. “Absolutely not.”

“Juliette.” My shoulders fell, frustrated she was prepared to be as stubborn as Enzo.

“Nope, not happening.” She pulled her hand away, forcing me to let go of her, then faced her brother. “Easton, meet Constantine.”

I had no choice but to power through the demons trying to take me down to Hell. No way I could really be forgiven for everything I’d done, right? Too many skeletons in my closet. Too many times taking justice into my own hands.

“Hey.” Easton shook my hand, assessing me. Not sizing me up to see if I was good enough for his sister, more like he was getting the correct read on my current state of mind—FUBAR: fucked up beyond all repair.

“Hi,” I returned, a gruff breath settling between us, and I wasn’t even sure who it’d come from. “Thanks for meeting us here. For the assist today.”

“Thanks for keeping my sister and nephew safe back in New York,” he replied curtly and politely. Business as usual. Not like he was going to be my future brother-in-law.

I pulled my hand away from Easton’s calloused palm and brought it to the back of my head.

We both nodded through the awkwardness as Colin came over, saving us from more small talk. But now, with Colin out here, I’d have to look him in the eyes and promise him again I’d get Lennon back no matter what, even if that meant he’d lose me.

I’d be keeping my shades on for that conversation. “Hey, what’s up?”