“Look.” I squeeze each of their hands in mine. “I am so sorry I made you worry about me. I truly didn’t mean to, and I feel terrible about that. If I could have contacted you, I would have. I’ve missed you both every single day, and it means so much to me to know that you care. But I can assure you I’m safe, and I’m not in the mafia.”

“Semantics.” Georgie rolls his eyes. “Whatever it is they call themselves these days. It’s the only thing that makes sense. Don’t insult us by lying to us.”

“I’m not trying to insult you,” I whisper. “I’m trying to protect you.”

They both frown, and I know that was the wrong thing to say. I work quickly to try to correct it.

“There’s a lot in my life you don’t know about, and I can’t explain. I wish I could, but it’s not safe for you to know these things. What I can promise you is that I’m okay here, and I just need to stay under Judge’s protection until things blow over.”

“When will that be?” Solana asks, the evidence of her hurt clearly written on her face.

I hate that I’m doing this to them. I hate that I can’t be honest with them about The Society, but it really is for their own safety. I don’t trust that Judge isn’t going to punish them if I make one wrong move.

“I don’t know just yet,” I admit. “But I swear to you, the moment I do, you’ll be the first to hear from me.”

“No.” Georgie shakes his head. “We need a line of communication with you. We aren’t leaving here until we have that.”

“We’re not waiting in the dark,” Solana agrees.

I swallow painfully, trying to figure out how I’m going to tell them that’s not possible, when Judge interrupts from behind us.

“She has a new phone,” he tells them. “You can text or call her on that number. I’ll give it to you before you leave.”

I glance back at him, my eyes searching his, but I can’t make out the motivation behind his concession. It feels too good to be true, but there is no sign of deception on his face.

“I don’t understand why she hasn’t had it this whole time,” Solana mutters. “But whatever. If you miss even one of my calls or texts, I’m coming to check on you. Let that be clear.”

Judge looks less than pleased with her threat, but he simply jerks his chin in agreement before gesturing to the dining room.

“Dinner is ready.”

6

Mercedes