He hadn’t intended it, but I heard the rebuke, nonetheless.

Kayla had seen those things because of me.

The truth of his words was like a knife to the heart. But I couldn’t be angry at Narek for pointing out what I myself knew, even if I wanted to deny it.

Besides, getting angry at him for telling me what I should have known would only be a distraction.

Kayla didn’t have time for those.

I forced my focus back to the matter at hand.

“And you think my father intends to harm her?”

Narek just huffed, but no other response was necessary. Then he said, “I’m glad you thought of coming here first.”

I let out a laugh devoid of humor. “Should I be upset that you find me so predictable?”

He shrugged again.

“If you figured out where he’s keeping her, coming here is the logical step,” he said.

I didn’t respond this time either and instead went deeper into the house.

The living room was furnished with cheap furniture but still seemed like a place a person might live.

That facade ended at the first bedroom.

The door was heavy steel and locked with another keypad, and the code to this one was different than the front door.

I punched the numbers in, then muttered an oath when the light flashed red.

Fucking Davit and his codes.

I stood still, trying to remember the correct code. One more wrong entry and the door would lock until Davit personally came to open it.

So there was no time for fuckups.

But before I could try again, Narek reached over my shoulder and keyed in the numbers.

The light flashed green and there was a slight hiss as the air-compressed lock released.

I was too fucking proud to thank Narek, so I didn’t and instead walked into the room.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Narek said.

I huffed, knowing Narek was doing what he could to keep me focused, and appreciating him for it.

“I guess, if you’re a psycho with OCD,” I said.

Narek laughed. “Your brother designed it,” he said.

“My point exactly,” I responded.

But Narek was onto something. I wouldn’t call it beautiful. After all, nine six-foot metal shelves lined in neat rows of three along the walls, each stacked with every weapon one could possibly conceive of, didn’t evoke the warm fuzzies. But I appreciated how orderly everything was laid out.

The organization made it easy for me to grab what I needed but hoped I wouldn’t have to use. I stepped inside, the padded fire-suppressing material on the floor muffling almost all sound. Three handguns with extra ammo, two knives, and brass knuckles just because later, I turned to face Narek.

“What’s your interest in Kayla?”

“Interest?” he said, his brows furrowed like he was confused.

Which he wasn’t.