“Ambitious,” Nolan says. “I approve.”
“We’re not there yet,” Damian says. “Tonight, we contain. Tomorrow, we strategize. In the meantime, Ava does not find out anyone followed Riley home.”
Nolan lifts a brow.
“Because if she does,” he says, “she’ll put herself in front of the bullet.”
“Exactly,” Damian says. “And I’m not losing her because she thinks she’s a better shield than I am.”
Adrian shifts.
“There’s something else,” he says. “Joaquin said ‘debt.’ Not ‘grudge,’ not ‘job.’ He thinks Valen is collecting on something you owe.”
Damian’s lips press together.
“Valen thinks everything is a ledger,” he says. “His father’s, mine, Vince’s. He’s building mythology to justify what he was going to do anyway. He wants me reactive. I won’t give him that.”
Nolan studies him.
“You sure?” h
