EDGES WE KEEP SLIPPING FROM.

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Chapter 63– Edges We Keep Slipping From.

Zane wasn't stupid.

He knew what just happened.

He knew what Vincent almost did—what he almost did.

And he knew that next time?

There wouldn't be a step back.

Vincent could lie to himself all he wanted. Could keep pretending this wasn't happening.

But Zane?

Zane saw the way his breath hitched. Felt the way his fingers curled against him, hesitated before pulling away.

Vincent wanted him.

And the bastard knew it.

Zane exhaled sharply, forcing his focus back to the mission. Now wasn't the time to push him. Now wasn't the time to—

Vincent stopped walking.

Zane nearly ran into him.

"What—?"

Vincent raised a hand, silent.

Then—

A gunshot.

Loud. Sharp.

Too close.

"Shit," Cain hissed, pressing back against the wall. "They're here."

Zane's blood ran cold.

Lancaster's men.

They weren't just hunting them anymore.

They knew where they were.

Vincent clenched his jaw. "We have to move. Now."

Cain nodded. "Back entrance. If we're fast—"

Another shot rang out—this one closer.

Then—

A voice.

Amused. Taunting.

"Well, well. Look what we found."

Zane's breath hitched.

Because he knew that voice.

Knew it better than he wanted to.

Vincent stiffened beside him.

Cain swore.

Then—

The bastard himself stepped into view.

Jasper.

Lancaster's right-hand man.

And Zane's biggest mistake.

Jasper smirked, gun in hand, eyes flickering between them like this was some kind of game. "Miss me?"

Zane clenched his fists. "Not even a little."

Jasper tsked. "Now, that hurts." He tilted his head, eyes sharp. "You really thought you could keep running?"

Vincent shifted slightly, subtly positioning himself between Jasper and Zane.

Jasper's gaze flickered to him. "And you." He smirked. "Still protecting him, huh?"

Vincent didn't respond.

Didn't take the bait.

Just reached for his knife, slow, controlled.

Jasper grinned. "Oh, this is fun." He turned to Zane, smirk widening. "Tell me—does he know?"

Zane's breath caught.

Vincent frowned. "Know what?"

Jasper chuckled. "Oh, Zane." He sighed, shaking his head. "You really didn't tell him?"

Zane's stomach twisted.

Vincent's eyes darkened. "Zane?"

Zane couldn't look at him.

Because he knew what Jasper was doing.

He was setting the fire.

And now?

Zane had to decide whether to burn or run.

But before he could say a word—

Jasper raised his gun.

And fired.

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