540 A Lock and a Warning


(Mia)

The key doesn't turn.

I frown, twisting it harder, but the lock won't budge. I jiggle it, my pulse kicking up.

What the hell?

I step back, staring at the door of Cass's old apartment like it's personally betrayed me. She left here months ago, so there's no reason she should've changed the locks.

I know she's back in Brussels now and as far as I can see she never came near the place while she was back.

Unless she somehow knows I've been using it. Maybe Gus found out and tipped her off.

A chill creeps down my spine, but I shove it down. It's coincidence.

This is probably just a landlord thing. A random maintenance update.

But still. I know how this looks. I know how it will look to grandfather and I'm meeting him here before he leaves this city.

Behind me, footsteps echo through the dimly lit hallway. Slow. Measured. Unhurried.

I don't have to turn around to know who it is.

"Problem, mija?"

Don Alejandro's voice slides over me like oil-smooth, but suffocating.

I inhale slowly, plastering on a calm expression before facing him. He looks the same as always-immaculate suit, sharp eyes, the kind of presence that fills a room without trying. "Locks have been changed," I say, slipping the key back into my purse. "I guess it was inevitable."

His gaze flicks to the door, then back to me, unreadable. "Interesting."

elaborate, but he doesn't. I hate his silence. It's far more dangerous than his

I'll find another place for us

behind his back. "No need. I'm leaving this city. I

myself from exhaling in

the locks changed?" he

hold his gaze. "Possible but why would she do that now,

"Exactly."

"Coincidences happen."

He studies me for a long moment, then exhales as if disappointed. "You should have learned by now-coincidences are a fool's comfort. I don't believe in them." A chill snakes down my

holds the answer. "That

"How?"

in here. Maybe someone else told her.

He never sounds like

created. A web loyal to him because to not be, means death for you and for anyone close to you. If you

of sleepers who are ready to do his bidding. Kids picked off the streets who have a better life now. Kids who've

curve, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "You always were clever, Mia. And yet, you don't seem to want to consider the possibility that your

the door again. "It could be a routine

she knows exactly what you've been using this place for. Perhaps... you are

keys back into my

and deliberate. "If Cass does know anything... I'll find out and

that happen, but I

think

a girl who has no loyalty to you. Tell me, Mia, do you believe she would do the

don't have to. I know

my arm. It's meant to

and

is truly your friend. Not really. Blood is stronger. Family is everything. You know I will look out for you," he murmurs. "Just astalways

nod, swallowing past

me, still assessing every flicker of hesitation. "I have someone near her in Brussels," he says

too big for their

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