Gabe nodded in agreement, and Saff let out a long sigh then started mapping out the details of our plan. In addition, we would establish multiple safe houses around the area in case things went south during the exchange.
We discussed every angle and detail, ensuring we had accounted for every possibility before finally agreeing on our course of action. Now, all that was left was to execute it perfectly – or risk failing against one of the world’s most powerful criminals.
We all looked at each other in the silence of the control room. I knew that if I said yes, it meant we would be going after him without Daphne.
Firmly, I said, "This is our best chance of apprehending Massimo and wiping out the Syndicate once and for all."
The truth was, I was terrified of what would happen if I didn't let Daphne in on this plan. But the idea of putting her in danger again, of seeing her hurt, was too much to bear. I had made my decision. I would keep her safe, even if it meant going through this alone.
Lachlan chimed in, his voice calm and steady. "All right, we've got the fake ledger ready. We need to find a way to make Massimo think he's getting the real deal."
Gabe grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Leave that to me. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve that'll make him believe he's hit the jackpot."
Saff nodded, her expression serious. "Once we have him, we need to make sure he can't escape. He's slippery, and we can't afford any mistakes."
We spent hours poring over the details of our plan, refining every aspect to ensure it was foolproof. We knew we only had one shot at this, and we couldn't afford to fail. The stakes were too high, not just for Daphne, but for all of us.
As the night wore on, the storm outside intensified, and lightning illuminated the room in brief, brilliant flashes. The tension in the air was palpable, each of us acutely aware of the danger we were about to face.
Finally, Saff stood up, signaling the end of our planning session. "All right, team. We've got our plan. Now it's time to execute it. Remember, this isn't just about taking down Massimo. It's about protecting the people we care about and ensuring that they can live their lives without fear."
I nodded, my resolve steeling itself. "Let's finish this.”
42
Daphne
I knew this was coming. Still, I was foolish enough to think maybe, just maybe, I could change the inevitable. That I could put this off. He was leaving. After everything, he was leaving me. Walking away. I'd thought if we could just connect and he could feel that I was okay, that I was still here, he wouldn't leave. But that was just wishful thinking.
I watched as he packed his bags, folding each shirt with precise movements. His back was rigid, his face stoic. He didn't look at me or say a word. The silence was overwhelming, suffocating. I wanted to scream, to beg him to stay, to tell him how much I needed him. But my voice was caught in my throat, my body frozen. All I could do was watch.
As he finished packing, he turned to me. His gaze was cold, emotionless. My heart sank. I knew what was coming next.
When he met my gaze with those eyes that had seen more of the world than I could ever imagine, I saw unshed tears there. And it wasn't the wonders of the world he'd seen, but the dark, dangerous underbelly most people didn't even know existed. He'd barreled into my life, bringing the shadows with him.
But then the unexpected had happened. Together we'd created a place devoid of shadows.
"I need to go. You'll be safe here. Reginald will make sure you are safe . If something goes wrong, he'll keep you protected."
My heart was cracking in two. Why couldn't he see that? The gentle glow from the dimmed lights softened his rugged features. God, he looked good. Annoyingly good. “So you're just making this choice. You are deciding for me because you think I can't possibly choose for myself.”
He sighed. “Don't do this Daphne. You know why I have to do this.”
"I thought you said I was yours," I whispered, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.
His eyes flickered, and I saw a shadow of regret. But then it was gone, replaced by that infuriating spy stoicism. He shrugged, a gesture so dismissive it was like a slap to the face. "Well, it's like you said at the beginning, love. I'm a liar."
My heart clenched. "Drake, we've been through so much. I can't just let it go."
His face softened for a moment, and he looked away, clearly at war with himself. "You were shot, Daphne. Because of me. I can't… I won't let that happen again."
God, he was so noble. It would've been endearing if it wasn't so damn infuriating. My life, my choices, and here he was deciding what was best for me.
"Who do you think you are, Drake, my savior?" I shot back, anger and frustration rolling off me. "I knew what I signed up for."
But he was adamant, shaking his head. "It's not your fight, Daphne."
“Whose fight is it if it isn't mine? This man stalked me, terrorized me, threatened my family, chased me, shot at me, twice actually, and you're telling me this isn't my fight. You realize that's ridiculous, right? I’ve never had a dad, and I don't need one now. You cannot make this choice. We make these decisions together.”
“You see, that's where you're wrong. Only one of us has been killing people efficiently for the majority of their adult life. So that person gets to make all the decisions. You might not like them, but you have to deal with them. You're not listening, Daphne. This is a done deal. It’s a fight you can't win. You’ll stay here where you’re safe. I can't do what I need to do if I'm worried about you.”
“And what if I'm worried about you?”
He shook his head. “Doesn't matter. I'm still going, so don't make this any harder than it needs to be. This whole thing between us, it's an infatuation. You only think you're in love with me. None of it was real. Now let me do my goddamn job.”
My heart cracked in two at his words. I only thought I was in love with him? After everything we've been through? Wasn't that the bloody point of all this? We were supposed to be a team. But here he was, doing the exact thing we promised each other we wouldn't do… going rogue.
I watched as he moved toward the door, my protests and pleas bouncing off him like bullets off a Kevlar vest. He paused at the doorway, his back to me. "Get as far away from this life as you can. When this is all over, forget you ever met me."
Then he was gone, leaving me alone in my bungalow on the Rogues campus. The silence left in his wake was deafening. But hey, who needs a symphony of heartbreak when you've got the symphony of betrayal on repeat, right?
Damn it, Drake. You were supposed to be the good guy.
43
Daphne
My heart was still hammering in my chest as I entered Saffron's office. You know that sinking feeling you get when your favorite TV show ends with a cliffhanger and you have to wait for the next season? Yeah, it felt like that, only a hundred times worse. Except my cliffhanger was Drake striding out of my life like he was late for a hot date with espionage.