Chapter 30

“You’re the one he’s looking for, Gideon.” He rushed on before Gideon interrupted, though he didn’t miss the way Gideon tensed. “He doesn’t know it yet, but it’s true. It’s the only way we can keep another girl from being butchered. That’s why you need to call him.”

Gideon didn’t look away. He didn’t even blink. His words when they came were so low and taut they sent a shiver down Jesse’s spine.

“You are notsuggesting I offer you up as the next attraction,” he said.

Jesse held his gaze. “Yes, I am. Because it’s the only thing that makes sense.” Gideon opened his mouth to protest, but Jesse stood, putting his hand up to stop him. “If we’re inside this, we stand a better chance of finding Lizzie, figuring out who this Xavier is, and shutting them down before they can target somebody else.”

“At the expense of putting you at the center of the risk.” Gideon’s hands balled into fists. “That’s not acceptable, Jess.”