Chapter 40: The Plan

Diego’s POV

“No!” I barked out harsher than I had meant to.

Katie shrunk back further into the old worn-down armchair that was discolored. Still clothed in her velvet evening gown, she looked like a queen among rags. The sight frustrated me. She shouldn't have to be hidden here in this hovel of an apartment while we jumped at ever creak of the pipes.

She shouldn’t have to feel this much fear. It only cemented my resolve to put an end to the danger swiftly so that we had a chance at what we both longed for. At least what I hope we both had longed for.

“Yes,” Marcell spoke quietly from the kitchen.

“Marcell…” I warned my cousin, my eyes boring a hole in the back of his head.

Marcell turned from the kitchen, leaning his arms across the countertop. He kept his muscles loose, trying to look less intimidating than he was. Looking back at Katie, she was looking at Marcell her eyes wide with worry, exhaustion pulling her face down.