EMILIA POV

"It's the most secure location we have," Axel argued. "Off the grid and Kane doesn't know about it."

"I'm not putting my sister alone with you," Marco said.

"She won't be alone with me," Axel said calmly. "She'll be under my protection."

"Same thing," Marco muttered.

"Actually," I interrupted, "it's my decision. And I'm going with Axel."

Both men stared at me. "Em" Marco started.

"Kane specifically threatened my family," I said. "That means you're in danger because of me. I won't be responsible for getting you killed."

"That's not how this works," Marco protested.

"That's exactly how this works," I replied. "Axel's right. His place is probably the safest option."

Marco looked like he wanted to argue further, but another text arrived on my phone.

David: I saw the news about your father. I'm flying out tomorrow. We need to talk.

"Perfect," I muttered, showing them the message. "Now David's coming."

"Who's David?" Axel asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

"Her fiancé," Marco supplied helpfully.

“Ex Fiancé” I corrected.

Axel's face went completely blank. "Ex, fiancé."

"As of yesterday," I confirmed. "Caught him cheating with my best friend."

Something dark and satisfied flickered in Axel's eyes. "Where's he staying?"

"I have no idea, and I don't care," I said firmly. "I'm not seeing him."

My phone rang again. This time, it was David calling directly.

"Don't answer it," Axel said immediately.

"I have to," I replied. "If I don't, he'll just keep calling."

I swiped to answer. "What do you want, David?"

"Em, thank god," David's voice was tight with worry. "I've been trying to reach you. I saw about your father on the news, and I booked the first flight out. I'll be there tomorrow morning."

"Don't come," I said firmly. "We have nothing to discuss."

"Baby, please. What happened between Rebecca and me was a mistake. I love you, and I want to make this right."

"There's nothing to make right," I said. "We're over, David."

"I'm not giving up on us," David said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He hung up before I could respond.

"Son of a bitch," I muttered.

"Problem?" Axel asked with deceptive calm.

"He's coming whether I want him to or not," I said. "Probably thinks he can sweep in and rescue me from my 'criminal family.'"

"Sounds like a smart man," Axel said dryly.

"Sounds like a dead man if he shows up here," Marco added grimly.

I looked between them. "You can't hurt David. He's annoying, but he's not dangerous."

"Anyone who threatens what's mine is dangerous," Axel said quietly.

"I'm not yours," I said, my voice low.

Axel stepped closer as his voice was barely audible to Marco but I could hear him, his green eyes burning into mine. "Keep telling yourself that, princess."

Marco cleared his throat loudly. "Okay, that's enough. Em, go with Axel. But I want hourly check, ins."

"Marco" I started.

"Non, negotiable," Marco said firmly. "Kane made this personal when he threatened you. Until we find what Dad hid, you're not safe anywhere public."

I nodded reluctantly. "What about the funeral tomorrow?"

"We'll figure it out in the morning," Marco said. "Right now, just focus on staying alive."

Thirty minutes later, I found myself on the back of Axel's motorcycle again, my small overnight bag strapped behind me. The ride to his place took us deep into the desert, away from town lights and civilization.

His houseif it could be called that was more like a fortified cabin tucked into a canyon between two mesas. Solar panels on the roof, generator backup, and what looked like enough security equipment to guard Fort Knox.

"Home sweet home," Axel said as we pulled up to the front door.

"It's very... isolated," I observed.

"That's the point," Axel replied, helping me off the bike. "Nobody can approach without me knowing about it."

Inside, the cabin was surprisingly comfortable. Rustic furniture, but clearly expensive. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, and through the large windows, I could see the desert stretching endlessly under a canopy of stars.

"You can take the bedroom," Axel said, carrying my bag down a short hallway. "I'll sleep on the couch."

"This is your home," I protested. "I can take the couch."

"No," Axel said firmly. "You take the bedroom."

I followed him down the hall, curious about how he lived. The bedroom was spartanly furnished but comfortable, with a large bed and an en, suite bathroom.

"There are clothes in the dresser if you need them," Axel said, setting my bag on the bed. "Towels in the bathroom."

"Whose clothes?" I asked suspiciously.

"Yours," Axel said simply.

I stared at him. "What?"

Axel looked uncomfortable for the first time all day. "I bought some things. After I heard you were coming back."

I walked to the dresser and opened the top drawer. Inside were women's clothes in my size jeans, t, shirts, underwear, all with the tags still on.

"Axel," I said quietly. "Why?"

He didn't answer immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough. "Because I never stopped hoping you'd come home."

The confession shocked me as I gasped. "I can't," I whispered.

"Can't what?" Axel asked, moving closer.

"Can't do this again. Can't let myself feel"

"Feel what?" Axel backed me against the dresser, his hands bracing on either side of me. "Say it, Em."

"Feel anything for you," I finished weakly.

Axel's smile was sharp and knowing. "Too late."

He was right, and we both knew it. Six years of careful distance evaporated every time he looked at me like that.

"This is a bad idea," I said, even as my hands came up to rest on his chest.

"Terrible idea," Axel agreed, his head dipping toward mine.

"We can't" I started.

"We shouldn't," Axel corrected. "There's a difference."

His mouth was an inch from mine when my phone rang. We sprang apart like guilty teenagers, and I fumbled for the device.

Sofia's name on the screen.

"I should take this," I said breathlessly.

"Yeah," Axel said, stepping back. "You should."

He left the room, and I answered the phone with shaking hands.

"How's the family reunion going?" Sofia asked cheerfully.

"Complicated," I said, sinking onto the bed.

"Good complicated or bad complicated?"

I looked toward the doorway where Axel had disappeared. "I honestly don't know."