Page 111 of Perfect Liar

“Thank God,” I breathed.

Thomas came back to the stairwell and held open the door.

“It’s clear…move inside,” he shouted.

Everyone huddled in the center of the corridor.

Ethan talked on his phone again, but then quickly disconnected the call.

“Everyone, listen up. An explosive device detonated on the rooftop. The second one made it onto the terrace. Currently, no one can get in or out. Other guests were evacuated. No injuries reported. I’ve delayed them from contacting the police, but neighboring establishments might have already, so we don’t have much time to act independently.”

Ethan shifted his eyes to Will, and the two shared a dark, knowing look.

When Ethan jerked his head at Will to pull him aside for a separate conversation, Ben and Thomas stepped in close to me.

I heard only parts of their exchange when their voices were raised.

Ethan palmed Will’s shoulder.

“You need to decide now, brother.”

Will nodded as he stared back at me.

“You know me, Ethan—I’ll find them. With or without your help, those motherfuckers are dead.”

The reality of what had happened and what was to come began to sink into my horrified, confused mind. I cried out for Will, and he immediately took me back into his arms.

“You can’t fall apart on me, Elle. I won’t let them get to you. No one can take you from me.”

I felt it then, the vibration deep within him. His calm before his storm.

Still meeting his eyes, I nodded.

We’d chosen this path together, and I trusted him. I trusted the raging emotion inside him that had become my lifeline.

I’m strong. I can be stronger.

“How many?” Will asked Ethan.

“Five that we could see on camera. Our team caught the movement and locked down before anyone got inside. If this is what you want, to go out there and fight, you must trust either Thomas or Ben to protect her.”

Will tightened his arms around me. He would stay if I pleaded with him. He would choose me.

The truth was sometimes so hard to see, but Will’s truth was always clear to me. Every piece of his life was an all-or-nothing decision for him. No gray, no space existed between all or nothing, and his resolve never faltered. I knew he’d choose me for that very reason, knew he’d destroy the moon for me…because I was one of his alls.

But I also understood he had to be in the fight. For his own sake, he needed to be the one who made it safe for me. And I needed his brothers to keep him safe. So I lifted my chin higher, absorbing his strength to power my own.

“Ben. I’ll stay with Ben. Thomas must be with you,” I said.

The corner of his mouth twitched as he pushed hair behind my ear again. He understood every thought I’d just had. Then his expression became stern.

“You will do exactly as Ben says, and I want to hear you say the words.”

“Yes, I’ll listen to Ben,” I promised.

Will then quickly went into our room and came back out wearing jeans. He held two weapons—one of his daggers and a handgun. I’d had no idea he packed them.

I wondered how they would conceal their weapons and how the whole thing would play out with law enforcement. Were armed officers from Scotland Yard on the way? Would they mistake Will and his brothers for terrorists?