Chapter 78
JACE MARINO
Steam rose off the pool in slow ribbons, curling into the warm lights overhead. Rico was trying to drown Liam with a pool noodle, Luka was laughing for the first time in days, and Julian was half-submerged, running a hand through his hair like the water was finally starting to uncoil him. Mateo didn't look away from Luka for a second. He was in the corner of the pool, shoulder barely touching Luka's back, like he needed the physical confirmation that the kid was alive.
For a split second, I let myself forget the world outside.
Then Marco appeared at the glass door.
He didn't come in right away he scanned the room first. His eyes landed on me, then flicked briefly to Mateo and Luka, then to the others. Something about his expression made my stomach go cold. He wasn't tense, not exactly, but there was a weight behind his eyes.
He opened the door and jerked his chin in a silent order.
Outside. Now.
