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I nodded. “Now stay here and I’ll check it out.”

She scoffed, perfectly shaped brows scrunching together. “Okay, caveman.” She eyed me in disbelief. “I’m going with you.”

“No, you’re not.” I gripped her arm tighter, pulling her back. “You’re staying.”

“I’m going with you, or you’re coming with me.” She yanked herself free and hurried toward the stairs, making me inaudibly groan. Oh, for fuck’s sake.

When we reached the top of the stairs I grabbed her arm, pulling her behind me. Thankfully, she didn’t fight it.

Quietly, we made our way downstairs and when we reached the kitchen I extended my arm, stopping and keeping her behind me.

Steadily, I stepped inside but the sound of her bare feet slipped by me and she charged forward, whacking the intruder on his head a couple times and my eyes widened.

“Nirah!” I hurried forward, grabbing and lifting her off the ground. Cesar.

“Ow,” he groaned, lifting his hand to caress the back of his head and Nirah gasped, dropping the bat to the floor with a clank and both her hands slammed against her mouth.

“Cesar!” she uttered in disbelief and I lowered my gun, my disapproving eyes landing on him. “I’m so sorry, oh my— Cesar, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, miss Nirah.” He gave his head a slight shake.

“What the fuck are you doing?” I snapped and with open arms, Nirah hurried toward him apologetically but he stepped back, glancing away from her.

Her steps slowed, and her arms fell. “Right,” she murmured, her shoulders slouching. “Sorry.”

“Go to bed, Nirah.” I dropped my gun on the island and with a heavy inhale she stared up at Cesar in defeat before stepping back and brushing past me.

Cesar’s eyes fell shut, the slight tick in his jaw appearing. I knew he grew fond of her. Her betrayal affected him just as much as it did me, and he wanted to hate her for it, but he couldn’t.

“What did you find out?” I folded my arms over my chest and he headed over to his laptop position on the counter.

“Good news.” His fingers moved across the keyboard and I stopped at his side. “Nereus was shaking the hand of Isamu Fujimura because they had a deal. Isamu had to smuggle 3.4 million dollars worth of diamonds into Las Vegas, and with Nereus already having gotten comfortable,” he bitterly said. “He agreed to help smuggle it in. And in return, Isamu would offer the twins protection.”

“If Nereus was such an asset, why give up his allegiance?” I looked over at him.

“That’s the good news.” He almost grinned. “Isamu found out the real reason why the twins needed protection, and when all fingers pointed to you, he called his men off. Let’s just say, he understood that you’d do anything to get her back, and he didn’t need the unnecessary bloodshed. He’s fond of his men.”

“He’s smarter than I thought then,” I said and Cesar chuckled.

“But, to be safe, I still think we should take precautionary measures.”

I nodded. “We will. Now get some rest.”

“Yes sir,” he sighed, shutting his laptop and I turned, grabbing my gun before heading upstairs.

I ran a frustrated hand down my face, annoyed by the fact that the twins could possibly get me involved with the yakuza. I had stayed away from them all these years for good reason, but of course, Nirah Joy is the reason why that could be fucked.

As soon as I pushed my bedroom door open I froze in the doorway, a familiarly soft scent hitting me. Hair tied into a messy bun caught my eye on the other side of my bed.

It seemed as though she was digging around in the drawers on my nightstand. She quietly closed it before sighing in frustration.

I shut my bedroom door, not taking my eyes off her and she bolted upright.

“Oh.” She nervously smiled. “This isn’t my room…” She glanced around, stepping out. “Haven’t been here in years, I just got lost.” She shrugged and I slowly nodded.

“Get in the bed, Nirah.” I motioned my gun and her eyes widened.

“What?”