Chapter 29
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHASE
One Week Later
I haven't seen Tyler for a week, since he’s been home.
Between Noah's “work”, and my writing deadlines, and the constant pull of our isolated existence, I've let too much time pass.
The guilt sits heavy in my chest as I stand outside Tyler and Ivan's door, my hand raised to knock. Before I can, the door swings open.
"Chase." Tyler's face breaks into a genuine smile. "Ivan said you were coming by, I’ve missed you.”
I pull him into a hug, careful not to squeeze too hard.
But Tyler doesn't flinch. He hugs me back with surprising strength, and when we separate, I can see it, and he looks so much better, healthier.
The pallor that haunted his face for weeks is gone, replaced by color. His movements are easier, more fluid.
"You look good," I say, relief flooding through me.
"I feel good." He steps aside, gesturing me in. "Come on. Ivan's making coffee."
The house smells like espresso and baked goods. Ivan appears from the kitchen, dressed in his darkwash jeans and black henley. I notice the hickey on his neck and smile to myself. Clearly things are getting back to normal.
"Chase."
"Ivan." He hands me a cup of coffee and I follow them to the living room.
Tyler settles onto the couch with surprising ease, patting the cushion beside him.
"Sit. Tell me what's going on with you."
I sit, cradling the coffee cup. "You look like you're really recovering."
"Physical therapy is a bitch, but it's working." Tyler flexes his leg slightly. "The doctor says I'll be back to normal in another few months. No permanent damage."
"That's incredible."
"Yeah." His expression softens. "I got lucky. Thanks to Noah and Ivan I’ll never see that bastard again."
I glance at Ivan, who's leaning against the wall, watching us with that sinister stillness that reminds me so much of Noah. Ready to protect Ty at any cost.
"How is Noah?" Ivan asks, his tone casual but his interest genuine.
"He's good."
"I'm sure." Ivan's smile is knowing. "I haven't seen him since the hospital. Is he avoiding me?"
"He's not avoiding you, Ivan."
"He is. I text and he never replies." Ivan's tone is amused rather than offended. "It's fine, I understand. Noah doesn't do friendships, but I know deep down I’m his favorite."
Tyler shoots Ivan a look, then turns back to me.
"Are you okay, Chase?"
The question catches me off guard. "Yes. Why?"
"Because you look…" Tyler searches for the word. "Nervous. Has something happened?"
I take a sip of coffee, buying time. "A lot has happened."
"I know." Tyler's voice is gentle. "You don't have to explain, I just want to make sure you're okay, that you're safe. I’ll always be worried about my baby brother."
"I am, you don’t have to look out for me, Ty."
Ivan moves to sit in the armchair across from us, his coffee cup balanced elegantly in one hand. "Come on Chase, spit it out. Something has happened and you’re scared to tell Ty."
“How do you know that?” I ask, disturbed at his ability to see through people.
“You’re easy to read.”
I set down my cup. "Noah and I are planning to get a second home in Los Angeles."
Tyler's eyebrows rise. "Los Angeles?"
"Yes. We're not leaving New York permanently, we'll keep the house here. But Noah needs…space. A place to reset away from the chaos."
"The Kozlovs?" Ivan says quietly.
"And the Blackrose Saints." I lean forward slightly. "Noah needs to remain autonomous. He doesn't want to become trapped or reliant on the organization, living between cities gives him that freedom. The social thing is an issue too, he doesn’t do well being around people all of the time."
Tyler processes this, then nods slowly. "That makes sense. For Noah, I mean. He's not the type to be owned by anyone or anything."
"Except Chase," Ivan murmurs, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"That's different," I say automatically.
"Hey I’m not judging, that’s how it should be," Ivan says, and I relax again.
Tyler reaches over and squeezes my hand. "I think it's the right thing. For both of you. Noah needs space to breathe, and you need to be wherever he is."
"You're not upset?"
"Why would I be upset?" Tyler's smile is sad but genuine. "Chase, I know what you are now and I accept it. And if going to LA is what you need, then I support it."
Something tight in my chest loosens. "Thank you."
"Just promise me you'll stay in touch. Call me and always give me the heads up before you come back."
"I will. I promise."
Ivan sets down his coffee cup with a soft clink. "I, however, am devastated."
I blink. "What?"
"I'm losing my bestie." Ivan's tone is light, but there's genuine disappointment beneath it. "Noah and I were just starting to bond."
Tyler snorts. "You've seen him maybe five times in the past six months."
"Quality over quantity, sweetheart." Ivan looks at me. "Tell Noah I'll miss our stimulating conversations and butchering people."
“Ivan…” Ty sighs.
“What? Stop pretending you don’t love that side too. Did you know your brother gets jealous if anyone I hurt touches me?”
“Ivan!” Ty shouts, his face turning scarlet.
“Ty…and here you are questioning me,” I say, with humor in my voice. “I guess we are both fucked up?”
We all laugh before Ivan speaks.
"I’m serious though, Noah is unique. He really appreciated my inventions and work, he’s the best torturer and killer I’ve seen."
“I’ll let him know,” I say, while Ivan drifts off into a memory in his mind.
Tyler squeezes my hand again. "How often will you be in LA?"
"I don't know yet. We're still figuring it out. Noah wants the best of both worlds, sanctuary in LA, access to other things in New York."
"Smart." Tyler's expression is thoughtful. "And you're okay with all the travel?"
"I go where Noah goes.”
“I'm happy for you. Both of you."
When we separate, Ivan is watching us with an expression I can't quite read. "You're good for each other," he says finally. "You and Noah. It's rare to see that kind of... synthesis."
"Synthesis?"
"A merger of two people into something new. Something that couldn't exist separately." Ivan's smile is knowing. "It's beautiful, in a deeply fucked up way."
Tyler laughs. "That's one way to put it."
We spend the next hour talking about Tyler's recovery, and Ivan's work, about my writing.
It's normal. Comfortable. For a little while, I can almost pretend we're just two brothers catching up, nothing dark lurking beneath the surface.
But when I stand to leave, Tyler walks me to the door and pulls me aside.
"Chase," he says quietly. "Promise me you'll be careful. That you'll protect yourself, because I can't lose you."
My throat tightens. "I promise. We’ll be safe over there and it’s not forever."
"I know. Just call me. Even if it's just to say hi.”
"I will."
He hugs me one more time, tight and fierce. "I love you, Ty," I say.
"I love you too."
Ivan appears behind Tyler, his hand resting on Tyler's shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Chase. And tell Noah I said goodbye and I’m already looking forward to your return. Has he told Marcus or the brothers yet?"
“No, he said he is emailing them.”
A loud bark of a laugh leaves Ivan. “Fuck me, I need to be there when D opens that email. I’ll keep my mouth shut then.”
When I step outside and get into my car, I text Noah.
Me: On my way.
N: I've been waiting.
I smile, slipping the phone back into my pocket.
Home. To Noah. To the man who owns me completely.
To the life I've chosen.