All The Pretty Little Lies (Second Sons Duet #1)

24. Oscar

OSCAR

I wake to the soft warmth of Vesper's body curled against mine, her golden hair splayed across my chest like strands of sunlight. For a moment, I simply breathe her in, savoring the delicate scent of jasmine that clings to her skin. It's still surreal, waking up next to her like this in my bed. Vesper could have chosen anyone, but she chose me.

My fingers trace lazy patterns along her bare shoulder, marveling at the softness of her skin. In sleep, her face is peaceful, free from the weight of family expectations and mafia politics. I want to freeze this moment, to live in it forever. Just Vesper and me, tangled in these sheets, the rest of the world fading away.

But life has other plans. A sharp knock on the door shatters our bubble of tranquility. Vesper stirs slightly but doesn't wake. I press a gentle kiss to her forehead before carefully extricating myself from her embrace. She deserves her rest after everything she's been through.

I tug on my discarded sweatpants, not bothering with a shirt as I pad towards the door. Opening it reveals Talon, his hair pulled back in its signature man bun, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

“What do you want?”

“Trust me, I didn’t want to knock on this door at all, but I drew the short straw. The last thing I want to see is your dick in a compromising position.”

I roll my eyes, leaning against the doorframe. "Sorry to disappoint. Next time I'll be sure to answer the door naked just for you."

Talon clutches his chest dramatically. "Be still my beating heart. But seriously, man, we've got news."

The playful atmosphere dissipates instantly, replaced by a tense alertness. "What kind of news?"

Talon's expression turns grim. "We think we've got a lead on who might have sold Vesper's eggs. We're meeting in the kitchen." As Talon turns to leave, he pauses, glancing back at me. "Should we wake Vesper up for this?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy with implications. I consider it carefully, weighing the pros and cons. Leaving her in the dark would be easier, sparing her from immediate worry. But it would also take away her choices, her agency in a situation that directly affects her. The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Yes," I decide firmly. "She deserves to know."

Talon nods in agreement, a flicker of respect crossing his features. "Alright. We'll be in the kitchen when you're ready."

As he disappears down the hallway, I turn back to the bedroom. Vesper is still curled up in the sheets, her golden hair a tangled halo around her head. The sight of her makes my heart clench with a mixture of love and protectiveness.

I sit on the edge of the bed, my hand gently brushing her cheek. "Vesper," I murmur, my voice low and soft. "Wake up, love."

Her eyelids flutter, those mesmerizing green eyes slowly focusing on me. "Oz?" she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep. "What's wrong?"

"Talon came by. There’s news about your eggs." I watch as awareness floods her features, sleep falling away in an instant.

She sits up, the sheet pooling around her waist. "Give me a minute. I'll be right there."

I nod, pressing a kiss to her forehead before standing. "We'll be in the kitchen."

A few moments later, Vesper joins us, her hair a beautiful mess and wearing nothing but my discarded t-shirt. It hangs loose on her frame, ending mid-thigh, and my breath catches at the sight. Even now, in the midst of chaos, she's breathtaking. Zaire notices, glancing my way with an eyebrow arched. I shake my head, putting that conversation on the back burner.

She pads into the kitchen, her bare feet silent on the cold tile. The others fall quiet as she enters, all eyes turning to her.

Vesper takes the open chair next to Alex as he types away on his computer. The soft blue glow of the screen illuminates his face, casting shadows that accentuate the sharp angles of his cheekbones. Z and I settle in behind her, my hand instinctively finding its way to her shoulder. She leans into my touch, a barely perceptible gesture that speaks volumes.

The kitchen is eerily quiet, the usual morning bustle replaced by a tense anticipation. Even Talon, normally a whirlwind of energy, is unnaturally still, his fingers drumming a silent rhythm on the countertop. The scent of fresh coffee hangs in the air, a jarring contrast to the gravity of the moment.

Alex clears his throat, his fingers pausing over the keyboard. "I've managed to track down a sale of what I believe to be Vesper's eggs," he begins, his voice low and controlled. "The transaction took place last year."

I feel Vesper stiffen under my hand, her breath catching. Z shifts closer, his presence a silent pillar of support.

"They used a fertility clinic in New York for the implantation," Alex continues, his eyes flickering between the screen and Vesper's face. "The clinic would have records of the patient."

“So how do we get the records?”

“We need to take a road trip,” Talon declares.

“The clinic is about four hours away, give or take traffic. Two of us could go, and be back before dinner,” Alex suggests.

“Alex and I should go,” Zaire volunteers. “If that clinic deals with stolen eggs, they’ll have security. That’s Alex’s department.”

I shake my head, tension coiling in my gut. "Splitting up isn't a good idea. It leaves us exposed." The words taste bitter on my tongue, memories of past close calls flashing through my mind. "We're safer together. We’ve been lucky so far. If anyone from that auction found out who we really are it could bring a lot of trouble to our door step. Trouble we aren’t prepared for."

Talon's brow furrows, his usual carefree demeanor slipping away. "But we need those records, Oz. Every moment we wait is another moment someone could be out there with Vesper's?—"

"I know," I cut him off, my voice sharper than intended. I take a breath, forcing myself to soften my tone. "I know the stakes. But rushing in half-cocked could blow everything."

“Taking her with us isn’t an option either. So, it’s either Alex and I go to the clinic, get the information, and come back; or we all go, put Vesper at risk, and hope we all come back.”

The weight of Zaire's words hangs heavy in the air. I feel the tension radiating from Vesper, her body coiled like a spring beneath my hand. My gaze locks with Z's, a silent conversation passing between us. His silver eyes are filled with determination and a hint of something else—worry, perhaps, or a flicker of the same protective instinct that courses through my veins.

I know he's right. We don't have a choice. The need to uncover the truth about Vesper's eggs outweighs the risk of splitting up. It's a calculated gamble, but one we have to take. The alternative—leaving Vesper in the dark about her own body, her own future is unthinkable.

"Alright," I concede, my voice rough with reluctance. "You and Alex go. But you stay in constant contact. If anything feels off, you bail immediately. No heroics, no risks. Got it?"

Zaire nods, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. "When have I ever been the reckless one, brother?"

The tension in the room eases slightly, Talon even managing a snort of laughter. "That would be me, thank you very much."

As the group disperses to prepare for the impromptu road trip, I catch Vesper's eye. She gives me a small nod, her green eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and determination. I know she understands the weight of this decision, the risks we're all taking for her.

Zaire heads towards his room, Vesper following close behind. I watch them go, a familiar twinge of jealousy flaring in my chest. It's irrational, I know. Vesper chose all of us, and the bond between her and my twin is as deep and true as the one we share. Still, old habits die hard.