The Assassins Kiss

Chapter 30

— A few days later —

I'm in Roman's room, folding his clothes while he tosses random things into a duffel bag like he's packing for a weekend getaway instead of potentially walking into chaos.

"Hopefully this is nothing serious," he mutters, stuffing another hoodie into the bag.

I shrug, half-smirking. "I'm sure it's just Lily... she has been hacking you guys." I toss him a shirt that was half hanging off the bed. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Roman exhales hard through his nose, clearly not convinced. "I hope it's just her," he says, running a hand through his hair.

"If it's not and it's, like, some random mafia group or something, Luca's going to lose his mind and tell us to stop talking to you guys." He zips the bag with more force than necessary.

"He's been the god of paranoia lately. Like... worse than usual. He's got problems."

I offer him a small smile, one of those tired ones you use when you don't have any good answers. "It's fine, Roman," I say. "Just keep us updated when you get home. And if you have to go radio silent again... just tell us this time, yeah?"

He nods, eyes briefly flicking toward the floor. "Yeah. I will."

We head downstairs where Killian's already waiting by the door, arms crossed like some sort of bodyguard that got dragged into this mess for free.

"Take care of yourself, psycho," Killian says, giving me a little salute.

I roll my eyes. "Thanks. Call us if you need help."

"Or call Luca, 'cause that help—" Roman starts. "Shush," I cut in quickly, glaring at him.

They laugh on their way out, and it almost feels normal for a second.

"Oh, and Lily," Roman calls back, pointing at her as she lounges on the couch with a bag of chips, "no hacking us until I get back."

She flashes him a thumbs-up like it's some sort of inside joke. "Scout's honor."

Roman turns back to me. "Ezra, make sure she doesn't hack anything."

Killian adds, completely straight-faced, "Iris, make sure Ezra doesn't let Lily hack anything."

"You can count on me," Iris says with a dazzling smile, full of fake confidence.

"I don't think we can," Roman whispers—not quite quiet enough.

"We can't," Killian agrees, not even pretending to whisper.

"Definitely can't hear your conversation," Iris deadpans, giving them both a death glare.

I wave them off. "Just leave already."

Roman slings his bag over his shoulder and grins. "We'll be back in two weeks. Then it's France, baby!"

"Bye," Lily singsongs, following them outside, casually tossing another chip into her mouth.

I watch the door shut behind them and sigh. Something about all of this feels... off. But I guess we'll see in two weeks.

—————————-Luca's POV———————-

Roman and Killian should be walking through the door any second now.

Right on cue, the door swings open.

"What's up, fam?" Roman calls, strolling in like he hasn't been gone for days.

My mom practically launches at him. "Hi, honey!" she says, wrapping him in a hug that could take out a full-grown man. "I missed you so much." She squeezes him until he laughs.