The weight of Julian’s words settled over Kieran like a storm cloud. The men who attacked them weren’t just after him—they wanted Julian too. But why?

Kieran sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “What did you steal?”

Julian stretched, his bare chest catching the soft morning light, but his eyes were sharp. “Something valuable. Something that could change everything.”

Kieran narrowed his gaze. “You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”

Julian smirked but didn’t immediately answer. Instead, he stood and walked toward the small table in the corner, where his coat lay discarded from the night before. He reached into the lining, pulling out a small, leather-bound book.

He tossed it onto the bed. “That.”

Kieran picked it up, flipping through the pages. His breath caught. “This is…”

Julian nodded. “A ledger. One that details every corrupt deal, every bribe, every hidden crime committed by the most powerful men in the kingdom. Including some you’d recognize.”

Kieran’s grip tightened on the book. This was beyond dangerous—it was a death sentence for anyone caught possessing it. “Where did you get this?”

Julian leaned against the table, arms crossed over his chest. “Let’s just say I have my ways.”

Kieran exhaled sharply, his mind racing. This changed everything. He had thought last night was the most reckless thing he’d done, but now, he realized he was caught in something much larger than a fleeting passion.

Julian pushed off the table and stepped closer, his fingers brushing against Kieran’s wrist. “You don’t have to stay involved in this, Kieran. I can handle it.”

Kieran met his gaze. “If that were true, we wouldn’t be hiding in a run-down estate, would we?”

Julian chuckled. “Fair point.”

Kieran sighed, closing the book. “We need to move. If they’re looking for this, they won’t stop until they find us.”

Julian tilted his head. “And here I thought you’d demand I turn myself in.”

Kieran stood, stepping closer. “You saved my life, Julian. Whatever this is, we’re in it together now.”

Julian studied him for a moment before a slow smile spread across his lips. “Careful, my lord. Keep talking like that, and I might start thinking you actually like me.”

Kieran smirked. “Let’s just say I’m not entirely opposed to your company.”

Julian’s eyes darkened with something unreadable before he reached for his coat. “Then let’s get out of here before that company becomes a little too deadly.”

As they stepped out into the morning light, Kieran knew one thing for certain—his life would never be the same again.

To be continued...