They sat in silence for a moment.
Then Zayn stood up. "Alright. Miami. One week. I'll figure out what to say to Emma."
"The jet leaves at 4:00 PM. Don't be late."
"We won't." Zayn looked at him. "Be careful out there tonight."
"Always."
"No. I mean it. Be really careful. Not your version of careful, where you throw yourself into dangerous situations and somehow manage to survive."
Zayden stood up and pulled his brother into a hug. "I will be careful. I promise."
Zayn hugged him back tightly. "Good. Because Mom will kill both of us if you die."
"She really will," Zayden agreed.
They pulled apart.
Zayden moved toward the door but then stopped and turned back.
"Zayn?"
"Yeah?"
"Take care of Emma. No matter what happens tonight, no matter what she learns, you need to protect her. Understood?"
Zayn nodded. "Understood."
"Good."
Zayden left the room, walked out of the penthouse, and hoped that the next time he saw his brother, the war would be over.
*****
