"Do not underestimate yourself, Boyd. Many people in your situation would have done what they were told, instead of refusing." He needed to stop, damn it, or she would start thinking that his words sounded familiar. Maybe she wouldn't figure it out just yet, but he didn't want her to start thinking about it. "Aaron? Ah... the boy with the terrible typing skills. What happened to him?"
Vlad followed her gaze, frowning. "He is in no condition to protect himself." He knew Cain and Abel would tear apart anyone who dared step foot inside his own apartment, but would he really offer to stay here? It would be logical, to ensure all the nosy residents stayed away. But what about Esme and Helena? Then again, the penthouses and the roof were only a floor away. It wouldn't make much of a difference, distance-wise. "Do you know if he knows this woman? Has he ever mentioned her before?"
He wondered whether Vaughn would have tried to kill Boyd if she hadn't been seen leaving Daniel's apartment. If she had just been more damned careful... but there was nothing that could be done about that now. "Forget what she said," he told her, his voice sharp. "Forget everything she has ever said to you, because a great deal of it was likely lies to gain your trust." He looked down at her, his eyes locking onto hers. "From now on, you must be very careful. Not only is Vaughn a threat to Daniel, but so is the one who injured him in the first place. Be careful of who you speak to and what you say. You will not always be able to defend yourself so successfully."