Page 107 of Ruthless Sin

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I close the door.

“Just getting water,” I say.

I cross to the bed. Sit on the edge. Hold out the mug.

“Drink.”

She takes it. Drinks half. Looks at me over the rim.

“What is wrong?”

The truth is in my mouth.

Your sister. I knew your sister. I watched her die. She made me promise to find you. I found you. I’ve been lying to you since the day you got here.

I could say it right now.

I could end this.

My mouth opens.

“Nothing,” I say.

She doesn’t believe me. Her eyes hold mine.

But her mouth stays closed.

She hands the mug back.

I take it. My hand is shaking.

She sees it.

She reaches for my wrist. Wraps her fingers around it. Steadies my hand.

“Niccolò,” she says quietly.

I close my eyes.

If she keeps saying my name like that I’m going to break.

“I’m fine,” I lie.

I set the mug on the nightstand.

She moves the Pushkin off the bed onto the side table.

She reaches for me.

Her hand at the back of my neck.

She pulls me down.

I go.

I shouldn’t.

I go anyway.

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