Page 138 of Relapse

Brynn didn’t just overdose.

Brynn didn’t just get swallowed by the city.

Noir killed her.

The man who kissed me.

Touched me.

Held me.

The man who told me he couldn’t leave me again.

Killed my sister.

I feel sick.

I feel stupid.

I feel like every version of myself that ever wanted him just died standing here in a towel in Dagger’s living room.

Dagger’s fist connects with Noir’s face before I even see him move.

Noir’s head snaps back.

This time the smile disappears.

Only for a second.

But enough.

Dagger grabs him by the throat and slams him against the balcony wall so hard one of the potted plants tips over and shatters at their feet.

“You fucking piece of shit.”

Noir coughs once, then laughs.

“Still thinking with your fists. That’s why this was so easy.”

Dagger shoves his forearm harder into Noir’s throat.

“What was easy?”

“Using you.”

The word lands like a gunshot.

Dagger freezes.

Noir’s eyes gleam.

“There it is. There’s the part you’re finally catching up to.”

My heart starts pounding harder.

Noir looks between us, almost pleased with himself now.

Like the reveal is a performance and he’s enjoying the audience.