He stops so suddenly I bump into his side before he turns around and slams me against the stone wall.
"How could you?" he snaps as he slaps the stone above my head. "How could you put your dream in jeopardy like that?Neverrisk your hands, Nyx. I can't believe I have to tell you that. Am I the only one who takes your career seriously here?"
I push at his chest, but he presses me back with a hand around my throat. I notice the way he loosens it the second my worried eyes snap to his.
"She said you told her about my secret at a point in time you guys were fucking. Andyouonly learned about it when you were already sleeping with me. Have you been seeing her behind my back?"
He shakes his head, a look of disappointment clouding the gray in his eyes.
"Always think withthis," he says as presses his index finger against my temple. "Not with your pride."
"But she said?—"
"She learned about it from your conductor," he says plainly. "Have you learned nothing about this world, Nyx? How can you believe a single word that comes out of anyone's mouth around here? You gave Evelyn exactly what she wanted. Attention, proof that you'rejustanother violent girl from the wrong side of town. Something for people to film and talk about. Do you see me react to any fucking thing that is said about me? To Hermes's posts? This isn't the North Shore. You never know who your enemies are here."
I pause, finally breathing since the situation started. My eyes fill with tears as I realize what I've done.
"Mon trésor," he whispers with care. "Don't be upset. You know I won't let any of it affect you."
"But it already has," I rasp, my lower lip trembling. "I punched her."
He grabs my hand delicately, looking at it intensely. "Looks like you've got a weak punch." With a subtle smirk, he kisses my knuckles.
His words pull a reluctant laugh out of me.
"I'm not a fighter," I admit. "Not really for a North Shore girl." A huff deflates my chest. "I'm so stupid."
"You're jealous," he corrects with a knowing smile. "It's kind of cute."
My mouth drops open before I say, "You threatened her."
"Ah, see,thatshe deserved."
"Is she really done for?" I ask, worried about the power he holds over all of us.
His face becomes blank again, and he simply nods.
"Yes. I don't go back on my word, baby. If she knows what's good for her, she won't be at rehearsals on Monday."
"But—"
"She tried to embarrass you in front of everyone. That was the last thing she used her influence for, believe me."
I gulp as a surge of guilt moves through me.
"Nyx." He chuckles. "You can't be serious. You’re feeling bad because I’m destroying the future of a woman who is trying to destroyyou."
He shakes his head, holding my hand as he starts walking again. "You're one complicated case, I'll tell you that."
"I'm not acase,Achilles. I'm your girlfriend."
He stops dead in his tracks, and I do too. My heart beats harshly, barely holding on as I try not to pass out. Did I really just say that?
"My what?" he asks, as shocked as I am.
"Nothing. I said nothing. I don't know…why…it just came out."
He looks down at me, cupping my cheek with his free hand. "You know I've been dying to hear this. Say it again."
