She makes atsksound. “You expect me to believe you were a virgin before I came along?”
“I wouldn’t insult you by saying that,” I tell her. “We’re both grownups here. We’ve both got pasts. But as for real relationships that mean something to me, a connection that goes beyond trying… trying to feel human, Celine, no, I’ve had nothing.”
“Me neither,” she murmurs. “So–did you mean it?”
“I meant it. But there’s too much between that and now to think about it. And Celine…” I hesitate.
Even without looking at her, I can feel her glaring at me. “Don’t go shy on me now, Grinch.”
“You don’t know how you’ll feel once this is all over. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Please don’t talk down to me,” she snaps.
“We’ve dated hell, not even dated… for a week. If that.” I sigh.
“Are you saying you’re unsure?”
“I’m saying life isn’t a fairytale.”
Though with her, it sometimes feels like it is.
“You’re probably right,” she murmurs. “A few hours after I almost died, now isn’t the time to be making life-changing decisions.”
“Exactly.”
“But for the record, I won’t change my mind.”
Neither will I.
But I don’t say that.
I have to at least pretend I’m trying to be the best friend Julian deserves.
Even if he did betray me.
Somehow, sleeping with his sister twice feels worse than him agreeing to take my life.
CHAPTER 29
CELINE
Iwake on the couch with a thin shaft of dirty light shining across the living room. Sitting up, I forget about yesterday for a second: forget about the gambling center and the fighting, and finally the lovemaking with Damian. All too soon, it all crashes back in, and I’m thrust firmly back into the real world.
I stand, stretching my arms over my head. At least the house isn’t under attack. That’s something small I can be grateful for.
Julian and Damian are in the kitchen, talking animatedly. They stop when I enter. Julian stands on one side of the counter and Damian on the other. Damian looks down at the floor when he sees me.
For a second, I’m stung, then I see the pulsing of his jaw. He doesn’t want to look at me too long because he might lose control again. Last night was the best sex I’ve ever had, hands down, no competition. When I was riding him, I felt powerful, not some scared girl stuck in a room with a psycho. It’s like the simple act of making love shattered and then remade my world.
In the cold light of day, everything rushes back in.
Julian frowns as though reading my thoughts.
“What were you two arguing about?” I ask, praying it’s not me.
Damian leans against the counter, the corded muscles in his arms bulging.
“Julian has been contacted,” he says.
