Theo has had enough pain. Bad enough that Brett is dead.
If he knew the truth, I think it might destroy him. It would force him to choose. Me, or the memory of the twin he loved. And now we have a damn mating bond thrown in the mix.
And I’m used to nobody choosing me. Maybe it’s better. Only one person ever has, and it’s killing me.
How fucking ironic.
“And you?” She lingers as I push myself away from the wall and slowly turn. “What will happen to you?”
“I’m leaving.” I don’t look at her. “Soon. Don’t worry about it.”
We reach the end of the alley, and I force myself to look at her. “So?”
Fuck, I wish she hadn’t seen anything. She wraps her arms around herself, looking young and scared. “I won’t say anything. But you should.”
“This is my choice.” I turn for the diner. Mick is going to lose his shit if I don’t get back inside. “Thank you. You should head home.”
“I’ll walk you inside.”
She doesn’t need to, but I don’t argue as I pull the door open.
Shit.
Eric sits at the bar, his face covered in towels. And beside him, listening to him intently, is Theo.
He glances my way and stiffens. His eyes travel over my shoulder.
Ice and fire.
“Nia,” I whisper. “Step away from me, okay?”
“But—,”
“Now.”
He’s already moving, striding down the length of the diner. I back up, but he invades my space anyway, leaning down and snarling into my face. “What the fuck did you donow?”
“Theo…,” Nia hovers beside us, but he doesn’t turn away from me. His words drip with anger. “Andyou. Go and get in the truck, Nia. We’ll talk about this at home.”
I slide my eyes to her. Her head drops, but she nods. Her hand brushes mine as she leaves, but I’m watching Theo. His throat flexes.
“Outside,” he says grimly. He doesn’t touch me as he moves around where I stand, frozen.
Eric looks over at me. His eyes widen, as if in fear.
He’s scared. Ofme.
I lift my fingers, waggle them, and watch him blanch. Even though I feel like I might be sick at any moment, my lip still tilts up in a small smile as I turn to follow Theo.
If it was going to be anyone, I’m glad it was him. Fucker.
Theo turns as soon as the door swings closed. “I told him to call the cops on you.”
My throat dries. It won’t change anything. I’ll be in the Center in a few days, behind a locked door. And I’ll never walk back out. “Has he?”
He studies me. “He told me. Youattackedhim. Whatever you did, it scared him enough that he wants nothing to do with you at all. So no, he hasn’t.”
I loosen a breath. “Told you everything, did he? Are you sure?”
