I nodded.
A long moment passed before he gave a hesitant, “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t make it right.”
“There isn’t right and wrong in war. You know that. There’s only hope and what we do to survive.”
Theo relaxed into his seat, studying me. “So he never touched you?”
“He never touched me unless I asked to be touched.”
Brows raised, Theo narrowed his eyes.
“We’re sleeping together,” I clarified.
He blanched. “So that’s why he won’t work with us if you’re hurt? He’ll lose his toy?”
I tried not to take offense at that. I wasn’t the target of Theo’s anger here, but being referred to as a toy wasn’t winning him any points. “Not exactly,” I said.
Fingers tapping a rhythm against his desk, he stared at me with a curious edge, like he knew I was holding back. “Then explain.”
“I’m in love with him.”
His eyes went wide. “What?”
“I tried not to be, but he’s a good man, Theo. A good man who’s had to make hard choices.”
He gaped at me.
“And Lucas…feels similarly.” The words tasted strange in my mouth, and I realized I didn’t like stating something Lucas had never admitted to himself. He didn’t need to say the words, though. The sentiment glinted at me from the depths of his eyes.
“That can’t be true. He’s—he’sinhuman.”
I sighed. “I don’t care what you think. I love him, and I won’t give you any of his information if your plan is to kill him. I won’t help you hurt him. In fact, I want immunity for him.”
The words burst from me, and it wasn’t until that moment that I understood the bargaining chip I possessed. Lucas had failed to secure his own clemency, but I could do it for him. If they wanted his information, they could only get it through me.
And I needed Lucas Scott to live.
Theo exploded into incredulous laughter. “That’s impeding the war effort, Sophia. It’s illegal.”
“You think I care? Imprison me then. You’ll lose your informant, and I’m not sure you want to see what he’ll do if you take me from him.”
His mouth opened, but he said nothing.
“I’d like your promise, Theo. And I’d like it in writing.”
He ignored me. “Takeyou from him?”
I gave him a slow, Lucas-style smirk.
Theo’s skin went gray. Chandelier lights glistened in his dark eyes. “What will you do if I refuse?”
“I won’t give you any of his information.”
Another laugh boomed deep in his chest. “He’s the only reason we’ve gained an advantage. We’re getting close to the end, Sophia. You’d jeopardize that for this monster?”
“Yes.”
I had something of extreme value in my hands, and if I played my cards right, he’d give me what I wanted.
