“You’re the best. I love you.”
I have a plan. It’s risky, but it’s the only way. I am the cause of his misery, but I am also the cure, the only one capable of soothing him.
For the first time in a week, a surge of vitality speeds up my heartbeat.
Hurrying to my walk-in closet, I change into a dress that molds to my every curve and slip into black sandals that snake around my ankles. I thread my hand through my hair for added volume and apply dramatic make-up—smoky eyes and red lipstick. This outfit screams for attention, and I will not only get but own his.
Calla accompanies me out, and we climb in my car, heading to Debauchery.
She leaves me at the entrance and signals for the guards to follow her back. No one dares to say anything to her. Even if they glance my way, they follow her lead. The power she wields with a single gesture is sublime.
Inside, the bouncer recognizes me, rushing to let me in. The other two guards stop in the middle of the conversation, looking at each other, obviously contrite. I smile under my breath at their perplexed reaction. Someone will inform Mika that I am here. Just being in his space invigorates me.
Going to the bar, I order a cocktail.
Sipping leisurely, I steal glances at the tinted window, getting jittery. He must be there, watching behind it, because goose bumps awaken on my heated skin.
I am playing a very dangerous game, but I don’t care. Let him out to play, Mika. I can deal with the monster. What I can’t deal with is your being in pain because of me.
Our sorrow will end tonight.
If I were in a somewhat sane state of mind, I would consider the risks of my brother finding out and demanding answers, but I am beyond being rational.
Enzo would not risk his best friend and sister. I wish I had had that epiphany sooner. Even if he doesn’t understand our beginning, he will learn to accept that love blossomed.
A blond guy pops up next to me, giving me an appreciative once-over. I feign interest just to speed up a reaction from Mika.
“Would you like to dance?” he asks, not hiding his interest as he rakes his eyes over me.
I flick a strand of my hair back, playing cool. “Sure.”
My heart pounds in my ears as I follow him to the dance floor. We don’t even make it there before a shadow towers over me, eliciting a smile even though he can’t see me.
The guy takes a step back. Hands raised in the universalI don’t want troublesign, he sweeps his gaze from me to him.
“Took you a while,” I say, twirling to him.
Coming face-to-face with him has me stuttering on a breath. My lungs seize like an engine on its last drive. Heavy bags lie under his eyes, his hair looks disheveled, and his shirt is undone. I didn’t expect him to look this bad. The smile falls from my lips, and tears well in my eyes.
My heart constricts under the weight of sorrow. I would do anything to ease him, but first I must break through to him. Blinking the tears away, I brace myself for the fight.
I shrug. “I wanted to dance.”
He lowers his head and whispers in my ear, “Do you think he could still dance with broken arms and legs?”
His possessiveness washes over me, drenching me in gasoline. One touch would set me on fire.
“I didn’t think you would care,” I say haughtily.
“What gave you that impression?” His voice deepens, vibrating through me.
“You forgot about me,” I say, pushing him away and turning to the guy who is rooted in place as if not knowing what to do.
“Want to leave this place?” I blurt out.
His eyes widen as if asking what’s wrong with me? I’ll keep his ass alive. I just want to make my damn point.
“No? Good. I’ll find someone else.” I shrug, forcing nonchalance.
