He walks over to the bar cart and pours himself a drink, swirling it like he’s settling into some twisted fireside chat. “You don’t look fine.”
I lean back against the dresser. “You here for the pre-showpep talk?”
He chuckles. “No. I’m here because something smells off. And I don’t like surprises.”
I keep my expression flat. “It’s a wedding. There are always surprises.”
He hums, sets the drink down without touching it. “You know, Rachel’s convinced this day means something to you.”
I say nothing. Not confirming. Not denying. Silence is safer.
“She’s practically floating. Talking about the honeymoon. Playing bride like she was born for this moment. You’ve got her good.”
“I’m glad she’s happy.” My smile is thin and practiced.
Walter studies me. “Are you?”
I meet his gaze, remaining cool and calm. “Of course.”
He takes a step closer. “Funny. It’s hard to tell when your eyes keep drifting to someone else. Blonde now, isn’t she? As of yesterday?”
My body stills. Just for a second. But he sees it.
He smirks. “Thought you could hide her? The little stray stepsister. Lina.”
Her name in his mouth makes me want to rip out his tongue.
“This isn’t the time,” I grind out.
“No,” he says, voice lower now. “If it were, I’d make you an offer. She’s got a face that fetches top dollar. That pout? Those eyes? That body?”
He whistles. “Overseas? She’d go for six figures easy. Some rich fuck who likes them already broken in.”
Rage detonates in my chest.
I grab him by the collar and slam him into the wall. The glass crashes to the floor, shards skittering across tile.
“You ever talk about her like that again—”
“What?” he sneers. “You’ll kill me? Right here? In your tux?”
I cock my fist. “Try me.”
BANG.
The gunshot rips through the air. Close. Too close.
My heart stops.
Lina.
I shove Walter away, stumbling back from him, my head whipping toward the door like I can somehow see through it. I don’t care about the plan, or Rachel, or Walter’s threats. My only thought isher.
“Lina,” I breathe, already moving for the hallway.
I make it two steps before pain explodes at the base of my skull. There’s a flash of white. A roaring in my ears. And then, a memory from eight years ago plays behind my eyes…
I sit on the bed next to Lina. I’m ashamed of what I need to tell her next, but I’m trying to explain. Trying to be honest.
