"She's smart," Gabe says quietly. "Now do it. Before I change my mind and shoot your boyfriend here."
"He's not my boyfriend." My voice is firm. "He's my friend. And my son's godfather. And I won't let you kill him."
My hand moves to my stomach. My son is still kicking. Still alive. Still depending on me to make the impossible choices.
"I'm not doing this because I believe you," I say, meeting Gabe's eyes. "I'm doing this because it's the least terrible option you've given me. And because Leo doesn't deserve to die for your mistakes."
Gabe's face flickers—something almost like shame crosses it. "You're still my sister."
"Then act like I'm your sister," I say. "Tell me the truth. Is this really what you said it is?"
"Yes." His voice is quiet. "I looked it up. I'm not trying to hurt you or the baby, Sera. I just need you to come with me."
I want to believe him. I don't. But the alternative is worse.
I find a vein. My hand is shaking so badly I almost miss.
"He needs a doctor," I say, looking at Leo one last time.
"That's on the Neros," Gabe says. "But if you do this, I'll make the call. He'll have a chance."
Leo's eyes meet mine. There's understanding there. And forgiveness.
I press the needle into my skin.
"I'm sorry," I whisper. To him. To Adrian. To my son.
I press the plunger.
"Sera, no?—"
Leo's voice is raspy.
The drug hits fast. Burning through my veins. Making everything heavy. Blurry. Wrong.
My last thought is clear:Adrian will find me. And when he does, everyone here dies.
I see Gabe moving toward me. See Leo trying to get up from where he's fallen, blood still streaming down his face.
See the world tilting.
Falling.
Then nothing.
Just darkness.
And the terrifying thought that I might never wake up.
That my son might never be born.
That Adrian will come home to find me gone.
The darkness swallows me whole.
And I'm gone.
CHAPTER 32
