Her throat moves as she swallows hard. “She’s going to keep coming,” Vi says.
“Yes.”
“And you’re just going to let her.”
“No,” I say. “I’m going to let her think I’m letting her. Until she crosses a line.”
“What line?”
My gaze holds hers. “The one where she passes the point of no return.”
“Just because she’s bothering me?”
“Just because she’s threatening what’s mine,” I correct.
The words hang in the air between us.
Vi’s eyes widen slightly. “I’m not?—”
“You are,” I interrupt. “Whether you’ve accepted it yet or not. Stop fighting it. You’re lucky we’re looking out for you. Not all Runts get that.”
She scoffs, rolling her eyes.
I’m not surprised in the least, that she laughs at what makes her uncomfortable. But I am concerned. False bravado will be the end of her.
I step closer, closing the distance between us until there’s barely any space left.
“You want to fight her,” I say. “I understand that. I’d feel the same, Vi. But I wouldn’t. Believe me when I say, if you do, you’ll lose. Not because you’re not strong enough but because she has nothing to lose. And you do.”
“What do I have to lose?” Vi asks, raising her chin.
“This,” I reply. “Us. The protection we’re giving you. The position you’re building.”
“I didn’t ask for any of that.”
Jesus Christ, this woman.
“No,” I agree. “But you have it now. And if you throw it away because you can’t control your temper, that’s on you.”
“You’re blaming me for this.”
“I’m telling you the reality,” I say. “Down here, attention is dangerous. And you’re drawing too much of it.”
She opens her mouth to argue, then stops. Because she knows I’m right.
I lift one hand slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wants to.
She doesn’t.
My fingers brush her hair. I tilt her face up slightly so I can see her eyes clearly.
“You’re not weak,” I say. “You’re stubborn. And reckless. And you don’t bend even when you should.”
“It’s also why you’re in danger,” I continue. “Because girls who don’t bend get broken. And I’m trying very hard to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.”
Her throat moves as she swallows. “Why?”
“You know why,” I say simply.
