“You don’t get to just apologize and expect everything to be okay.”
“I know that, but?—”
“Do you have any idea what it’s been like for me? What it was like to have you side with Rion?”
Oscar’s voice goes rough with emotion. “I know. And I regret it every damn day. That’s why I want to fix this. I don’t expect you to trust me right away, but give me a chance to prove I’ve changed.Please.”
I search his face, trying to find the lie, but all I see is exhaustion and guilt.
“Words aren’t enough. You’re going to have to prove yourself, Oscar.”
“I know. But I want you to know that you won’t regret giving me this chance. I promise.”
I really hope I don’t.
Oscar leaves through the fire escape without another word, and the moment he disappears out of sight, I let out a breath and collapse onto the couch beside Lucy, feeling suddenly exhausted.
“You’re too soft, Riles. It’s one of the things I love about you, but also one of the things that’s going to get you killed.”
“I’m not soft.”
“Yes, you are. And that’s not always a bad thing. But some people can’t redeem themselves.”
“How do you know Oscar isn’t one of those people?”
Lucy’s expression softens as she takes my hand. “You can’t force someone to change, Riley.”
“I know, but I’m not forcing Oscar into anything. He’s the one who came to me, so clearly he means it when he says he wants to make things better.”
“Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?”
“I’m not trying to convince anyone. I’m going on fact.”
“No, you’re going on Oscar’s word. There’s a difference.”
I pull my hand away and get to my feet.
She frowns. “Where are you going?”
“Home.”
“Riley, come on.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t have the energy to fight with you. To be honest, I don’t have the energy for anything.”
“I’m not trying to fight with you.”
“Then can you just be on my side about this? Because you’re my best friend, Luce, and I really need you right now.”
Lucy’s expression softens as she gets to her feet and crosses over to me. “I’malwayson your side. But Oscar has every reason to have an ulterior motive when it comes to Kieran’s family. And using you to get close to them is the perfect cover. I just… I want you to be careful.”
I force myself to smile even though my stomach feels like lead.
There is every chance that Lucy is right, and that Oscar is lying through his teeth. But only time will tell whether I’m still nothing but a pawn to my brother or he has truly changed.
“I will, I promise.”
“Good. So, enough of the heavy stuff. How much time do you have before you’re needed back at Fort Sullivan?”
