“That’s not true.” I folded my arms, leaning against the windowpane. “What I said last night... I was wrong. Very wrong. I assumed something, which wasn’t true, and attacked you for it. I didn’t really mean the cruel things I said. I’m so deeply sorry.”
“What did you assume?” She peered at me.
I bit my lip. “I, ummm... I thought... you and Warwick had been together.” I cringed at the statement. “That you fucked him.”
Her eyes bugged out, her jaw opening; a howling laugh cackled from her. She covered her mouth, bending over.
“Hey, it’s not that funny.” It could totally happen. I mean, the girl was stunning and magnetic. You could see why she was so adored on the stage and so desired here.
“Yes, it is!” She fanned at her eyes. Another round of laughter fluttered out before she calmed down. “Oh, luv, what made you ever think that?”Because he made me believe it. The idea he purposely led me to that conclusion still fueled me. He would pay for it. “First, I would never do that to you, no matter how bloody hot he is. And second—if you had any clue how he looks at you. Acts around you. It is so evident how he feels about you. We all see it... fuck’s sake, wefeltit. I think people even in America felt it last night.” She gestured out. “Thank you, by the way. My client gave me diamond earrings and three times my asking fee... and I had the most earth-shattering orgasm of my life.”
I shifted on my feet, uncomfortableeveryonecould feel us when we were together. Experience it with us.
“Don’t be embarrassed.” She lifted her eyebrow coyly. “I don’t want to know how it’s possible for you guys to create that, but luv, if fucking that man is half of what we experienced out here, you should be singing in the clouds someplace. I know I would. I’m impressed you’re walking this morning.”
I snorted, my palm brushing back my hair, knowing I was still covered in him, inside and out. “Again, I’m sorry. What I said was cruel. And it’s not how I look at you. Maybe before I came here, my mind was limited to what I thought right and wrong were, but you actually changed me. Getting to know you... you opened my eyes, became one of my dearest friends. And to me, that means everything.”
Her lashes fluttered with emotion. “Me too.” She hugged me, trying not to cry again, but failed. She pulled back, dabbing at her tears again. “I can’t believe he’s here. Part of me hoped he really was dead.”
“He’s part of the gang, the Hounds.”
“The Hounds?” she sputtered, her reaction telling me she knew exactly who they were. Not many wouldn’t in Savage Lands. They had become infamous, even in Léopold. “Vincent is part of that ruthless, murdering gang? Are you taking the piss?”
“Unfortunately not.” I wiggled my jaw, still feeling the bruisethere. “And last night, Warwick and I were attacked by them. Vincent was wounded, but the rest of them got away. They took something of mine. Something very important to me that I need back.”
A weariness slanted her lids, understanding there was more to it.
“I would never ask this of you... ever... but this is extremely vital.” I pressed my hands together, already begging. “He said he will only talk to you.”
“No.” She shook her head, stepping back. “No... I won’t be anywhere near him.”
“Rosie . . .”
“No!” she exclaimed. “Just being this close is twisting me into knots. I don’t want anything to do with him.”
My head dropped, bobbing in understanding. I couldn’t make her do it. She spent many years tormented by him; I couldn’t throw her back in it again.
“I understand.”
She folded her arms across her torso. “He hurt me so much. I had nightmares for years of him finding me again. I can’t let him do it to me again.”
“I can’t force you. I’m sorry I asked it of you.” I squeezed her arm, shifting back for the room. “But if you think he’s not still controlling you?” I motioned to her. “He probably always will. You are letting him still have too much power over you.”
My feet strummed over the floor, my back to her, almost across the living room.
“Wait.” She exhaled deeply, curving my head over my shoulder. “You’re right.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I will do whatever you need me to. For you.”
“If you are going to do this, Rosie, do it for yourself, not me. Don’t let him own any more of you.”
“Nin-a,” he whispered, a smile curving his face the moment we both re-entered the room. Warwick was against the wall, there to guard us but wanting to stay out of our way.
Rosie stiffened at the name. Inhaling, she rolled her shoulders back. “I told you, Nina is dead.”
“No, don’t say that,mon chéri.” Now I realized what his almostnegligible accent was. French.“I’ve missed you so much. I can’t believe the gods have brought you back into my life.”
“No, the devils brought you back into mine.”
“Nina, my love?—”
