This time, he lets out a harsh, bitter laugh.
“You think one email will stop a search? You’re being naive, Kat. Damiano is using you as bait to catch his enemies. He doesn’t care about you. He only cares aboutowningyou.”
He leans in, his eyes searching mine.
“Did you forget what happened a year ago? He used your face and your popularity to make Lux a success. He showed you off to build his own name, and as soon as he got what he wanted,he left. He broke your heart without a second thought. Why would this time be any different?”
“That’s enough,” I say, my voice rising.
“It’s the truth!” he insists, eyes wild with frustration. “He’s a criminal. A killer. You’re sleeping with a man who only cares about his own gain!”
I shake my head and shove the phone back at him.
“I have no desire to go back. I hated that life anyway. And now, with Mateo gone, that apartment is nothing but a graveyard. I’m not going back. I’m staying to fight.”
Julian’s face darkens. He steps forward and grabs my arms, his grip frantic and rough. “You’re fighting? You’re just lying in his bed letting him do whatever he wants!”
This time, I lose control. I shove him and shout, “You’re an asshole!”
I feel him before I see him.
“What the fuck is going on here?”
The voice pierces the garden like a blade, and our heads snap in his direction.
Damiano stands a few feet away. The calm control he usually shows is gone. His eyes are pitch black, fixed on Julian’s hands, grasping my arms.
“Damiano, wait—” I start.
But he’s already moving. In two strides, he’s there. In one quick motion, he grabs Julian by the collar. His other fist pulls back, knuckles clenched, muscles tense for a punch that could kill.
Julian doesn’t flinch. He stares back with a silent, defiant challenge. The tension between them crackles.
If Damiano hits him, I know Julian will fight back, and one of them could end up dead.
I don’t think. Iact.
A soft, sharp gasp escapes me as my knees buckle. I stumble back against the stone bench, pressing a palm on my temple.
“Damiano… I… I feel dizzy,” I murmur, my voice thin. I let my body go limp just enough that he has no choice but to release Julian and catch me.
The change in him is instant. The rage vanishes, replaced by panicked concern. He lets Julian go and pulls me to his chest.
“Katarina? What is it? Is it your shoulder?” His voice is urgent, the fight already forgotten.
“I just… the sun,” I whisper, leaning my head against his heartbeat, playing the overwhelmed survivor perfectly. “I need to go inside. Please.”
Damiano glances back at Julian with a final, murderous promise before scooping me into his arms.
Over Damiano’s shoulder, I catch Julian’s eyes.
He stands in the gravel, rubbing his throat. He isn’t fooled. His gaze is clear and haunted as he watches Damiano carry me away.
The sight hurts more than I expected. How did the only real friend I had left become so bitter? Was he jealous this whole time?
I banish the thought immediately, ashamed of myself for even considering it. The only real friendship I had left now lies shattered at my feet.
And I’m the one who broke it.
