Yes.
Good. Damien will be satisfied.
I don’t respond. Don’t tell him that satisfaction feels like ash in my mouth, that every instinct I have is screaming at me to fix this, to go to her, to explain this whole mess.
Explain what, though? That I’m exactly what she accused me of being? That the world I move through would chew her up and spit out pieces? That wanting her made her a target, and the only way to protect her was to become the villain she probably already thinks I am?
I finish the drink this time. Then another.
By the third, I’ve almost convinced myself I did the right thing.
Almost.
The silence feels heavier than any threat I’ve ever faced. Emptier than any victory I’ve won. Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice whispers that I’ve just thrown away the only real thing I’ve ever had.
I ignore it. I have to.
In my world, there are no second chances. No happy endings. No futures that include nineteen-year-old girls with too much curiosity and not enough fear.
There’s only survival, and I’ve just ensured hers.
Chapter Five - Janice
Marissa calls me into her office the next day.
I know before she says a word. Can read it in the careful neutrality of her expression, the way she gestures to the chair across from her desk like she’s bracing for impact.
“Janice, I’m sorry to tell you this, but we’re going to have to end your internship early.”
The words land with the force of a physical blow, even though I’ve been expecting them. Dreading them.
“Why?” My voice comes out steadier than I feel.
“There have been some concerns raised about your performance. Professionalism issues.” Marissa won’t meet my eyes. “It’s not personal. Sometimes placements just don’t work out.”
“What professionalism issues? I’ve completed every assignment on time. I haven’t missed a single day. My work has been excellent.”
“The decision has already been made.” Her tone firms. “I’m sorry, but it’s effective immediately. You’ll need to clear out your desk today.”
The room tilts slightly. “Immediately?”
“I’m sorry,” she says again, and this time I hear the truth underneath. She doesn’t believe it either. She knows exactly what this is.
“This is about Dimitri Rudenko.”
Marissa’s expression shutters. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do. You warned me to stay away from him. I didn’t listen, and now everything’s gone to hell.” My throat tightens. “He did this, didn’t he? He got me fired.”
“Janice—”
“Didn’t he?”
She exhales slowly. “Even if that were true, what difference would it make? Men like Rudenko don’t face consequences for decisions like this. They make one phone call, and careers end. That’s the world we live in.”
“That’s the world you accept.” I stand, chair scraping against tile. “I don’t.”
“Then you’re going to have a very difficult time in this city.”
