Her expression sobers.
“Did that fucker really hurt you that badly? Wardgrave and I are going to have words. What the hell was he thinking? You were in hospital and none of us knew.”
“I’m glad he didn’t tell you. That’s what I wanted.”
“But why?” She points a finger at me. “And don’t start with that nonsense about not wanting to burden us.”
“It’s true.”
“No, it’sstupid.”
“You hide it well, Adelaide, but you’re only one person too. I see what you carry, even if you fight like hell to hide it. There was no need to pile my problems on top of yours.”
She looks unconvinced, like she’s preparing a dozen arguments. But after a long moment, she finally lets it go.
“So, ice skating.”
“The doctor still hasn’t cleared me for it.” I grimace.
Her eyes darken. A murderous expression takes over her face. For a second, she looks every inch the cartel princess she is.
“He’s dead,” I remind her quietly.
“Good.” The word is cold. “But I still consider digging him up just to hit him a few more times.”
I shake my head. I don’t think she’s joking.
“Right.” She gets to her feet and grabs my hand, pulling me up with her. “Go and take a shower. You smell.”
“I do not. I shower every day,” I protest.
“Splendid. Take another one.”
“Adelaide—”
“Shower,” she says. “I’ll choose something for you to wear. We’re going out.”
I stare at her.
“Absolutely not.”
“Absolutelyyes.”
I open my mouth.
She points towards the bedroom.
“You need a night out, Piper.”
And judging by the look on her face, I know I’m already losing this argument.
She pulls me towards my room.
“Who exactly is we?”
“Me, you, and possibly Eleanor if we can convince her to leave her room.”
“What about the Bellanti sisters? And before you say no, you still need to sort things out with Octavia.”
