The call connects.
“Release the video of Avira and Zloban kissing to the media,” I order.
She drops to her knees, clasping her hands together. “Please don’t do this. Please. She’s not ready for this. Please don’t do this. I beg you.” Her eyes are red-rimmed, glistening with tears, begging me—forher.
“When, boss?” Robin asks.
I end the call and toss the phone onto the bed without taking my eyes off her. I lower myself slowly onto one knee in front of her, grip her chin tightly. She winces.
“Her?” The inferno inside me stills.
Her crying stops abruptly. A moment later, she starts trembling, shaking her head rapidly. “I—I mean me. Not her.”
“Get out.” I release her face and stand.
She doesn’t get up, remaining on her knees.
“Please don’t release that video.”
“Get. Out.”
She rises slowly, her eyes still pleading. I turn my back as she leaves.
Elowen
I see Antonio coming toward me the moment I step out of his room. I rush to him.
“Please, Antonio. Ask him not to do this.”
He nods. “I’ll try my best.”
Then he disappears into his room.
If he releases that video of Avi and Zo kissing, there will be nothing but chaos. No one knows about them, not evenher parents. They’re not even together yet. Releasing it would ensure they never get to live the love they’ve held for each other for so long. Zo will make sure of it. He’s already in a place where he’s ready to die—after marrying her off to someone who won’t bring shame to her name. That video will cement his resolve.
I stay standing outside his door.
His hurt and anger tear at my heart. He thinks I played with him. He hates me. I can’t even tell him I’m not Avira—God knows what he’d do to her.
Antonio comes out.
“What did he say?”
Antonio studies me with a strange look, filled with unspoken questions.
“He won’t do anything.”
He holds my gaze for a beat, then leaves.
I walk toward Bruno’s room. He’s tied to the bathroom door handle. I quickly untie the rope from his collar. He sniffs me, licking everywhere he can reach.
I lower myself in the bathroom doorway and hug him tightly.
“I’m so sorry.” My tears start falling again. “He hates me, not you.”
He pulls back and licks my face.
I stay there, holding Bruno, until we hear footsteps approaching.
