Page 6 of Depraved

“You could start with the truth.”

“That I’m an assassin? Are you out of your goddamn mind?”

“Calm down,” he insists, exasperated. “I meant about being Bones and Rand. Tell her that you moved to England to be with her. You planned to do that originally, didn’t you?”

I run a hand through my hair, agitated. “She’s scared of me now. I betrayed her trust. She might not be able to accept the fact that I’m her masked man and her professor.”

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’ve always been far too angsty for your own good. Get over yourself, apologize, and give her as much of the truth as you can stomach. If it’s really meant to be, she’ll accept you.”

“You don’t have to be a dick about it.”

“Yes, I do. It’s the only way to stop your moping. I thought you’d be better once they fixed your face, but you clearly have a lot of work to do to sort your shit out. I’m not your therapist.”

“I don’t need a therapist. I just need Karolina.”

“Then go get her. I know you’re not going to give up, so stop whining and fix things with your girl.”

I pause for a long moment, bracing myself to endure the difficult conversation that’s to come.

He’s right. I’m not giving up. Not ever.

“Thanks, Ghost.”

“Don’t thank me. Just pay me. I’m going to call the clean-up crew. Get out of the house while they handle it. You don’t want them to see your face. They’re discreet, but everyone can be bought for the right price.”

“You’ll get your money.”

I’ll pay anything to get myself out of this clusterfuck and back into Karolina’s arms.

She’s priceless, more valuable that all the blood money I’ve ever earned.

It’s a good thing I have plenty of it. I’ll always be able to take care of her.

Always.

3

KAROLINA

Ihuddle on my sofa and press a hand to my chest, as though that will alleviate the ache. The sense of utter loneliness is crushing.

Before I opened myself up to Rand, I managed to pretend I wasn’t lonely. My illicit relationship with Bones was enough to distract me from the gaping hole in my heart.

I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever cared about.

My parents.

My first love… Brandon’s ruined face flashes through my mind, and my stomach churns.

Even creepy Rich died because he got too close to me. I didn’t like him, but his proximity was enough to seal his fate; my stalker slashed his throat.

The blank eyes of the dead man plague my thoughts.

Rand killed him.

Bones killed him.

To save me.