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I can feel Marco roll his eyes even though I’m not looking at him.

“Look, I know you’re hurting. I didn’t think it was possible, but…you are. Still, you’ve got to move on from this. If you want him back, go get him back. You can’t live like this forever.”

I clench my jaw. “You don’t get it. I don’t know if he’ll even…”

“Take you back? Oh, for fuck’s sake, are you really afraid of being rejected? You’ve been shot, Dante. Plus, I saw how he looks at you. If you go up there right now and wake him up, you’ll be in his ass in two seconds.”

I growl. “Shut the fuck up, Marco.” I pause, then look at him with a sigh. “You’re right. I can’t do this forever.”

“So go make him yours like you did the first time. You’re Dante fucking Romano. Act like it.” Marco shoves my shoulder.

I shove him back, but with much less amusement. “Alright, alright. Just tell me the fuckin’ update, Marco.”

“Right, well, the deal is done.”

I blink. “The Greivans agreed to a deal?” Relief washes over me.

He smiles at me. “They did, but not everyone is happy about it.”

I narrow my eyes. “What do you mean?”

Marco clicks his tongue. “Some of the Greivans have decided they aren’t going to be part of it. They’ve left the family and are striking out on their own.”

“Damnit,” I mumble.

“Yeah, so you can imagine what that means,” Marco says.

I let my head fall back against the seat. “Trouble.”

17

ETHAN

Getting through exams feels less stressful than it’s ever been. I dive into studying, reading, and taking the exams with every bit of energy I have. The instant I start to lose focus, I start thinking about Dante, and then I start crying or ranting at Nathan in frustration.

So the exams give me something to focus on.

Still, at night when I’m alone, I think of him and debate texting or calling him, but I never do. I can’t sleep in my bed because it still smells like him.

By now I should understand that it’s over, but I can’t stop thinking about him, aboutus.

I sleep on the couch after having the TV on for several hours, and wake up multiple times a night in discomfort and irritation. I want him here.

I want to go to him. I want to tell him that if the ritual is really so important to him, we can talk about it more. I want to tell him that I want to be with him.

But I’m scared.

It’s the weekend after exams, and I’m lying on the couch at eleven in the morning because I can’t get myself to do anythingelse right now. That’s not uncommon after finals, but I feel heavier than usual.

As easy as it is to get lost in the thoughts about Dante, my life, and even Lena, I’m saved by my phone ringing on the coffee table. I think it’s Nathan, but when I pick it up, it’s my mother. Immediately my heart starts pounding in my chest.

My plans for Christmas break have completely changed, and I haven’t told my parents, not even my mother, the full story.

I stare at the screen until I have no choice but to answer or let it go to voicemail.

“Hey, Mom,” I say quietly as I lean back on the couch.

“You sound terrible. Are you eating and drinking water?” she asks, not even saying hello first.