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“I think I’m starting to like you – for real.”

“That sounds like manipulation to me,” I point out.

She shrugs. “Think what you want. It’s the truth.” She initiates a kiss, breathing passionately when it ends. My body roars for her. “Your dream must’ve been awful if I heard you in the panic room.”

I shut down. Turn cold. “I don’t talk about that.”

“But you want to share it with me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah.” She kisses my cheek tenderly. It’s not sexual. It’s romantic, intimate, and makes me want to believe.

“We should get going,” I say.

“Why?”

Because I’m starting to believe in her act, and that’s dangerous.

When I don’t answer, she sighs and stands. Together, we walk back through the garden toward the garage. She stands at the garage door, looking over her shoulder at the tall wall and the gate.

“Once I’ve handled The Vultures, you’ll be free to go,” I tell her.

“Free,” she repeats, her voice low and depressed. “I haven’t been free my entire life.”

She gives the surroundings another lingering look, as if debating making a run for it, then sighs and walks into the garage and down the trapdoor. I watch her go, but Meatball remains behind, purring and rubbing against my leg.

Her dejected posture makes me feel like a demon. I ran from my life in the mob, specifically because I wanted to be better than them.

But if being a monster is what it takes to stop this bright, passionate young woman from falling into an early grave, it’s what I’ll be.

CHAPTER 10

EVIE

“Should I have made a run for it?” I ask Meatball, stroking my hands through his fur as I sit cross-legged on the couch and watch mindless reality TV.

Or half watch, really, because my thoughts are elsewhere.

“Maybe I could’ve made it to the gate. But could I climb over? I didn’t see any trees or plants near the walls or the gate. It’s like he designed it so nobody could climb a tree and then clamber over. He says I’m manipulating him, but can he blame me?”

Meatball whines. He doesn’t buy the manipulation angle. He thinks I’m using it as an excuse to do what I want, to get closer to Dom. When I mentioned his nightmare, Dom got this look on his face, a darkness I wanted to learn more about, maybe help him with, maybe even light it up.

The phone buzzes.

Dom: I forgot to say earlier, I heard from Rafe today. Tasha is still safe.

Evie: Are you sure?

Dom: If they find her, Rafe will fight. I know that for a fact.

What about me? Am I safe? From him – from myself, from these feelings?

The phone buzzes again.

Dom: Earlier, when you said you’ve never been free. What did you mean by that, Evie?

I grab the phone and type quickly.