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The urge to throw the phone grips me for what feels like the thousandth time. His texts are just as frustrating as his general presence is.

The sick contradiction is that I’m relieved he’s keeping Tash safe – and that I believe him unquestioningly – while resenting what he’s doing to me.

Evie: If you’re not going to share anything about yourself, I refuse to be interrogated like this.

For a long time, he doesn’t reply. I look down at my fork-turned-rings, my heart pounding as I review his question in my thoughts. Is that what I want, truly, to hate this man who messes with my head and triggers confusing emotions in me?

Dom: The operation went bad. It was supposed to be a simple, an ambush, but they were expecting us. I watched several of my friends die right in front of me. I only survived because, when I was wounded and forced to retreat, I tripped down a hill and ended up falling into a ravine. I passed out. When I woke, I was on a corpse cart. They thought I was dead. I played dead as they buried me with my buddies. Before they could fill the grave, backup arrived. That was my last operation. I left shortly after. Happy now?

I gasp, tears springing to my eyes as I read his words.

Evie: I’m so sorry.

The words feel far too small, not even close to being enough.

Dom: It was almost ten years ago.

Evie: But the pain is still there.

Dom: The scars won’t heal. I’ve come to terms with that. Now, your turn.

I study his question again. If he let me go, what would I do?

Evie: I’d do what I always have, Dom. I’d survive.

Dom: I’ve got an early start tomorrow. I need to get some sleep.

Evie: Do you want some company?

Dom: So that you can sneak around while I’m asleep and look for a way out?

Evie: No – so that, if you have another nightmare, somebody will be there for you.

This is part truth and part lie. Iwouldlook for a way out… at least, I’d try, if his weirdly tempting warmth–physical and emotional–didn’t glue me in place.

Dom: Get some rest, Evie. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, I’ll find The Vultures and end this.

Evie: How? What’s your plan?

Dom: To make him stop.

Evie: How, though?

Dom: By doing whatever it takes.

I sigh, putting the phone aside. My thoughts go to the experience Dom suffered. I close my eyes and imagine what it must’ve felt like, the smells, the terror, the twisted relief when backup arrived and he was the only survivor.

“He’s had nobody to share his pain with,” I whisper.

Meatball whines, snuggling close to me. I slide my hands through his fur.

“I want to be there for him. But—” I grit my teeth. “I can’t. I’m going in circles. He’s wearing down my defenses. He’s making me care. I have to remember where this started.”

CHAPTER 11

DOM

The next day, I stand over my desk at work, looking down at the wrapped gift with Evie’s name on the tag. Being ultra wealthy has its perks sometimes. I wonder if Evie’s going to like it.