Page 135 of Atone

“Get your hands off her.”

“It’s okay, Alex.” Mila’s green eyes gloss over. “I’m okay. I love you. No matter what. I love you.”

She shouldn’t.

I’m a fucking mess.

Insane.

Unstable.

A killer.

And this moment is proof that my blood is no better. I come from this sickness. There is no hope.

Still, with tears in her eyes, she tries to comfortme.

People don’t care. I’m not worth it.

But Mila cares with her whole heart.

“What’s more important, Alex? This girl…” He pulls Mila closer. “Or your family?”

“I’m done doing your bidding,” I bite back. “You might know all their secrets, but I know yours. I know enough to bring you down. You saw what we did to the Donovans and the Pierces. We made the pillars of Sigma House fall. You hurt her, and you’ll be next.”

“You can’t take me down without revealing your own crimes against the House, son.”

“Are you sure about that?” I angle my head.

He forgets how long I spent at Montgomery. ThatallSigma House records are stored in their basement. While he was so busy focusing on hiding what happened at thetrial, I was preparing. I made sure to erase myself from Sigma House history just in case I ever needed it.

Gideon Lancaster can dig all he wants. He’ll find nothing.

“You won’t turn on your family.”

“Watch me.”

His eyes narrow. “You think you can just dismantle everything we’ve worked for, and your problems will be over? You think you’ve uncovered all the monsters? I’ve protected you and your sister from the things you can’t begin to imagine. And with any upheaval comes a new regime ready to claim power. If I fall, we all do.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

The grin that stretches his face is sadistic. “Is that so? You’ve got it all figured out? You have friends at your side again and regular pussy in your bed, and you think you’ve changed? Should we test that?”

“Ah.” Mila winces as the blade presses into her skin.

“Stop.”

“Tell me, Alex, are you ready to prove your strength?” Dad presses the knife so hard that red blooms on Mila’s gray sweatshirt. “What matters more? Saving her or letting out the rage stirring inside you? There won’t be time for both if I drive this knife into her pretty little body. What will be more important to you, son? Your girlfriend or getting revenge for what I did? Let’s find out.”

My vision blurs as he drives the knife into Mila’s side.

Her scream fills the kitchen. It bounces off the walls. Blood thunders between my temples, and I’m burning up from the inside out.

Dad pulls the blade free, and blood starts to spill. Like water spouting from a faucet. A red river.

Dad steps back as I rush forward. But I don’t get there before she slumps to the ground.

“I guess we have our answer.” Dad tosses the bloody knife onto the counter.