Page 72 of Betrayed

“Ready?” she asks, eyes bright.

“Always,” I say, because I’m always up for a Cass adventure.

And then she stands.

We spin in the grass until the world smears into green and gold. Our skirts flare, showing off our bare, scraped knees. A bee bumbles past. I scream, Cass laughs, and it keeps flying,

We’re not worth the trouble today.

Cass laughs—a clear bell of a sound—and I hold her hands tighter, twirling harder to hear her laugh again.

Our crowns tilt and slide, askew on our heads. I stare up at her, adoring her.

“Don’t let go,” she orders, bossy as a queen.

“Never,” I promise, dizzy and delighted. “Never.”

Cass squeezes my hand, but when I open my eyes, she’s not there. When the darkness recedes from my vision, I don’t know how much time has passed.

“I won’t let go…”

“Erin? Erin!” Lucian’s voice breaks through.

The ground is under me, Lucian is over me, and it’s his hand holding mine. I’m not sure what's going on, but he looks worried.

I place a hand on his cheek to soothe him. “Lucian.”

“You’re hurt, but you’ll be okay. I’ll make damn sure of it,” his voice is steadfast devotion. “We’ve got help on the way.”

My right side burns something fierce. I look down. Blood soaks through my shirt, but not as much as I expected, considering the pain.

“Tis but a flesh wound,” I say, wanting to take away his worry.

“What?” He grabs my hand in his.

“Ask Cass.” I close my eyes, moaning in pain. “Yeah, you’re going to need more than the mafia to save you when my sister finds out.”

“So are you,” he says.

I try to laugh but it hurts. “True.”

“Now stop talking. For once in your life, please. Be good. Just lie still and be good.” He leans over, stroking my hair softly, kissing my lips like I’m a fairytale princess and his kiss will save me from all of this.

In perfect contradiction to his soft kiss, he shouts at no one in particular, “Can that damn ambulance get here any faster?”

Tired, I smile, closing my eyes.

“Erin. Stay with me.”

“I have been with you, Lucian.” My eyes flutter open. “Since that very first night I met you.”

“God—” his voice breaks.

“I’ve been with you,” I murmur, “as long as I’ve loved you. From the very first night.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Lucian