Page 88 of Burning Daylight

“Youaremad.”

I throw my hands into the air, annoyed by his antics and even more irritated at the spark of excitement that’s blooming because he’s here.

What kind of a person am I that even after knowing he’s lied to my face and is the son of my family’s biggest rival…I still react at the sight of him?

“If the fall doesn’t kill you, my family might when they find you here. So, suit yourself…what do I care, anyway?”

“Juliette,” he groans, his fingers slipping from the slats until his body drops another inch.

I lurch forward like I can save him.

“Would you cut itout?” I hiss, glancing behind me again.

Still, nobody comes.

“Say you forgive me,” he demands again.

I frown at him, although I secretly like that he’s here and trying to make amends. “You haven’t apologized yet.”

“You’re right,” he says. “I’m sorry.”

I lean against the pillar of my balcony and look at him, part of me enjoying his suffering. “For?”

“Existing, I guess.” The teasing lilt disappears from his voice. “And for not being honest, although thereisa reason, if you’d let me explain.”

I sigh.

His fingers slip more, and his body slides down. “Shit,” he exclaims.

“Fine!” I half shout, and then repeat quieter, “Fine. I forgive you.”

A beaming grin spreads across his face, and he easily pulls himself back up, throwing one leg over the railing and then the other until he’s standing right in front of me on my balcony. “I knew you cared.”

My mouth unhinges.

Anger thrums through me, and before I can stop myself, I’m shoving his chest. “Are you out of your mind? You could have killed yourself.”

He grips my hands and holds them against his chest. “If you hate me, then I’m as good as dead, anyway.”

“And now you’re joking?” I shove at him again, and he chuckles, letting me go and falling against the pillar. “I do hate you,” I bite out. “Ihateyou.”

His smile fades, and a crease forms between his brows. “I came to explain.”

I look to the side, my arms folding tight against my ribs. “Pretty sure I got the gist of it.”

He shakes his head. “I didn’t know who you were, Juliette. I swear.”

I narrow my gaze. “Then why didn’t you tell me your real name?”

“Because everyone in this town thought I was dead,” he states. “And everyone who knew I was alive thinksyourdad wants to kill me.”

That makes me pause, but my hackles rise, wanting to defend a man who may not actually deserve a defense.

It’s not like I don’tknowthat he’s capable of horrible things, I just… He wouldn’t do anything that extreme.

Would he?

I cringe.