Page 156 of Desperate Crimes

“Michaela—”

“It’s that you never told me aboutyou.About this side of you.The side that apparently trains with mercenaries, negotiates art deals during panic attacks, and walks into the jungle with an assault rifle like she was born for it.”

She turns now.Her eyes are shining.Hurt.

“I’m your sister.And I didn’t even know you.”

That slices through me harder than any blade.

I close the space between us, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“I didn’t mean to shut you out.I just, you were always so perfect.The golden girl.The rule follower.How could I explain that darker side of me and expect you or Mom to believe it?How could I expect the two of you to love me once you knew about that part of me?”

I can feel wetness tracking down my cheeks, and as she shakes her head, I see her tears mirroring mine.

We were close once.When we were small.Michaela is ten years older, so I always used to traipse after her like a puppy.

Now that I think about it, I was probably annoying, but she was always patient and kind.

“I would have accepted you, Lee-Lee.You’re my sister, I will always accept you.”

“I know that now.”My voice cracks.“And I’m sorry.So sorry.”

Silence stretches between us.

Wind rustles the roses, scattering petals darker than blood.That summer breeze through the pine needles on the tall trees standing as sentries murmurs its endless refrain.

Then I move, I join her and the baby on the swing, and I reach for her hand.

“I was scared.That if people saw who I really was, they wouldn’t want me.That I’d be too much.Too complicated.And as for Nico,” I make a sound between a laugh and a sob.“I’ve been in love with him forever.I just never thought he could love me back.”

She snorts softly, wiping her face with the heel of her hand.“Oh my God.Leanna!Anyone with eyes could see Junior’s been clocking your every move for years.”

“What?”

“You need to get your eyes checked.And I thought shit with me and Liam was complicated?You went and married NicofuckingFury Jr.You fell in love with a Viper, Lee!Now, I want to hear the whole story.”

“I do,” I whisper.“God help me, I love him.And truthfully, well, our story is kind of different,” I confess.

“I bet.So, was it an unconventional courtship?What did the snake do?Strike when you least expect it?”she asks, waggling her eyebrows.

“I mean, if you count kidnapping me and bringing me to this house without me knowing who he is or seeing his face for the first few hours unconventional, then blowing my mind with earth-shattering sexy times?Then yes.He did all of that,” I confess.

“What?LEE!”she whisper-screams.And Adrianna objects with a loud wail.

I start to giggle.Then it gets louder.She joins me.And soon we’re both full-belly laughing,

“Oh, but Micky, Nico sees me.All of me.He loves me in ways I never expected.But I know I should have told you.You’re my sister.And I should’ve let you see me first.”

She looks at me for a long time.Then, she pulls me into a bone-crushing hug with just one arm.

“Okay, so I still want to kill him for kidnapping you, by the way.But I think I can let it go if I know you’re happy, Lee-Lee.”

“I’d expect nothing less, and yes, Mick, I am so happy.”

We laugh a little more.But it’s enough.

“I’m really glad.Just don’t disappear anymore, okay?Mom was driving me nuts.Ooh, and looks like this one is asleep,” she whispers, and I smile at the precious bundle in her arms.