Page 41 of Devious Love

For a long moment, we’re silent, sitting side by side. I won’t lie, her presence is nice. It keeps me from going down the rabbit hole I always fall into on nights like this, from losing myself in the details of the accident. It stops my mind from obsessing over all the ways I could’ve avoided it and wondering what I could’ve done differently to ensure I was the only one to suffer consequences.

“The girl who let me in, Remi… Um, she wasn’t happy when I wouldn’t give this back.”

I blink, lowering my gaze to her outstretched hand and the set of keys resting in her palm.

She extends her arm farther. “I’m sure she wants them back.”

With a sigh, I grasp her hand and curl her fingers in. “Keep them. She doesn’t need keys to this house. I’d forgotten to get them back, so you did me a favor.”

“Isn’t she your girlfriend?”

I take in her features in the light of the moon. The maddening heat that forms in my lower abdomen makes me feel as if my fucking skin is on fire, but I don’t retract my hand. I don’t look away. It’s pure torture, drinking her in. She’s so damn beautiful. Just the sight of her makes my head spin.

“Remi is my ex-girlfriend.”

Mia tightens her hold on the keys, her fingers gingerly brushing my open palm.

“Does she know that?” One brow arched, she stands.

I exhale.

Wow.

If I’m not careful, I’ll find myself in hot water for real.

CHAPTER 11

speak of the devil

MIA

Age 18

August

“What areyour plans for the day?” Mom asks, sitting across from me at the breakfast bar.

Her green eyes are warm, her smile encouraging. She’s working hard to rebuild our relationship, trying to show me she’s changed. That’s the only reason I agreed to live here instead of on campus. As difficult as our relationship has always been, I can’t help but want to form a real mother-daughter bond.

“It’s Welcome Week, so Chia and I will join Jeff and Tessa on campus for some orientation events.” I shrug, forking fried eggs onto my plate.

“I can’t believe you’re starting college next week.” She covers my hand with hers. “I’m so, so happy you’re home.”

“Yeah, me too.”

With one more pat to my hand, she stands and takes her dishes to the sink. As I eat, I watch her move around the kitchen. Her hair isn’t as dark as mine. She’s been highlighting it for as long as I can remember. Today, it’s in a neat bun, exposinga set of small hoop earrings and a silver necklace with a pearl pendant. She’s elegant and sophisticated, in a simple white shirt and a black leather skirt. I’m built like she is, with the same hourglass figure, though my jet-black hair and freckles came straight from Dad. Same with my dark blue eyes.

“How’s your dad doing? Settling in?”

A smile immediately blooms on my lips. “He’s doing great. He’s already in love with Milan. Last time we talked, he spent twenty minutes rambling about all the places he’s already visited. Then, he started listing where he wants to take me when I go stay with him next summer.”

Her smile fades, and my stomach drops along with it. I forcibly swallow my food and clear my throat, preparing for how she’ll respond.

“I didn’t think you’d want to visit him.”

I will the anger curdling in my stomach to calm. “Of course I want to.” I shift my coffee mug then force my gaze back to her. “I miss him. Plus, it’sItaly. Who wouldn’t want to visit?”

“It will be an expensive trip.”