Page 61 of Kiss Me Like I Didn't Kill You

Our parents had arranged it in the early years, eager to maintain appearances and strengthen the ties between ourfamilies. They were forever pushing us together, believing it would serve their interests one way or another.

After all, allies can still play games. Sending us off together meant keeping the peace, and perhaps, if fortune allowed, overhearing something useful about one another’s affairs.

We knew the game well. And we played it. But despite everything, we never truly betrayed one another.

At least, we didn’t used to.

Now, with the tension brewing, especially between Adelaide and Octavia, I can’t help but feel uneasy.

Once I’ve finished packing, I head to the kitchenette to make myself something simple to eat. I’ve only just picked up the cutlery when a knock sounds at the door. I pause, frowning, I’m not expecting anyone.

Crossing the room, I pull the door open to find Octavia standing there, her expression carefully blank. She steps inside without a word, and I move aside to let her pass.

I’m about to close the door when it’s abruptly pushed open from the other side. My hand tightens on the handle.

“What the hell—?”

Adelaide strides in, and behind her, Piper follows, hesitant and withdrawn, avoiding my eyes entirely.

It’s the first time the four of us have been alone in a room together in months, an uncomfortable sort of silence hanging in the air.

Something in my chest shifts. The familiarity of it, the strange hope it drags with it, even if I know better.

We haven’t spoken as a group in so long, but part of me wonders if we might, one day, manage to find our way back to what we used to be.

Inseparable.

Brutally loyal.

I still care about each and every one of them. I just don’t know if it matters anymore.

They move toward the sitting area, and I close the door behind them before following.

Octavia stands rigid at one end of the room, arms crossed so tightly they might snap. Her pink hair falls in loose waves down her back, vivid against her cream jumper and jeans.

Her gaze is fixed on Adelaide with barely contained loathing.

Adelaide, in contrast, sinks into an armchair, crossing one leg over the other. Her dark curls are swept into a careless bun, and her green eyes gleam with mischief.

I exhale slowly. This is going to unravel quickly.

These two cannot exist in the same space for more than two minutes without conflict, and they’ve proven that far too many times for me to believe today will be different.

Octavia’s voice slices through the air, clipped. “What are you doing here?”

Adelaide’s expression doesn’t waver. “Good to see you too.”

Octavia takes a step forward, her tone turning colder. “I didn’t ask for your sarcasm. I asked why the hell you’re in my sister’s room.”

“I wasn’t aware you were her keeper,” Adelaide replies, her voice smooth. “Or is this another one of your delusional control issues?”

Octavia lets out a low, dangerous laugh. “Oh, you want to talk about control? Let me warn you, mine might just snap… say, right about now, and I’ll be more than happy to rearrange that hair of yours.”

Adelaide merely watches her, a faint glimmer of amusement flickering in her eyes.

“Ah, but since we’re all here…” my sister continues, glancing around the room. “Well, everyone exceptEleanor.”

At the mention of Eleanor’s name, I catch a brief crack in Adelaide’s composure, the smallest falter in her poise, but she masks it almost instantly.