Page 88 of Madness & Mercy

I cross the room slowly, watching the way he tenses like he’s bracing for a blow that hasn’t come yet.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said. About Braga.”

I keep my voice calm and even, like this is just a normal conversation.

Julian leans against the windowsill. “Yeah? And?”

I watch him closely.

“You said he was controlling.”

“He was.” A beat.“Is.”

“And that’s why you left?”

He gives a one-shouldered shrug. “Among other things.”

“What other things?”

He lifts his gaze to mine, his brow furrowed. “Why are you asking me this now?”

Because you’re a fucking liar.

Because I know there’s more you’re not telling me.

Because I saw the way your eyes flared when I mentioned his name again.

Because something in your past with Braga made you bleed long before that bullet did.

But I just smile.

“Curiosity,” I say. “If he’s a threat to me, I want to know how he operates. Who better to ask than someone who worked with him?”

Julian’s mouth twists. He doesn’t answer right away.

I walk over to the bar cart, pour myself a drink, then gesture to him. “Want one?”

“No thanks.”

I take a slow sip, then lean back against the counter. “Tell me something, Cross. You everkillfor him?”

His eyes flick to mine, flat and cold. “Of course not. What kind of question is that?”

“An honest one.”

“You want honesty?” he says, his voice strained. “I’m not like you… I’m not a killer. But I’ve worked for a lot of men worse than Braga, doing things I’m not proud of. You wanna psychoanalyze me, put me under a microscope? Go ahead. But don’t pretend you’re any better.”

I smile. “Oh, I know I’m not.”

He pushes off the windowsill. “Then what the hell do you want from me, Nico?”

I want you to tell the truth for once in your fucking life.

“Dinner,” I say instead, downing the rest of my drink. “Tonight at six. We’re having guests. I expect you to look presentable.”

His brows furrow. “You can’t be serious.”

I shrug. “You’re under my roof. You eat when I say, bleed when I say, and play nice when I say. That wasn’t part of the deal?”