Page 50 of Raziel

“Now.”

Chapter Eighteen- Priest

“Fucking Maya,” I muttered, pacing the kitchen while Miyori slammed cabinet doors and clanged pots like she was trying to crack my skull with noise alone. “She always gotta stick her neck in shit that ain’t hers.”

“Maybe,” Miyori snapped, spinning to face me, “if you told the truth once in your damn life, she wouldn’t have to.”

I stared at her. Hair wild. Eyes burning. Hands on her hips like she was trying to hold herself together.

“You wanna know the truth?” I said low. “Fine.”

She folded her arms, waiting.

“My parents died on a flight to Italy. They loved each other.”

Her lips parted, barely. “What? Why would you lie?”

“I told you the other story to manipulate you. You wanted an explanation for why I am how I am. I’m just me, MY. But that wasn’t enough for you.” I told her honestly.

She backed away, shaking her head. “You’re sick, Priest.”

“I know.”

“I need a break from your lying ass.”

She turned, snatching her keys off the counter, and headed through the living room toward the front door.

My heart sped up.

“I didn’t say I was done.” I crossed the room and slammed the door shut before she could exit it.

“I’m tired,” she said, chest heaving. “I’m tired of lies and half-truths and you not understanding why it’s a problem.”

“Then let’s start over.”

I stepped back and held out my hand like I was introducing myself for the first time.

“Hi. I’m Priest. I’m a man of unpredictable moods, violent tendencies, and a very low tolerance for betrayal. I’m ruthless. A liar. A manipulator. And most important—I’m selfish, possessive, controlling… and I will do unreasonable, despicable shit to keep you.”

Her mouth fell open slightly.

I stepped closer, softer now. “I’m a man of all evil deeds. But one thing in me is still true. I love you.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she tried to hide it behind that same fire that made me fall for her in the first place.

“See?” she whispered, voice cracking. “You could’ve written your own damn vows with words like that.”

“I didn’t know how then.”

“You still don’t know how to stop lying.”

“I’ll learn,” I said.

I wouldn’t. I was a liar. I just knew now not to let Maya know anything.

She stared at me long and hard. Then wiped under her eyes, turned, and started walking toward the stairs.

“Where you going?”