Page 22 of Reckoning

“Tell me you know. Tell me you believe me.”

He lets out a sigh running his face over his hand. “No one is judging you, Sofia. We all make mistakes.”

I fold my arms, scowling. He thinks that’s what that was? A mistake? That I just woke up one day decided to add a little spark to everything, to get so fucking high I almost died?

“I’d never do that.” I state. How can he not see? How can he not understand? I’d never put myself in that position again, I’d never let myself ever lose control.

“Okay.” He says. “Okay.”

“Are we done here?” I ask looking about the stark, sanitary space.

“Yes but you’re not going back to that penthouse.”

My eyebrows raise. “Why not?”

“If someone got in, if they drugged you then it’s not safe there.”

“If?” I repeat, narrowing my eyes.

He shakes his head like he’s pissed at himself for slipping up. “You’re coming back to mine.”

“No.” I snap. I won’t do that. I won’t be back playing happy families.

“Just for tonight. We’ll figure something out tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to live with you. I don’t want to be around…” My face heats as I trail off.

“I know. I get it.” He says. “You need space and I’m not trying to take that from you but I’m not willing to compromise on your safety. You’ll sleep at mine until we can figure something out.”

“I’ll get my own place.” I state. “Tomorrow. I’ll find somewhere.”

He pulls a face like he wants to object.

“You can surround it with guards.” I add. “Put a damn watchtower up if that’s what it takes.”

His lips curl at my tone. “Fine. Tomorrow we’ll get you a place. It’s about time you left that hotel anyway.”

“I liked that hotel.” I huff. “The room service was good.”

He rolls his eyes. “Tonight it wasn’t.”

Yeah tonight it definitely wasn’t. Maybe I should have seen that coming. Maybe I should have realised that was a weak point. God, do I need to hire a taster now? Someone to make sure none of my food is poisoned from now on? Could I even trust such a person to be truthful?

“Come on.” Roman says getting up and holding his thick wool coat out for me to wrap myself up in. “Rose will be beside herself.”

“You told her?” I hiss.

“You think she wouldn’t notice me racing out in the middle of the night?” He replies as he wraps his arm around my shoulder protectively and leads me out to where Ben looks like he’s torn between smashing the place up and cradling me in his arms - like he alone can protect me from all the worlds hurts.

“I’m okay.” I say, giving him my best stoic smile.

He glances at Roman who nods just enough for me to notice.

“Let’s go home.” Roman says.

Ben’s eyebrows raise but he thankfully keeps his mouth shut as we walk out into what is now the beginnings of morning.

Sofia