Page 66 of Reckoning

“Because…” I pause, not sure if I want to admit it. Not sure how she would feel about me saying it.

“Because Sofia is involved?” Roman guesses.

“Yes.”

I hear the sharp intake of breath. I see the way Sofia tenses.

“Why not? How is it any different if I’m involved?” She asks.

I fix my eyes on her, noticing the way she doesn’t blink all that much, the way she tilts her head, the way she hides her fear and her nerves behind a hard mask that right now is firmly in place. But I also notice the way a pulse on her neck is giving her away. The way her heartrate is steadily picking up.

“I wouldn’t do anything that risks fingers being pointed at you.” I state. “The fact you were there last night makes it too high risk.”

“But you were there.” She says with a hint of concern that makes my lips curl.

“I can handle anything that comes my way.” I reply.

“And you think I can’t?” She asks, narrowing her eyes, showing that petulant streak she keeps mostly underwraps.

“I know you can. Last night more than proved it. But this is about your future, this is about ensuring the sins of the past don’t sully your hands.”

I hear her mutter, I don’t catch the words but I know it’s along the lines of her already being sullied enough for it to make little difference now.

Roman looks between us with an expression I can’t quite read. Is it anger? Frustration? Fear, even?

“Sofia,” He says quietly, “Perhaps it would be best for you to stay with me for a bit. Take a little time out.”

“No,” Sofia says back. “I’m happy where I am.”

“Then I want more guards, I’m not sure how safe your house is considering….”

“I didn’t mean my house.” She replies and her cheeks heat just a little.

Both of them look at me - Sofia with obvious hope, and Roman, as if I will back him up and send her packing.

As if I would. I’m not going to deny her. It’s not like she has a choice but I need her to believe she has options. I need her to not see this as a new prison. A new cage.

“Sofia decides.” I state. “If she wants to stay then she is welcome to.”

The way she reacts tells me she takes the bait, that those words are exactly what she wanted to hear. But then she asks, “Do you want me to?”

Her question catches me off guard, not because of the reasons it should. Not because her brother is watching this play out right in front of him. It’s because she’s such a damn people pleaser, she never puts herself first. She never does what she wants without making sure everyone else is happy. I’ll admit it pisses me off. She should be her own priority and I’m going to make sure she learns that fact.

“Of course I do.” I say, ignoring Roman completely. “But this isn’t about me. This is about you. You need to start taking control, start making decisions for yourself.”

Her eyes widen, she looks at Roman then back at me, drawing herself up like she’s actually pissed. “I want to stay.” She says more determinedly. But of course she does, I’ve just presented myself as her champion. Her perfect knight.

“Then you stay.” I reply and she smiles like I’ve just taken the weight of the world from her shoulders.

“I want to speak to my sister alone.” Roman states.

Sofia scowls in response.

Of course Roman will try to persuade her, to try to prove the folly of the path she’s choosing. Perhaps this is a good test to see how determined Sofia can be. If she has the strength to stand up to her brother.

And if she doesn’t, it won’t matter all that much. I might have to turn to more forceful means, I might have to manipulate her further, but Sofia won’t be leaving here.

She won’t be going anywhere from now on unless I allow it.