Page 180 of Sinful Like Us

If Charlie gives me a signal, I’m supposed to radio Farrow, who’ll tell Maximoff to come inside. But I can’t put Farrow in the position I’m in.

I can’t put Maximoff in the position Jane is in.

Beckett has to choose his sister.

He stares past me and out the many windows. Confliction tearing up his face—and I just tell him, “Choose her.”

His eyes redden.

It’s the easiest call in the book. “Choose her.She’s right there.” I point at his sister, knelt in front of his vice. “Choose your twin brother.”

Charlie meets Beckett’s eyes, both the same yellow-green.

He slowly, almost involuntarily, shakes his head. He faces the door. “Let me out.”

“No.” Acid drips down my throat.

I’ve never been addicted to anything in my life—not like my twin brother who’s been trying to kick his own habits for years. I understand it can’t be that simple for him. Something in his head is telling him it’s the hardest call of his life.

So difficult he’s standing here wrestling with himself.

Jane frowns, then asks Charlie, “So how do I do this?”

Beckett is turned towards me. Only me. And when he hears that, his face begins to crack, a fissure running through his features.

Charlie instructs, “Press your finger to one nostril—”

“Stop,” Beckett says in a whisper that I can only hear.

Charlie keeps talking, and I nod Beckett towards his siblings.

“No.” He battles emotion. “You have to stop her. If my parents hear that you let her do this, they’llneveraccept you. Do you want that?”

I narrow my eyes on him. All I’ve wanted is for her family to fully accept me. Beckett knows that, and I realize what has to be done.

I click my mic on my collar. “Banks to Farrow, barricade the door. Don’t let Beckett out.”

“Done,” Farrow responds.

I leave my post with a determined, assured stride, and I lower next to Jane on the floor. “Make me a line,” I tell Charlie.

He frowns for a millisecond before smiling.

I finally look to Jane.

Her lips are parted, eyes wide. “Thatcher?”

“We do this together,” I say. “You and me.”

Tears gather in her eyes. I brush them away.

“People do stupid things when they’re in love,” Charlie says, but it’s not in disdain. It’s warm, heartfelt and he looks at me like he’s acknowledging that I am stupid-in-love with his sister. And fuck it, that’s the best outcome there is.

Three lines streak the table. I’ve never done cocaine, but I can’t think of a better reason to. My mind is right. That’s all that matters.

“You ready?” Jane asks.

“I’m good to go.”