Page 59 of The Wicked

With one hand working on the buttons of my shirt, I made my way back to the gazebo, skin biting with irritation at what I’d just put myself through, at the unconscious step I had taken towards being exactly like my father.

My skin crawled, and the distinct need to punish myself pulsed through my veins.

I shook my head of the sickening thoughts just as coughs and sputter sounds came from behind me, followed by strings of panicked curses from the soldier.

I halted, a frown dragging down my brows as I slowly turnedtowards the pool. She was awake, coughing up water, her hand pressing at her throat as the soldier watched in surprise.

Anger. Burning, flaming, hot, obdurate anger flooded my veins. “What part of ‘do not exert effort’ don’t you understand, estúpido!”

“I didn’t—she just—I—”

Groaning, I headed faster for the gazebo and grabbed my gun, walking back towards them.

“Step away,” I gritted, and the man removed himself immediately.

I stared down at the nuisance. Her breathing was ragged as her eyelids fluttered shut and open in a battle to stay awake.

“I hoped the water would kill you, but I guess your lungs aren’t as weak as I thought,” I said, pointing the gun directly at her forehead.

Her gaze flickered to the gun, and then to me. “What is this—more foreplay?”

“In honesty, part of me was hoping that I’d get to kill you this way.”

She watched me through half-closed eyes, her lips lifting to the side with a breathy laugh. “Aw, c-can’t do it like Daddy, or is this you stalling?”

I detested the little truth in her observation. “I am not my father, and I am not stalling.”

“Okay—cool, anytime now.”

Provoked, I disengaged the gun’s safety, seconds away from pulling the trigger when the exit door burst open, and Elia stopped short at the sight in front of him.

I sighed, shaking my head.

“This thing called… luck,” she whispered with a scoff.

Ignoring me, Elia rushed towards us, immediately getting to his knees and lifting Zahra’s body so her back was to his chest. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Peachy,” she answered weakly.

“Get away from her, Elia. She’s not who you think she is,” I said, still pointing the gun at her head.

Elia raised his head, and I was met with a fury similar to mine. “Fuck off,” he gritted.

“Do not make me repeat it.”

Ensuring Zahra was okay, he got to his feet, his anger-filled eyes dead set on me. “First off, don’t talk to me like I’m a fucking child, and secondly, how the fuck could you do this? What the hell did she do to you?”

“She killed without reason, put you in danger—”

“Are you listening to yourself? Dion almost hurt her; it was self-defense,” he bit back, and I almost pulled the trigger then and there, hating how she had manipulated him, how she had him wrapped around her little finger.

“Elia, she has you fooled, believe me—”

“Believe you? Why the fuck should I believe you?” he yelled. “What reason do I have to believe anyfuckingword that comes out of your mouth.” He shook his head, staring at me like I was a stranger. “You shouldn’t have done this—you shouldn’t have touched her, you sick bastard.”

“Open your eyes,Elia;you’re dancing to her tune. She confessed to me. She told me she killed him because she had a score to settle with him. I have only ever been honest with you, except when it concerns your safety. Otherwise, I would never directly put you in harm’s way, and that is what I would be doing if I let her live. She is bad for you, Elia.”

He shook his head. “I would take her lies over yours any day, anytime. I would take her bad over yours even in fucking death. There is absolutely nothing you could say to change my mind.”