Page 74 of Twisted Violet

“It’s fine,” I cut in. “They’re with me.”

The guards step back immediately. “Sorry about that, miss.”

Stevie doesn’t even glance at them. She turns on me instead, eyes blazing.

“What the fuck, Rome? Why are you ignoring my calls?”

“Hi to you, too.” I mutter. “You’re looking well.”

“We had rules.”

“Indeed, we did. Care to explain what you’re doing here?”

Stevie narrows her eyes just as Atlas steps between us to interject, “Maybe we should take this somewhere more private.”

I exhale through my nose and gesture for them to follow me. “Let’s head tomy home office.”

No one speaks during the ride up, but Stevie doesn’t need words; the tension is practically pouring off of her.

We make it to the office, and as soon as I shut the door, Stevie lays into me.

“What’s going on between you and my sister?”

I should lie, I should deflect, I should make it sound like less than what it is. But I can’t, not after what just happened.

“Nothing you need to be concerned about.” I say, glancing at Atlas. He’s leaning against the wall watching us like he already knows how this is going to play out.

“Don’t bullshit me.”

Her voice is low, but it cuts sharply. I clench my jaw.

“You’re crossing a line.” She hisses. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

I say nothing.

Her glare sharpens. “This was supposed to be temporary. She’s here to be safe. Not to play house with three guys who clearly don’t know what the fuck they’re doing.”

Her accusation stings.

Yes, things have gotten complicated, but Violet has always been safe with us. We would never let anything bad happen to her.

I shake my head. “She’s not some fragile little-”

“Yes, she is,” Stevie hisses. “You, of all people, should know that. You saw her, Rome. In that shed. You know what she went through. She’s vulnerable, and you let this happen.”

“I didn’tletanything happen. I didn’t plan for this. I didn’t plan to fall-”

“Don’t say it.” She says, cutting me off. “Don’t you dare say it.”

“And if it’s the truth?” I ask.

“It better not be.” She says sincerely. “Because if it is, you’re going to break her fucking heart.”

“That’s the last thing I would do.” I snap, louder than I mean to.

Atlas steps forward, but Stevie presses a hand against his chest as she turns to face me. “Then you need to be honest. With yourself and with her. If you break her now, there is no coming back from it.”

She glances at Atlas, who nods once, and then looks back at me. “Call Dallas and Niko in.”