Page 79 of Twisted Violet

My chest caves in, collapsing under the weight of the words.

Stevie keeps talking, but I don’t wait to hear the rest.

I turn and walk away, fast, my bare feet silent against the hardwood. Ollie scrambles to keep up, but I don’t slow down until I make it to my room.

I shut the door behind me, and sink onto the bed, grabbing the bracelet on my wrist like it might tether me to something solid. But the string just digs into my skin. Tight. Meaningless. Just another lie.

My throat tightens, but I don’t cry.

I just sit there and let it sink in.

Everything they ever did.

Every smile, every touch, every soft moment, all of it was paid for.

None of it was real.

They were here because Stevie paid them, because it was their job.

I just made it harder. I made them think I needed more, and they gave it to me because they had no other choice.

I stare at the floor, wishing it would just open up and swallow me whole.

This is my fault. I ruined everything.

I squeeze my eyes shut and for a second, it feels like I’m back in the nightmare.

Only this time, it’s one I can’t wake up from.

TWENTY-EIGHT

ROME

My voice keeps going.

Flat. Controlled. Like I’m giving a damn press conference.

“We’re just trying to look out for her.” I say, shaking my head.

I’m downplaying it, and every person in this room knows it.

But no one calls me out on it.

Not Dallas.

Not Niko.

And definitely not Atlas, who’s standing in the corner with his arms crossed, looking like he’s watching a slow-motion train wreck.

“She needs protection. Not… whatever this is.” Stevie waves her hand between the three of us. “And if you can’t give her that without complicating it, then maybe she shouldn’t be here.”

Dallas rubs a hand down his face. Niko exhales through his nose. I clench my jaw.

“We get that you’re concerned, but Violet is her own person with her own feelings. You can’t expect us to just avoid her.”

Stevie glares at me.

“You’re being paid to keep her safe.” She hisses. “Not to get attached.”