“That lamp wouldn’t leave a scratch.”
She shrugs. “It’s the thought that counts.” Tosses it on the bed like a spoiled child discarding a broken toy. “So, what’s this? You come to bask in my imprisonment? Bring me a gift? A bullet, maybe?”
Smartass.
“You wanna get out, don’t you?”
Her whole face lights up like I just handed her the goddamn key to the universe. But she reins it in fast, shaking her head like that’ll protect her from disappointment.
“Get ready.” I turn to leave, but she freezes at the threshold.
“What’s the catch?”
“No catch. Just throw on something decent before I change my mind.” I don’t wait for her to argue.
I slam the door behind me, hard enough to rattle the frame, mostly to drown out the voice in my head telling me this is a mistake.
But fuck it. We all need a little sin to survive. And tonight? She gets to sin with us.
Chapter Six
Athens
When Karter starts fucking around like this, I forget how to be mad.
“Karter, put me down!” I’m laughing, breathless as he spins me like a ragdoll in his arms, ignoring every word I say.
“I mean it,” I gasp. “You and Wyck don’t need to be tearing each other apart because of me. I’ll stay here while you all go out. I’m not ready to see him.”
He stops, just barely, eyes darkening.
“Why? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“And it’s not likeyoudid either.” I try to defend him, but my words feel weak even as they leave my mouth.
His jaw ticks. “No. I did. I knew better, and I still fucking did it. I let my dick speak louder than my head. It’s not like Wyck and I haven’t clashed before… but this time?” He puts me down, and for once, he looks haunted. “I didn’t give a shit how it would affect you. That’s on me.”
“You’re being too hard on yourself,” I say, stepping back with a sigh. “You were there when I needed you. If Wyck can’t handle that, then, tough tiddies.”
He chuckles at that, shaking his head.
“I’ll read through the journals while you guys go out. Be right back.” I turn around, and slam face-first into something solid.
Something warm. Something breathing.
“Excuse me.” My voice catches because why the hell am I apologizing to a door?
But then, I realize that something… isn’t athing.
It’s him.
Wyck.
His voice slithers into my ear, low and thick like smoke curling around a blade. “It’s my fault.”
I sway.
“Wyck,” I whisper, dizzy.
