Page 134 of Pretty Little Threats

“Fifteen.”

Breathing in, I turn to Remy and walk until his gun is pressed against my chest, right at the center of the agony that haunts me. Orion was right. Sometimes it’s better not to know the truth, and without Cassia and Dare, life is pointless.

My best friend in the whole world can’t even look me in the eye. She hasn’t responded to my messages, and I get it, I do. She’s lost so much because of my dad.

And then Dare...his entire world was destroyed, and just when we were building something real together, I fell for another one of Dad’s lies. I hurt Dare, and for that, I can’t apologize enough.

But maybe this is what my family does. Cause pain. Destroy lives. Hurt innocent people. Break up families.

Well, it’s time for that to end.

“Do it,” I whisper.

A crease forms between Remy’s eyebrows. “Don’t try to be brave.”

My hand comes up to cup his forearm. “It’s okay,” I tell him. “It’s probably better this way.”

His eyes bounce between mine, and I hold his gaze, imploring him to do it. To end the misery and the Miller line. Two birds, one bullet.

“You made a promise, Remy. Don’t back down now.”

“Shut up,” he snaps.

“It’s okay. I’m not scared.”

Remy’s hand trembles, his finger hovering near the trigger.

“Do it!” I shout, digging my nails into his arm.

Remy snarls and drops his gun and stares at me with confusion. He scrubs his hand over his face and groans. “Fuck!”

Disappointment swims in my vision, and I nod, patting his arm as I pass. “It’s okay.” I can hardly see as I make my way down the stairs. Remy’s steps don’t follow. The car that brought me here idles at the curb. Another reminder of life before I knew the truth.

The pampered princess who had no idea she was cursed. Destined to be alone.

Sniffing, I turn and walk down the sidewalk, ignoring the concerned looks from the people I pass.

Millers don’t let emotions control them.

Forcing down the feelings clogging my throat, I swallow hard and battle a sob. Everything has to go back to how it was before. I can’t handle this. It’s too much. The little box in the back of my mind I used to stuff everything inside is smaller than before, leaving my mind a flood with everything I don’t want to feel.

I was fine before Dare. Ignorant,sure, but it was better than this worthlessness, the self-loathing I can’t contain. The realization that I’ve lost everything that really mattered.

My cheeks are streaked with tears. I keep my head low as a van stops next to me and the doors open. The last thing I need is for someone to recognize me and take a picture.

Come on, Rose. Get it under control.I try to fight every emotion and every sound.

But one cuts through. “ROSE!”

Dare.

My heart fractures at the desperation in his tone.

I whirl around, but his eyes are wide and his face pale, gaze set on someone beside me. Something crashes into my head, and Dare is the last thing I see.

forty-five

DARE

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