Page 51 of The Cute Psycho

"Of course not," I say, racking my brain for a good reason.

Why didn't I think this through beforehand?

Somehow my brain cells leave the conversation when it comes to her.

"You don't know Marcello like I do. He can be extremely overprotective. I'm sure you wouldn't like to walk away from one prison only to find yourself in another." I pause, searching her features for a reaction.

"Go on."

"I have sisters too,"had"so I can understand the struggle, which is why I've decided to help you familiarize yourself with the world."

"And what's in it for you?"

"I may need a favor or two in the future." She looks at me skeptically, so I amend my words, "Nothing too hard. Accompany me at an event or two," I quickly add, explaining that my position may call for my attendance with a date.

She nods thoughtfully, not entirely convinced.

"I see. But why me?"

"Why not you?" I fire back, this time allowing for some honesty, "You're not scared of me, as we've established. Not even after what happened at Sacre Coeur. Most people wouldnottry to tackle me to the ground, as you already have. That just confirms to me you're the perfect person for the job."

As I say the words, I gain a new respect for her, because few people would take me head on like she did, or even dare look me in the eye. For that alone, she is indeed the only one fit for the job.

"There's something you're not telling me." She narrows her eyes at me and I just shrug.

"You can accept, or you can refuse," I lie, her refusal being completely out of the question. But it seems I may need to push her further. "I can always find someone else. You, on the other hand..." I trail off.

When her expression doesn't budge, I stand up, ready to leave.

"Wait," she says, and my lips stretch in a languid smile.

"If we do this..." she waves her hand around, "then we do it my way. We do the things thatIwant to do."

"Agreed." I nod.

"Good," she replies awkwardly, teetering on the heels of her feet, suddenly out of words.

We quickly exchange phone numbers, and I tell her I'll be in touch.

Just as I'm about to jump out the window, she taps my back.

"If we're going to be friends, then you can call me Sisi," she adds, suddenly not meeting my eyes.

"Sisi," I say the word out loud, and a small smile appears on her face. "I'll see you soon, Sisi."

12

SISI

Family dinner had been an interesting affair, but I'd found it hard to concentrate on what was being said around me. Not when all I could think about was Vlad and his weird yet oddly appealing offer.

His presence in my room had taken me by surprise, and for a moment Ihadbeen afraid of him. Not for long, though. Certainly not after he'd opened his mouth. How he'd managed to both insult and amuse me in the same sentence, I have no clue.

But he'd proven even more intriguing than I'd originally thought.

Slowly letting go of my fear of him, I'd become curious as to why he'd try to get to my room so sneakily. Being friends with Marcello, you'd think he would use the front door, not the window.

None of his actions make sense, which, in theory, should make me more wary. In practice, however, this is just making me more interested in him.

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