Page 81 of Filthy Lies

I carefully extract myself from Vince’s embrace and slide out of bed. He doesn’t stir. I pull on a silk robe and move to the window, gazing out at the compound’s security lights cutting through the darkness.

I’ve spent so long reacting to the men in my life. Following their lead. Accepting their protection. Even my proposal tonight was framed aroundVince’sactions,Vince’sdecisions.

But I’m not just an accessory in this story. Not anymore.

In the glass, my reflection stares back at me. I make my decision then. I won’t wait for Vince to consider my proposal. I won’t stand by while my father and his square off, using Sofiya and me as pawns.

I’ll reach out to Agent Carver myself. Offer selective cooperation in exchange for immunity and protection. I’ll contact Grigor, not as a daughter seeking approval but as a partner offering alliance. I’ll speak with the Costa Rica investors directly, without Vince’s looming presence intimidating them.

I’ll build bridges while the men in my life are busy burning them.

Vince murmurs something in his sleep, his hand searching the empty space where I should be. I return to bed. His arm wraps around me automatically, pulling me close.

“Everything okay?” he mumbles, not fully awake.

“Everything’s fine,” I whisper. “Go back to sleep.”

He does. He trusts me.

I want to prove him right.

31

ROWAN

I want to believe that last night fixed everything. We fucked like we were trying to heal each other’s wounds with our bodies.

But it didn’t work. It never does.

The gap between us has nothing to do with flesh and everything to do with trust.

I extract myself from Vince’s sleeping form. My body is still creaky and tender, and the shower’s scalding water can’t burn away the decision taking shape in my mind.

I dress silently, watching Vince’s chest rise and fall. Last night, I told him I’d be his partner in planning our independent future. This morning, I’m going rogue.

Love and betrayal—they’re conjoined twins in our world.

“Mm,” he grunts wearily when I’m almost to the door.

I curse silently and turn around. “You’re sleeping in.”

He rubs his eyes as he shoves himself upright. “And you’re scurrying around.”

“Guess we’re trading places today.”

In more ways than one,I think but don’t say.

I touch his cheek. “I’m gonna go check in on Mom.”

He nods, but before I can turn to go, he grabs my wrist so he can kiss the soft skin on the underside. My pulse flutters like it always does when he’s this tender.

Then, with another sigh, he releases me.

I almost wish he wouldn’t. There’s a crazed part of me that’s silently begging him to drag me back to bed and tease me until all thoughts of this crazy game of high-stakes politics go up in smoke.

Kiss me until you and I are all that matters.

Love me until the rest of the world is irrelevant.

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