Page 48 of Violent Delights

“I can do that.”

“Good. Because once we move… everything’s going to change. Guillermo and I will make this happen,” he promises.

I search his face. “Are you sure we can still do this?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Then finally he says, “I used to think people like us didn’t get happy endings.”

“And now?”

He touches my cheek. “Now I dream about them.”

The morning Cassio arrives,there’s a formal dinner. Full of glassware and silver and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. But with him came my parents. I didn’t expect them to be here because I know my father hates leaving the organization. But they’re here, and I’ve hardly had time to talk to them.

I watch Nico from a distance as I sit beside Ignacio at the long table, smiling as required, nodding when asked. My father toasts. My mother beams.

And all I can do is act like a perfect future wife.

I catch Nico’s eyes from across the room. The rage that’s currently burning in his stare is like a dagger and it’s aimed right beside me, at the man who’s got his arm wrapped around my shoulders. He’s been pawing at me all night, and with every touch, I feel sick.

Nico’s stationed at the back wall, behind a row of serving staff. Watching everything.

Everyone.

But mostly me.

He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t nod. He justseesme. And that’s enough to ease the tension that’s currently got a hold of me.

Later, as the dinner winds down and the guests file out, I make my excuses and slip away.

Nico finds me on the second-floor balcony, where the air smells like jasmine and a storm that’s about to break outside. The scent of rain that’s heavy in the air wafts through into the mansion.

He doesn’t say anything at first. Just stands beside me, watching the garden below.

Then quietly, he says, “I know it’s getting harder. I didn’t think your parents would be here, but we have a plan to get them out of the house tomorrow.”

I nod.

“It’s almost over,” he adds. “Guillermo and I are ready.”

My heart stammers. “How soon?”

“One night. The night before you say I do.”

I swallow hard. “And we will finally be free.”

“Freedom will come at a price, my sweet girl.” He finally turns to face me.

“I know. I’m ready to pay it,” I tell him honestly. “I told you. I choose you.”

“Tell me to walk away,” he says, voice rough. “Right now. I’ll disappear. No more danger. No more lies. Just say the word.”

I stare at him.

Then shake my head.

“You wouldn’t listen.”

His lips twitch. “Probably not.”

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