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“Hey,” he said, reaching under my chin so he could gently lift my head up to look at him. “Itisfucked up. But its temporary. This won’t last forever. I’ll do everything in my power, whatever it takes, to ensure this is over as quickly as possible, okay?”

I nodded and returned the small kiss he gave me. I knew he meant it, but a small voice inside couldn’t stop the doubt.

Some things were just out of his control. Including the evil, sadistic streak that lived in people.

I knew only too well what it was like to be on the receiving end of that.

Chapter 29

Rachel

I said my goodbyes to Dante and went home with Trent. It went against every instinct I had to leave Bee, but I knew she was in safe hands with her dad, and I also knew I would be no use to her if I was drained, dirty, and exhausted.

Trent ended up taking me to the main house, telling me to get a shower there, and that he would meet back up with me in half an hour. I asked why we were not going to Jenna and Shark’s like originally planned. He had grinned wickedly at me and told me they were making babies. That’s all I needed to hear to know I wanted a shower anywhere else but at theirs.

Just as I switched the shower on, a text came through from Dante.

Be careful, Angel. Bee is fine. She’s woken up and is having lunch.

Good! Let her have dessert first. She bloody deserves it. Also… Angel?

I typed back, a stupid grin on my face.

Fucking hell. Have you had a lobotomy, lass? Since when do you smile at anything Dante has to say?

True.

Me and Dante were on such good terms lately. It was hard not to smile like some love-struck teenager going on her first date.

Mention the L word again, and I’ll throw us off the nearest bridge.

Yeah, it felt cringe when I wrote it, but then I figured you’re close with God, are you not?

I am?

I replied with a frown.

Is this Dante or Vienna? It sounds like some stupid shit Vienna would type.

That’s a bit harsh. I’m accepting your religion, Rachel. You were calling for him literally the other night. Or is that your new nickname for me?

You’ve got really cringe since your escape. If Macbeth turns up, I’m giving you back to him.

Rachel?

Yeah?

Shut up.

That annoying goddamn grin was back. I slammed the phone on the table, irritated with myself for feeling lighter after having spoken to him.

I wasn’t this girl. I wasn’t the type to fall at a man’s feet unless I was planning on snipping his Achilles heel on the sly. So, can someone please explain why I was practically skipping to the shower?

Enjoy the peace whilst it lasts.

I held my hand under the water, testing the temperature, wondering just how long this truce between me and Dante would last, when movement out of the window caught my attention.

I pushed my back against the wall, and peaked around the edge of the blinds, seeing a hooded figure make their way out of the trees and creep towards the house.

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