Page 79 of Second Sin

Because I’ve spent so long trying to control it. To bury it. To convince myself it wasn’t real.

I don’t have a plan. I don’t know what comes next.

But I’m done running.

And maybe this wrecks me.

Maybe it saves me.

Either way—I want to see where it leads.

CHAPTER 31

OLIVIA

The car’s warm, but Olivia’s still shivering. Rain clings to her, soaking through her coat, dripping from her hair onto the collar of her shirt. I crank the heat higher, then lean over to angle the vents toward her legs.

“Any better?” I ask.

She rubs her arms. “Getting there.”

I glance over. Her knees are pulled close, fingers tucked into her sleeves. Damp lashes, flushed cheeks.

“You hungry?” I ask.

“A little.”

“I’ll order something when we get in. Any preferences?”

She shakes her head. “I’m good with anything. Just nothing with too much spice.”

“Noted,” I murmur. “Guess I’ll hold off on the vindaloo."

"I have no idea what that is."

"Not a fan of Indian food?"

She shrugs. "I like Butter Chicken, if that counts."

“It counts.”

“Then yeah,” she says. “I’m cultured as hell.”

I huff out something close to a laugh. Reach for the garage key fob as we pull up to my apartment.

"How about Sushi?"

She shrugs. “Honestly? I’ll eat anything. As long as it’s not expired and doesn’t set my mouth on fire.”

“Low bar.”

“I usually just have cereal for dinner.”

I glance at her. “Seriously?”

She nods. “Don’t judge.”

“I’m not judging. Just…surprised. You seem like someone who makes real food.”