Page 35 of Inside the Sun

"Why him, exactly?"

"Like I said, we’re not close."

"Funny," he says, eyes still on the screen. "According to the file I was shown about your family, the one you’re least close to isyour brother River. The one who ran away before you were even born. Wouldn’t that be more accurate?"

Shit. So he does have a file on us. He’s way too prepared…

"You asked who I’m least close to, not who I have no relationship with at all. I’ve never even met River. I wouldn’t recognize him on the street." I try to keep my voice steady, but it’s shaking anyway.

"Fair enough," he says with a nod. "Winter, then."

My jaw clenches.

"Please don’t. Don’t hurt my siblings. Whatever I did, it’s on me."

Anzo laughs. But it’s not real laughter, it’s more like a string of mocking, hollow noises.

"You really think that kind of speech would work on me? That I’d just stop because you beg me to? Some people justdon’tstop. Ever. No matter how loud you cry."

His tone is cold, but there’s something about the way he says it, like it’s personal. But I can’t be sure.

"You see, whether someone’s innocent or guilty doesn’t mean shit to me. If I can use them to get what I want, then that’s exactly what I’ll do."

My eyes fill with even more tears.

"I’ll do anything. Anything you want. Just leave my family out of it," I whisper, my whole body trembling, crumbling, coming apart.

So much for my swagger.

Anzo tilts his head, amused in a sick kind of way.

"Dear Fate. I’ve broken a lot of people, but you… you’re definitely in the top five easiest."

I stay silent. What could I even say?

"First you act like you’re some prize, hard to get. Like you’re some virgin saint. Which you’re definitely not. Then all thatmouthy attitude, acting like you’re the shit. And look at you now. Just a pathetic little brat."

He steps closer.

"What now? Quiet as a mouse, huh? Probably already scheming. Thinking if you just play the obedient little victim, you’ll earn my trust and find some way to slip through the cracks."

I swallow hard. He’s not like Martin or Diego, or Misha or Stephen… Obviously.

Why the hell did I think I could handle this?

If I’d never stood up that day in the restaurant and dragged Martin over to that table…

None of this would’ve happened. I’d still be living my spoiled little life, rotating boys every two months like they’re fashion accessories.

A cold sweat breaks out on my skin as I start to realize I might not have the brainpower to beat Anzo.

The only thing I can do now is survive, and hope someone notices I’m missing.

That’s my new plan.

Survive.

"You’re already thinking up a new plan, aren’t you?" Anzo says mercilessly.

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