Page 124 of Warrior

“Answer time, Avery.”

I grimace.

Antonio and Vittoria watch us from the other couch.

“Let’s sit,” I mumble.

I didn’t think I’d have to be the one to break the news to them. My other option, though, would’ve been to let Artemis live through it. If she could even find the words to tell them.

No, no. It’s better this way. She’s getting help.

“Gabriel was keeping her unconscious in the hospital with heroin,” I start. “Saint figured out the nurse was giving it to her through the IV, and she woke up once it worked its way out of her system.”

Saint narrows his eyes.

“However… Gabriel planned for that. He snuck in at some point during our stay and gave her more at the height of her withdrawal. He told her where to find him for more.”

I focus on Saint, because the heartbreaking expressions on Antonio’s and Vittoria’s faces are almost too much to take.

“For the next few weeks, she would meet him and…” I rub my eyes. “He taught her how to inject it. Gave her pre-made syringes. And when she would resist, he pushed her into thinking she was all alone.”

“She wasn’t.” Saint’s voice cracks. “She’s not alone.”

“I know. I told her, but amidst this, we were dealing with Kade’s betrayal, and…”

Saint blushes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him turn so pink so fast.

I point at him. “What is that?”

“What?”

“Why are you embarrassed?”

He glowers at me, but even the tips of his ears are changing to red. “It was my fault with Kade’s tattoo, that’s all.”

I roll my eyes. “And that prompted her to burn down his house. It seems to line up with what I’ve heard about heroin withdrawal. It can make even rational people do stupid, spur-of-the-moment shit.”

Saint shifts in his seat. “He deserved it.”

“Yeah.”

Antonio clears his throat. “You still haven’t said where she is now.”

Right.

“There seemed to be only one placetogo.” Pause. “I brought her to the Isle of Paradise.”

Saint swears under his breath, and Antonio seems equally stricken.

“She’s okay there,” I say. “Gabriel would’ve kept hitting her where it hurt—now he can’t find her.”

Vittoria nods at me. “You did the right thing, Reese. Getting her professional help while all of this is going on…”

I focus on them. “Not to sound too abrupt, but why are you two here? What happened after I spoke to you on the phone, Antonio?”

“Maybe a drink first,” Antonio suggests.

Saint and I jump up and both go into the kitchen.

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