Page 156 of Sadistic

"Why wouldn't I be? It's their debt to collect."

She studies me. "Three months ago, you would have wanted to control the situation."

"Three months ago, I didn't have you to remind me that not everything needs my direct intervention."

"Look at you, growing as a person."

"Don't get used to it."

Dalla turns from the stove. "Okay, dinner's ready. And I only burned the edges a little bit."

We eat at the massive dining table that Revna insisted on—"for when both families come over"—talking about everything and nothing.

Dalla's nervousness about Monday, Revna's upcoming finals, my mother's latest design coup.

"Oh," Dalla says suddenly. "I officially withdrew from pre-med yesterday."

Revna freezes mid-bite. "You did?"

"Signed all the papers. I'm done. Officially a fashion student."

"Dal, that's huge!" Revna reaches across to squeeze her hand. "How do you feel?"

"Terrified. Relieved. Like I can finally breathe?" She laughs, but it's watery. "Mom's going to flip."

"Mom will understand," Revna says firmly. "Eventually."

"After she processes the death of her doctor daughter dreams."

"You're following youractualdreams," I point out. "That matters more."

Both sisters look at me. "When did you get wise?" Dalla asks.

"Must be Revna's influence."

"Must be," Revna agrees, but she's smiling.

After dinner, we migrate to the living room.

Dalla claims the massive sectional to spread out her sketches while Revna and I take the loveseat.

She curls into my side automatically now, fitting perfectly.

"Any regrets?" she asks quietly, watching her sister work.

"About?"

"This." She gestures vaguely. "The house, the marriage, being so close to my family."

"Only one regret."

She tenses slightly. "Which is?"

"That I waited so long to make you mine."

"Possessive bastard."

"Your possessive bastard," I correct, pulling her closer.

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