Page 152 of Legacy

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“If that’s what you want to call it—”

“That’s what it was.”

Silence.

I nod once, a small concession. “Agree to disagree.”

Her eyes narrow.

I feel it; her slipping away.

So I relax my shoulders, lean back just slightly, hands open, showing her I’m not here to fight.

Not tonight.

She studies me a moment, then sighs.

“Okay.”

“After I met Piccola…”

My eyes flick to hers.

And just like that, she shifts.

Her posture straightens. Her nose scrunches in subtle distaste.

That reaction to the mention of Vasilisa…

Interesting.

“After I met her… I thought of you.”

Her head tilts, slowly.

“When you look at her, you seeme?” Her voice lifts an octave, brittle and sharp. “She’s three sizes smaller and blonde.”

I can’t help the tug at the corner of my lips.

I nod.

“It wasn’t her looks. It was the way she looks at my brother.”

Her brows rise in silent challenge.

“With adoration?”

“Yes.”

“So what?” she snaps. “You want me to worship you? Because if—”

“No.”

I cut her off, voice lower now.

“I don’t want you to worship me, Adriana. I want the privilege to worship you.”

Her mouth opens.

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