Page 22 of Darcy

---

Taking another deep breath, I scroll past those and read the last messages.

[HzD]StoneRE1

if you’re pissed at us do us a favour and tell us why before Fr0gg0 loses his mind

That was the message that outed me, and it explains the glower on his face as I bumped into him. Then, beneath that, are the four that sealed my fate.

[HzD]Proph3t

Hey.

[HzD]Fr0gg0

Dark?

[HzD]D0dgeVip3r

baby girl?

[HzD]StoneRE1

cariño?

I have to say something, I realise. Otherwise, they’re going to corner me at work, and things will get awkward fast. A newcomer waltzing straight into the band’s inner circle will put me directly in Miguel’s path. I’m not like some of the other Belladonnas. I never take my marks on face-to-face. I could, in theory—I’ve been trained to shoot, to slit throats, and more—but that’s not how I like to work.

I’m at my best when I’m invisible. It gives me space to observe and plan. I set up my marks’ demises with calculated precision, and they never suspect a thing until my bombs detonate.

Pushing up from the mattress, I brush my hair out of my face and start disaster control.

D4rk4ngel

Sorry guys, I’m not ignoring you. First day at my new job and I really want this one to go well, kk?

There’s a pause, and then their messages come flooding in at once.

[HzD]Proph3t

You never told us you were applying for a new job.

[HzD]D0dgeVip3r

I’m sure you rocked it

[HzD]StoneRE1

what job?

[HzD]Fr0gg0

congrats! *cheer emoji*

[HzD]D0dgeVip3r

are they paying you enough?

I let out a breath.

Okay, they bought the excuse. I don’t feel great lying to them, but it’s not like the truth would go down well.

---