Page 128 of Nest of Thieves
Her breathing is ragged, and she trembles from how pissed she is.
“I’m sorry.”
“Not good enough.” She clenches her hands at her sides but stands her ground. “You left me wondering for days what I did wrong. Days of asking myself why I wasn’t good enough.” There’s a faint tremor in her words, and her scowl deepens.
“You’re good enough. Too good.”
“I’ve killed three people, Lark. I’m hardly good.”
“Not like that,” I correct. “Too good for me.”
She releases a hard breath and a bitter laugh. “Don’t give me self-pity, Lark. That’s not going to fix it. What do you want?”
“I want you.”
“You have a funny way of showing it.”
I scrub my hands over my face and dig my fingers into my hair, turning away from her so she can’t witness how fucked-up I am.
“There you go again. Hiding.”
I pivot and drop my hands, letting her see the splintered remains of my soul. Letting the hollowness of my chest seep into my eyes. Letting her see how unworthy I am.
“That’s better.” She presses her lips together and steps toward me, her body coiled tight and ready to strike. “You have two minutes to give me a reason why I shouldn’t kick you out of my room.”
I don’t like baring my soul. I don’t like telling people about my past. The only reason Vette and Mac know my truth is because I was young and they’re family. No one else knows my pathetic past, not even Damien.
I’ll lose her if I don’t tell her. I may have already lost her. A growl rumbles in my chest, but I stop it before the sound can escape. If that’s what she chooses, I can’t stop her.
“I told you about my foster family. I was a baby when my mom left me. She dropped me at a fire station. I was only a few days old.”
Jo’s pupils grow and surprise flickers across her features. Not what she expected, but I carry on.
“She didn’t want me. Can’t say I blame her. I turned out pretty fucked-up. I’ve killed more people than I can count. I’ve done despicable things. I’m not good, Jo.”
She holds my stare and the breath in her chest.
“You deserve more. Vette and Mac? They’re as fucked-up as me, but they have more to give you. Me?” I chuckle even though I’m not amused. “You’ll see soon enough that you can do better. I don’t deserve love.” There it is. I can fake being a cocky asshole all day, but deep down, that’s my truth. That’s why I pulled away. In protecting myself, I hurt her, and I hate myself for that.
“Shut up,” she snarls, closing the gap between us and shoving my chest. “Shut. Up.”
I stop talking and grab her hands, surprised when she doesn’t wrench out of my hold. Confusion lines my face.
“Who the fuck told you that you don’t deserve love?”
“No one had to.” I shake my head. “My mother—”
“Was a cunt.” Jo pushes me again, but with my hands holding hers, I barely budge. “Or too young or scared to take care of you. Whatever her reason, that doesn’t mean you’re not worthy.”
“I don’t need a pep talk.”
She growls and bares her teeth at me, a heartwarming display. “It’s not a fucking pep talk, you thickheaded alpha. It’s the truth.”
Not my truth, but for her, I’ll concede. “Okay.”
Her gaze pierces through me. “You don’t believe me.”
I don’t respond.
