Page 32 of Nicoli

“Damn right.” He sits back in his seat, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “There’s not a chance in hell you’re leaving, especially not because of her.”

My spine goes rigid, and there’s no more sarcasm teetering on the tip of my tongue. “Why do you think it’s about her?”

“What else can it be?”

I cock a brow. “I hate the weather this time of year.”

Alexius snorts.

“I like that whole daylight saving time bullshit. It mindfucks me into thinking I’m getting older faster.”

“Why do you want to die faster?”

“Reincarnation,” I say slowly. “It means I get to do shit differently next time around.”

“Differently when it comes to her?”

“Differently when it comes to letting you go through the birth canal first. Next time I’ll wrestle your baby-ass and be the firstborn, so I don’t need your permission when I want to fuck-off to Tuscany.” I slam back a mouthful of whiskey, get up, and pour myself another one.

I want to leave this house. Leave this city. Leave this goddamn continent. I want to get a million miles of distance between her and me. It’s the only way I know how to fight this.

I sigh. “Alexius, I don’t need twin telepathy to know you’re staring a hole in the back of my skull right now.”

“I get why you would want to go, but this goes beyond your pride or heartbreak.”

I turn to face him, and he sits up a little straighter in his chair.

“You leaving is not going to fix anything.”

“I beg to differ.”

“It’s not going to make you love her less, brother.”

My nostrils flare, my insides turning at the mention of love. “I don’t love her.”

“Then what would you call it?”

Obsession.“Nothing,” I reply flatly. “That’s exactly what it is. Nothing.”

“Then why leave?”

“I’m bored.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“And you’re a dick.”

Alexius stands, leaning with his palms on his desk. “You’re not leaving, Nicoli. I need you here to help me protect this family.”

“Asking you was a mere courtesy, brother. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m leaving, with or without your permission.”

“No, you’re not. You are staying right here, and you are going to do what you’ve always done.”

“And what’s that?”

His expression is stern, yet his eyes show the gentle hue of compassion. “Protect her.”

Reality slams into my chest with all its fury, like a tidal wave dragging me under the surface, its ice-cold claws digging into my flesh as it drowns me. There’s no use denying it. No use trying to run away from it. I’m destined to suffer bound to the one person I can never have.

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