“That doesn’t have to stop me –“ “Ew!” I gasp, sitting up straight and staring at him. Christian bursts out laughing now too, putting one hand flat on either of my thighs as I straddle his stomach, frowning down at him. “You’d better not secretly be gross,” I growl, pointing a finger into his
“No, Iris,” Christian says, grabbing my arms and pulling me back, smiling and shaking his head at me. “Did you seriously not know?” “Know what?” I ask, going still. “Iris, I had it so bad for you –“ he says, laughing sheepishly, shaking his head like it’s incredible. “I had the world’s biggest c
“Oh my god,” I whisper, my mind racing. Frankie – how did they get him out of Romano’s custody? And – and didn’t Nico say that it was going to take until tonight for him to get back here untraced? Why on earth are they back so early? I stumble off of the bed, grabbing my sweatshirt off the floor
In the kitchen, I start quickly to pull out the supplies for the coffee, half of my ear over at the cluster of boys who continue to argue, their tones not so hushed now as each of them start to lose their tempers. I’m completely distracted, though, when Lucy starts to spoon coffee directly into th
By the time that’s done, though, the rest of the coffee is ready. I start pouring three cups of black coffee and then hesitate with the fourth. “How does Tony take his?” I ask, looking up at her. Lucy just rolls her eyes. “How do you think he takes his?” I smirk, pouring a fourth cup of black. “
My eyes go wide and I stare at Tony, this young man who looks so much like Christian but who is clearly far, far more brazen. Christian, to his credit, simply leans back against the arm of the couch and stares his brother down. “What makes you think I’m going to do that, Tony?” Tony scoffs. “I’m
“I did it,” Lucy whispers, and Christian instantly falls silent. Every eye in the room moves to her. “I did it, okay?” she repeats, raising her own eyes to Christian and staring at him hard, honesty in every line of her face. “Lucy –“ Tony interrupts, a little desperate, but she holds up a han
I watch in complete awe as Lucy says the words – so similar to the ones that Nico said yesterday, her eyes locked on Christian’s. She promises him her fealty, her life in his service. Swears never to betray him, begs God to strike her down if she should. The room is completely silent and solemn as L