Cephus’ POV

Chapter 77

Cephus’ POV

I clench my teeth together as sweat forms on my hands. This is the part that gets me, the part where someone wants to know about my family, or what happened to them.

No one asks because they already know, yet looking deeply into her eyes, I can tell she deserves at least a smidge of the truth.

“I know more than you think, piccolo…” My words are soft as she looks at me with concern. This is the hard part of what I do. Not allowing myself to get close to anyone.

It’s always easier if you shut yourself out from the world. If I make the rules, I control the outcome. With Katie, I’m starting to wonder if I can control the outcome of all of this.

“Why do you call me that?” Her voice is hushed, and there’s a sense of warmth that fills my bones. She’s too innocent for her own fucking good.

I reach out, placing my hand on her thigh. Her skin is warm against my hand, and I stare deep into her eyes.

“You’re a little one. Or at least you remind me of one.” She won’t unde