Chapter 179

[Cordelia]

I feel oddly protective of the Steele boys as I step out of the car and stand between them and the woman I always thought of as my sister. Maybe it is because they are so vulnerable right now. Maybe it is because I care for them both and want to keep them safe.

"Angelica." I stand between her and them. "Why are you here?"

"To talk to you," she looks at me specifically. "About Sydney and what we should do."

Laughter that is both hard and cruel springs from my lips in a fountain. Angelica flinches at the sound and I watch as her whole demeanor changes from one of confidence to one of unsureity.

Normally I'd feel guilty about creating such a strong reaction in anyone, especially in someone I once believed loved me. But I've had a long hard day of disappointment and heartbreak. I have nothing left to give.

Because if I'm not laughing I'll start crying. And I cannot afford to be weak right now.

"Can we please just go inside," she insists, looking at Atlas and Clark to back her