Page 152 of Forbidden Fate

“Yes.”

I raise an eyebrow. “After Zabala.”

“Especially after Zabala.”

I shake my head once. “I’m not a moron, Adriana. I know what Vega does to traitors.” I look toward the street. “How many men are coming?”

Her smile deepens. “That depends on what you do next.”

I scoff. “Right.”

“Vega is willing to overlook your role in Robin Bellamy’s breakout.”

I say nothing.

“And Zabala’s death.”

I laugh at that. “You’re good at lying, Adriana, but not that good.”

She twists her lips. “Señor Vega understands mistakes.”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “I’ve heard the screams outside his office. I’ve heard the cracking of bones, the pleas for mercy. Don’t try to tell me he understands mistakes. You’re not here to save me. I know that. You’re here to sweet-talk me into coming back with you so he can deal with me himself. Not happening.”

She sighs, and for a moment, her eyes look almost sad. “There was a time when you were smarter than this.”

“There was a time when I thought you were human.”

Sadness turns to anger. Then, instantly, back to a smile. “You’re understandably upset.”

“I’m done.”

“With Vega?”

“With all of it.”

She steps closer. “You’re not done with me.”

Every lesson my body learned from her wakes at once. The old electricity. The deep memory of her hand on my cheek, her mouth near my ear.

Vomit rises in my throat.

How many times did this seduction work?

Too many.

She would touch me.

Kiss me.

Reward my obedience before I agreed to obey. Make my body betray me.

She reaches for my face.

I catch her wrist before she touches me.

Her eyes flare.

“Don’t,” I say.