Page 27 of Nomad: Violent Devotion

“I’m not.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

“I know that’s not why you’re here.”

“Then why come for me? Why take the assignment?”

“Because my father doesn’t care if it’s true.”

He studies me. “So, your job was to get close. Earn my trust. Kill me.”

I force myself to meet his eyes. “Yes.”

The word lands like a death sentence. I’m not sure whose.

Walker steps back, breathing ragged. Laughs, sharp. “I really am a fucking idiot.”

“No.”

“I let you in. Trusted you.”

“You shouldn’t have.”

His face goes hard. “Don’t.”

“What?”

“Don’t fucking decide that for me.”

My chest aches. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying.” His voice drops to a growl. “I chose to trust you, and I’ll deal with the fallout.”

“You chose wrong.”

“Maybe. But that was my call.” He rubs his side, pain flickering in his gaze, and guilt chews at me.

“I’m sorry.”

His gaze rises. “For which part?”

“The knife. The lies. All of it.”

He just watches me, and I wish he’d yell, but his voice is low. “Look at me.”

“I am.”

“No. Really look.” He just watches me, waiting for me to see whatever he is showing. “Look. At. Me.”

I do. He looks ruined.

“I need you to answer one question. If I think you’re lying, we’re done.” Everything tightens. He lets the silence drag. “Why did you save me? That’s what I need to know: why you chose me at all.”

There it is. The question I’ve been running from. Not why I stabbed him. Why I couldn’t finish it.

“I don’t know.”