Page 162 of Unholy Masks

“I do,” I said, meeting Ryden’s eyes. “I love him.”

He smiled. Of course, he smiled. He understood.

“Yara,” Enzo said, shaking his head. “I don’t want to leave.”

“Don’t,” I said, looking up at him. “Just do as she says.”

Trish studied my face as though she were searching for a lie. She found nothing. There was no lie here.

“And what do you think happens after I let them go?”

“Whatever you want to happen,” I said.

“So you think you can somehow win this? Even after all of this?” Trish looked pensive for a second before she gestured toward the door with the gun. “You two. Go.” Neither of them moved. Trish let out an impatient grunt. “Now. Before I change my damn mind.”

Irene stared at me, her eyes wide with terror as she shook her head frantically.

“No. No, please, Yara. Please.”

“Go, Irene. Don’t make this any harder than it already is.”

Irene looked at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Enzo stepped closer and gently took her arm, helping her to her feet.

“Come on.”

Irene struggled against his grip. Trish watched it all with amusement.

“No. I can’t.”

“Trust her,” Enzo whispered. I looked at him, and our eyes met. “I’ll keep her safe,” he said. “I promise. You keep yourself and Ryden safe.”

Trish watched them walk toward the door, her gun still on Ryden.

“One wrong move, and boom,” she said, laughing.

Irene and Enzo walked out. I heard the engine start. The car peeled out of the driveway.

Now I could concentrate on this bitch!

She is fucking dead!

Trish waited until the sound completely faded.

“Now it is just him and us.” She sighed. “They say three’s a crowd.”

“I’m sorry,” I said to Ryden. “I’m the reason for all of this. If I hadn’t decided to follow you that day.” I pushed my hand to the floor.

“And I’m glad you did,” Ryden said. “I love you, and I’d not do this any other way.”

“Truly heartwarming,” Trish mocked. “I’m moved, once again, to tears.”

“I love you.”

“No,” Ryden whispered. He knew.

I jumped up and tackled Trish to the floor. A bullet went past my ears and lodged into the ceiling. Debris floated all around us.

Another shot.