Page 223 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“I’ve heard stories.”

“Oh. Well, I don’t know what you may have heard. She sometimes visits the gallery and helps me work on my projects—”

“I know what she does, Rurik. And I’m going to need you to stay away from her.”

I stare at him. What the fuck? “Can I ask why?”

My stepdad just sighs as if I’m a petulant child. He leans against his chair, shaking his head. “Just do as I say, Rurik. She isn’t good for you.”

“I beg to differ, sir,” I’m starting to feel fucking pissed right now. “She’s not—”

“Get rid of her, or I will have to take matters into my own hands.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Seriously, what the hell isn’t anyone telling me?”

He snaps. “I know who your girlfriend works for. I know she’s the one trying to kill me. Why? I don’t know. But, if I see her anywhere near you again, I will end things by myself.”

“Wait… What do you mean you know she’s—”

“I distinctly remember showing you a picture of her, Rurik. It wasn't so you can have this ridiculous fantasy—”

“It's not that,” I interrupt impatiently. “She's not what you say she is. I mean, sure, she's kind of scary sometimes, but…” I trail off, noticing his face growing even more red from anger.

“Get rid of her, Rurik.” He snaps. “I mean it, or I will take matters into my own hands.”

“Are you threatening us?”

“No, son.” Philip sighs. “They are the threat to us. I’m trying to protect you.”

“Seems like that’s something you two have in common then.”

“Dispose of her, or I'll send reinforcements to handle her and her friends. What were their names? Oscar? He's your friend, too, right? He owns that pathetic gallery? And his wife, Natalie?”

“You said you know she’s the one going after you. How?” I stare at him. A chilling thought enters my mind as I ask, “You didn’t… You didn’t have anything to do with her attack last week, right?”

“Don’t ask ridiculous questions,” Philip barks a laugh. “I can’t be in two places at once.”

No, but you have men who can do your dirty work.

I can’t stop staring at him.

All the accusations Briar told me about him must hold some truth to it.

If Briar is right and he deserves all the attacks because of his awful actions, she’s in trouble because he knows her.

He doesn’t answer me, only continues cutting his steak as if he’s imagining it as something — someone — else.

Oh God…She’s probably on his list just as he is on hers.

I can’t have that.

I have to do whatever I can to keep her safe.

Chapter 33

Briar

Not to toot my own horn, but… Toot fucking toot.

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