Page 92 of Sinful Sacrifice

He flips me off.

“Look at all the things I’ve introduced you to?—”

“Headaches,” he interrupts.

“I was thinking more along the lines of Game of Thrones, foods, hanging out with me and the girls.”

“Thank you for reminding me that I need to have a discussion with Damien and make it clear I’m not a babysitter for you and your girls.”

“Oh, come on. We both know you love watching Genesis.”

He flinches at her name. “Mute yourself, or I’m kicking you out on the curb. You can walk to your destination.” He glances at the GPS. “It’s only a five-minute walk. It’ll give you some fresh air.”

“I think it’s cute.”

He slams his foot on the brakes, and I throw my hands in front of me so my head doesn’t collide with the glove compartment.

From what I’ve learned, Julian doesn’t have many triggers.

His family is one.

And it seems Genesis is on that list.

“It’s not cute,” he grits out, working his jaw and turning up the air. “She’s my deceased sister’s best friend. I watch over her and Darcy because it’s what my sister would’ve wanted. But that’s it. Now, change the subject, or you’re going home. You can pout there.”

“Someone sure woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” I grumble, massaging my wrist.

“I haven’t slept in thirty hours.”

“Ah, so someone is sleep-deprived. That makes me cranky too.”

“I’m killing my fucking brother.”

The GPS informs us we’ve arrived at our destination. I spot my mom and Lanie standing in front of a building as Julian parks. The storefront they’re looking at has a Space Available sign in the window.

There’s a sudden urge to put the air-conditioning on me again when I see Cernach approaching them. My body burns in hatred as I step out of the car and slam the door.

I briefly hear Julian say, “Oh shit,” while he joins me outside.

We cross the street, and my mother’s face brightens under the sun when she notices me.

“Look, Pippa!” She points toward the window they’ve been staring at. “This is where we’re opening my new studio.”

I want to vomit.

A trickle of guilt drips inside me for my lack of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I can’t fake joy over something that’ll ruin her in the end.

It’s so easy to put the pieces together.

Cernach’s presence.

My mom needing money and a new dance studio.

There are only two sources she can get money—a bank or Cernach.

Considering my father ruined her credit and put her upside down in debt, the first is out of the question. Which brings us to my calculated uncle who’d kill the entire human species if it meant getting what he wanted.

“No.” I violently shake my head as Cernach stands next to her, looking smug. “Don’t do this. Don’t you fall into his trap.”

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