Page 57 of Kingmakers, Year Three

“Yes,” I interrupt. “I know.”

“Then how can youlikehim?”

I can’t answer her question, because I know I’m in the wrong. You’re not supposed to like someone who tried to kill your friend.

But after all, hedidn’tkill Leo, and I don’t think he’d try again. In fact, in all the time I’ve spent with Dean, he’s never said one thing about Leo Gallo. Or about Anna, either. Maybe he’s keeping his hatred locked inside. I’ve never seen any hint of it.

“I think . . . he might have changed since then,” I say to Zoe. “Changed a little, at least.”

Zoe lets out a disbelieving sigh.

I know I sound ridiculous.

It doesn’t matter. I didn’t call Zoe so she could waste her time trying to talk me out of a situation in which I’m far too deeply embedded.

I have a different question to ask.

“Zo,” I say. “You like sleeping with Miles, don’t you?”

She laughs and I can almost picture her shaking her head at my change of subject.

“Of course,” she says.

“Do you ever have sort of, uh, aggressive sex? Violent, even?”

Zoe hesitates, her irrepressible honesty forcing her to answer.

“Sometimes,” she says.

“Why do people like that?” I ask.

Even though I’m alone and out of sight of anyone, including Zoe, I’m still blushing with all my might.

Peoplemeans me, and Zoe knows it.

“Well.” Zoe considers. “I suppose it’s because it shows a man’s masculinity and strength.”

“Do you ever . . . let Miles tie you up?”

I want the earth to swallow me up, but I also need to know.

“Yes,” Zoe says. “But Cat . . . the reason we can do kinky shit is because I trust Miles. He knows my limits. He pushes me to the edge, but he would never hurt me.”

“Right. I understand.”

Zoe sighs, and I know she’s probably biting the edge of her lip, just like I’m doing thousands of miles away.

“I’m not going to tell you what to do, little sister. But please . . . be careful.”

“I will be,” I promise.

“I miss you,” Zoe says.

“I love you,” I reply.

I end the call.

Even though Zoe doesn’t approve of me dating Dean—how could she?—she loves me and supports me no matter what.

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