Page 91 of Gilded Saint

The blade presses harder against my throat. But he’s not pressing the edge into me. He’s fishing.

“Didn’t have a plan. But here we are.”

“What the fuck is going on?” One last grasp for innocence.

“Drop the act.”

I force my muscles to relax. Bark digs into my spine.

A haze of blue lightens the horizon.

The scent of damp earth fills my nostrils. Damp earth and sweat.

“I trusted you.” It’s an accusation.

“I haven’t done anything–” The knife’s edge cuts into my skin.

“No lies.”

I meet Nick’s gaze head on and speak the truth. “I am your friend.”

“Is it about money?”

That’s what he would expect. I pointedly glare. “No.”

“How’d they get to you?”

“I want the same thing you do.”

“Yeah?” The blade flattens against my neck once again. “What’s that?”

“Stability.”

“Who are you working for?”

“You.” The sharp blade deepens the slice. Warmth trickles down my neck.

If I don’t take control, he’ll kill me. And what will he do to Willow?

I grab his wrist, shove, and trip him with my leg.

The move catches him off guard.

He stumbles.

Free of his hold, I circle him, arms wide, on my toes, on the ready.

He wants a fight. Let’s fight.

He grins. It’s an evil grin. My blood mars his knife.

“What are you?” he asks, watching me while he cleans the blade on the bark.

The action does a piss poor job of clearing my blood.

“Come on. It’s out in the open now. You work for me. Who else?”

Fuck. This is it.

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