Page 69 of Cruel Honor

“Don’t hold back how you feel.”

A sudden flare of anger courses through me. “You know what, Dimitri? I am mad at you. You forced me into a marriage I didn’t want and then you charmed me into liking you. And now, you’re pushing me away. You didn’t even ask me if this was what I wanted.”

“I just assumed. You’ve been wanting to leave me ever since we got married.”

“I know that. But you still could have asked.” I open the car door, but before I can leave, he grabs my hand.

“I’m asking now: Do you want to stay with me?”

It’s right there. On the tip of my tongue. Just say it. Say you want to be with him.

But I can’t force the words out because, despite how I feel, I know Dimitri is right. I can’t stay with him. It’s not safe.

It’s never been safe.

There’s no point in telling him how I feel when it doesn’t matter at the end of the day.

“Goodbye, Dimitri.” It’s easier to say that then to lie to him.

He lets go of my hand. “Fuck, Evie. I’ll miss you. I’m not afraid to say it.”

“See?” I whisper. “Not fair.” I hurry away before I can cry. Dimitri doesn’t call out for me, and I’m grateful. It’s easier this way.

Juno is watching some reality dating show when I enter the house. The spare key is hidden under a flower pot, which contains a collection of dead roses in it. I used to take care of them when I lived here. Guess Juno didn’t do the same.

She gasps when she sees me. “Evelyn? What are you doing here?”

“I’m back home.”

She scrambles out of her seat and rushes over to me, surprising me with a hug. “Home for good?”

It would seem that way. “Yes. Dimitri let me go.”

“Oh, thank goodness. That man never should have taken you in the first place.”

“Didn’t you offer yourself up for him to marry you instead of me?”

She waves a dismissive hand. “That’s all in the past. What’s important is that you’re here now.”

“Really?” Tears sting my eyes, and my throat chokes up.

“Yes, really. You must be exhausted after everything you’ve been through. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I do have a headache.”

“Let me take care of you, Evelyn. It’s the least I can do after everything you’ve done for me.”

I can barely believe Juno’s words, but I don’t stop them. I need comfort right now. I need to know I’m not alone.

I change into my pajamas, and then she tucks me into my bed like I’m a little girl. It reminds me of how my mom would do it. I haven’t felt this safe in a long time.

She kisses my head. “I’ll take care of you now.”

“Where are you off to?” Juno asks. It’s the following day, and I feel much better. My headache is gone. The drugs are out of my system. I’m back in my own clothes.

I’m starting to feel like myself again.

Dimitri’s face enters my mind, but I push it away. He doesn’t get to hurt me again.

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