Page 26 of Sinner's End

“We need to discuss your sister’s debt.”

“The fuck?”

“Don’t act dumb, Adreana. We both know she doesn’t work here, but parties like there is no tomorrow,” he says with a yawn. “Who do you think has been footing her bill?”

“Honestly?” I ask with a raised brow. “I don’t give a shit. I’m done with Emma.”

Mana tries to hide his surprise but I catch it before he slides his mask back in place.

“That may be, but that doesn’t solve my problem. It seems you keep surrounding yourself with people who find themselves indebted to me.” The smirk he throws my way is enough to have me grinding my molars to keep from wrapping my hands around his neck.

“I don’t know what you expect of me, but I assure you I won’t be footing the bill for anyone.”

“How was your date?”

The change in conversation leaves me at a loss for words.

“Better than you intended. Lethe was kind enough to spare us your childish games.”

His hands fist on his desk, the only outward sign he offers of the anger brewing inside him. Addi one, Mana zero.

“That’s good,” he says with a smile that can’t be taken as anything but devious. “Did you know your new boyfriend is also in my debt?”

I glare at him, not willing to show my shock or the factthat I feel betrayed. Kaleb swore he would never lie to me. This feels like a lie by omission.

“I said the date went well, not that I was getting married. Kaleb’s debt is his business.”

“And yet, I’m making it yours.”

“What do you want, Mana? Spit it out so I can turn you down and leave. Being here is making my skin crawl.”

He chuckles, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“You can let them die and we both know I’ve killed for less. Or you can accept my proposal.”

Son of a bitch.

Mana watches me as I weigh my options. I may not like my sister but I certainly don’t want to see her dead. As for Kaleb? He’ll wish he was dead the next time I see him.

“And your offer is…?”

“You’re mine. For seven days of my days, no more, no less. If you choose to leave after that, no one will stop you.”

Chapter Twelve

Deal with the Devil

Mana

I’ve played with my little toy long enough. Now it’s time she comes to heel. Not that she understands what she’s about to agree to, these mortals never do. Nor do they think more than a few moves ahead, and by then…

Her eyes narrow in the sweetest way, like she thinks she can turn me to ash with her hatred.You know nothing, little mortal.

“Fine.” she grits through her teeth, throwing any remaining caution to the wind. “But my caveat is that you can’t threaten either of them again. That’s it. That’s your freebie.”

If only you knew.

“Fine,” I echo her sentiment.

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