Page 38 of Paper Thin Love

Chapter 15

Dash

My little, little fox just changed her coat. It’s a new season, after all. It feels good to see her act out, to know my corrupting influence is working.

The twisted part is I want to help Mila. Just because we are trapped doesn’t mean we can’t fight. Dying with dignity is better than just laying down and taking it.

I might just be falling for her fight. After all, fire is alluring, it gives warmth and the illusion of safety, you just have to be careful not to get burned. I need her fire, but I have to have it under control. I need to control her.

“You going to let her run?” Cillian grumbles as he shoves another huge bite of steak into his mouth.

Why bother cutting it when each bite could be considered a petite fillet?

“Of course not,” I smirk as I settle into my chair and look out at the crowd of onlookers who are pondering what my move will be. It’s all about keeping people on their toes. I can’t have them plant their feet firmly in the ground, ready to fight me.

“Why Mila?” Cillian asks, his chewing barely mask his serious tone.

Why doyouknow her name?Imade a deal with her; she is mine. In many ways.

I glance at Dante, who casually eats his lunch like a prince that has no worries.“You both disappeared,” I say as I change the subject.

“Poof,” Dante grins slyly,“We’re back.” He presses his knife into his cheeseburger and cuts it slowly.

When Mila told me Dante and Cillian sat at this table, more pieces of my dad’s fucked-up puzzle fell into place. Of course, I know Dante and Cillian. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting many times and forming an acquaintanceship of sorts. There is never one player who rules over everyone. They wouldn’t live long enough to survive. You need friends. Allies. Dante's and Cillian’s families are allied with the Kings.

“Damian was worried,” I comment as I grab another fry and eat it.

My cousins and I usually see Dante and Cillian a few times a year. This past year, though, they both disappeared.

“I’m sorry about your mom.” Dante lowers his head in respect.

“We knew it was coming.” I bite.

“That only makes it harder.” Dante’s voice trails off. He never got to say goodbye to his father, whom he worshipped and praised.It's Dante's mother who is the monster in his life.

“Where’s your brother?” I ask pushing mom’s memory away. Dante has a younger brother, Nico. I think he’s around fifteen years old now. Dante’s relationship with Nico mirrors mine with my cousins. Fiercely protective.

“My mom,” Dante pauses as if saying the word mom has a visceral reaction,“thought it was best Nico remain home for now.”

Cillian’s eyes flicker my way, and he subtly shakes his head for me to stop probing.

“When did you both get here?” I ask him instead of Dante.

“A year ago.” Cillian takes another bite, reminding me to eat while I can. He glances at Dante.“We had a feeling something was up. We arrived here together.”

“Why didn’t you tell us? You should have called.”

“We knew you all would try to break us out.” Cillian replies.

He’s right.

“Now you’re here, though, so something is definitely happening. They wouldn’t take Dante out of Italy for no reason. Not after his father was killed.”

I take a bite of my pizza, tasting nothing.“You think it has to do with The Cleansing?” It makes the most sense. Dad wanted me to thicken my skin, so why not throw me into the gauntlet?

Dante raises a brow.“Mila tell you that?”

I nod.“I needed someone to fill me in, so I made a deal with her.”

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