Page 40 of Paper Thin Love

Dante watches his friend flee and waits until he’s out of earshot to add,“His uncle sent his girlfriend’s body to the school.” Dante’s tone is somber.“We, um,” it’s the first time I hear him falter.“We buried her here. I helped.”

Jesus.

My father wouldn’t do that. Would he?

Maybe? I don’t know the man he is anymore.

“My cousins…” My voice feels snagged in a snare.

“I don’t think they will kill Titan or Damian. They are equal to you, Dash. But as Cillian said, maybe it’s best you leave Mila out of this.”

I seal my eyes shut. That’s why my father forced Mila on me now. She is leverage over me.

“I can’t.” I somberly reply. Then I tell Dante my suspicions that Mila was arranged to marry me. Dante’s confirmation that I could be correct makes me feel…starving. I want revenge for both Mila and me. I want to break her, make her strong enough to survive because now she is chained to my side. It’s not a matter of if she will sink, but when. It’s not a matter of her learning how to swim, either. She will sink and drown. I just need to make sure she can survive death, or in other words, this new life with me.

Am I a dick? Yeah. I am using her, but I don’t want to have to bury her body like Cillian did.

“We’ll keep an eye out for her now,” Dante whispers.“Let me tell Cillian. He’s not going to react well. He’s protective of those who can’t defend themselves.”

I nod.

“Dash,” Dante says, leaning forward on his elbows.“You know what this means, right?” He arches a brow,“You need to claim Mila. It’s important for the school to be aware that she belongs to you and is under your protection.”

“I don’t want her to know about her future.” I flick a piece of pizza crust off my plate.

“Why?”

I hesitate before answering him.“Because her future is the only thing fueling her. Death comes in many forms, and like I told you and Cillian, I don’t want to see Mila die.”

Dante leans back and rubs his jaw,“Fine, don’t tell her about the marriage, but make the school think you're dating. It will keep them away for a while.” I don’t miss how he stresses the last word.“Eventually they will come for her either way. Better to make them fear our wrath than just her father’s. Mila is tied to you, so make sure that knot will hold against the perils we are about to face.”

My chest deflates slightly, much like a punctured tire.“I can do that. You can start to spread the word that she’s mine.” I can make Mila think I want her because I do. I want to kiss her again. I just can’t let it go beyond that. It will never be a real relationship. Then again, Mila is good at putting on a show, dancing the routine she is told to.

“Make sure she knows that.” Dante warns.

Cillian returns with another tray of food and Dante continues, as if I had never mentioned Mila.“This is a test, but that means we either pass or fail. The question Cillian and I have been asking ourselves is what happens after. What are our parents planning for the next level?” Dante states.“Neither Cillian nor I have been forced to join The Cleansing again. It’s as if we have passed and are waiting for something else to happen. Then you arrived. Due to your current predicament, we have a few weeks before you have to compete.”

“You can’t wait to train till your cast is off, Dash. You need to start training now,” Cillian informs me.

I shift my broken leg, which is throbbing.“How the fuck am I supposed to do that?”

“You train in other ways. Other forms,” Cillian offers.“Your hands are still functioning. You’re slow, but a well-placed blow could level your opponent.”

“This is fucked.”I’m fucked.

“You’re backed into a corner, Dash, but you have a new perspective. Use it,” Dante offers.“We’ll help. Cillian and I train every day. We have a private room. No eyes or ears. You’ll join us.” It isn’t an offer, and if it was, I’d be stupid to turn it down.

I reach for my crutch, rubbing the cushioned edge of it.“So,” I hesitate,“What the hell do you think our parents are training us for?”

Dante and Cillian both look at me. Neither of them has an answer.

Chapter 16

Mila

I hate him! Loathe, protest, and secretly applaud his skill at mind games. I lost control earlier; actually, I lost it the moment I looked at Dash in that office. He made me feel—intoxicated, and I just lost it.

I still believe he will help free me from my life, and I’m not sure that makes me a bigger fool.

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