Page 110 of Revenge & Ruin

I take joy in Rocco’s relief and Cassandra’s gratitude. But I can only watch them for a moment before it feels like I’m intruding on something immensely private.

Around us, the smoke of the house begins to die down along with the flames. All that happened couldn’t have lasted much more than five minutes, yet time seemed to stretch impossibly as it happened.

Only now do I begin to hear the sirens that will no doubt force us all to flee.

I turn back to Isabella and Leon. Both are still locked in a serious embrace, whispering to each other desperately. I try to make my approach slow and loud to give them some time, but the truth is, we’re running short on it.

“We need to go,” I say quietly.

Matching chocolate eyes snap to my face.

Leon apprehensively looks me over. “You need a hospital.”

“Perhaps you should worry about your own mess,” I snap back instinctively, gesturing to the body that lies between us.

“Teo,” Isabella hisses.

I ignore her. “He started this fire. As much as I appreciate you saving my friend, this doesn’t mean you and I are square.”

Leon untangles himself from Isabella to draw himself up to his full height. “I didn’t do it for you.”

“We have something in common that we care about.” I match his stare carefully. “Something that we both love.”

I try very hard not to acknowledge Isabella stiffening at his arm.

“It appears so.” His words come out as a growl.

“I propose a truce. Until such a time that we are both in a position to sit down and discuss the matter at hand more formally,” I say evenly.

He glares at me for a beat.

“Fine. But for the record,” he looks back at Isabella, gesturing between us. “I don’t likethis.”

“I can’t remember asking for your opinion,” she snaps back, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You’re going with him, aren’t you?”

Isabella glances over at me, worry already gnawing at her bottom lip. “Yes. He needs a hospital?—”

“I don’t need a hospital?—”

“So someone needs to make sure he actually goes to one,” she finishes, entirely ignoring my interruption.

Leon gives me one more glare before throwing out his hand. “Send word when you’ve recovered.”

It’s not a question. In fact, it sounds more like a demand, but I reach out to take his hand anyway. “I won’t keep you waiting.”

“Look after her.” He nearly crunches all the bones in my hand as we shake.

I don’t give him the satisfaction of a wince. “I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.”

“Guys? GUYS!”

We separate at the sound of Rocco’s panicked voice behind us.

“The baby’s coming!”

I slump backin the ambulance stretcher, barely aware of the paramedic patching up my thigh and taking my vitals. I look over to where Rocco’s lying beside me, his face pale, an oxygenmask strapped over his nose and mouth, his eyes half-open but dazed.

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