Page 134 of Ruthless God

“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” He exhales, rubbing a hand down his face. “My guess is that I didn’t listen to him then, and now I’m the one at the top of his fucking hit list.”

I let the words sink in. Let them sit there, twisting in the silence. Because if Gabriel really wanted out, then why the hell is he back now? And more importantly, what does he really want?

“I need to make some calls,” I say. “Stay in your room and don’t go outside.”

“You’ll have Beatrice brought to me?”

“For fuck’s sake. Yes.”

With that, I turn and leave. My mind races. What in the fuck is Gabriel up to?

28

Cecely

“What’s your favorite color?” Bonnie asks.

We all wait three seconds and answer.

“Purple.”

Laughter bubbles up, light and unexpected, shattering the weight of the day. For the first time since I learned they exist, it doesn’t feel so heavy. We aren’t just standing in a room, forced into a situation none of us asked for. We’re bonding.

Bonnie grins, still laughing. “How are we so similar?”

Alyssa smirks, shaking her head. “Maybe genetics aren’t as weak as they say.”

I glance between them, my heart lighter than it has been in days.

“Okay, next question.”

Bonnie hums in thought, then grins. “Guilty pleasure movie?”

We all think for a second?—

And then, again, we answer at the same time.

“The Mummy.”

Another wave of laughter erupts.

Alyssa clutches her stomach, falling back against the pillows.

“Okay, this is getting weird.”

I bite my lip, smiling. “Maybe it’s fate.”

Bonnie tilts her head, considering. “Maybe it’s just us.”

“Maybe so.”

“Okay, new game.” Bonnie wiggles her eyebrows. “It’s called ‘are you sleeping with the hot man who lives here’.”

My mouth drops open, and I playfully throw a pillow at Bonnie.

“Here I was thinking you were the quiet, innocent one!”

Bonnie just winks, completely unbothered. “You know what they say about the quiet ones.” She leans forward, her grin wicked. “Now, answer.”

---