Page 69 of Ruthless God

I lean forward, gaze locked onto hers.

“Such as what makes you blush like a schoolgirl when that night is mentioned.”

Her breath catches.

“Why, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you slept with him.”

Her reaction is instant. “Of course not.”

But the way she says it? The way her posture stiffens, the way her fingers curl slightly into the fabric of her jeans— It’s a lie. Or, at the very least, not the full truth.

And now? I need to know exactly what happened that night. Because something tells me it changes everything.

15

Cecely

“I don’t believe you,” he says.

His eyes are locked onto mine, unrelenting, digging. Waiting. For me to speak. For me to admit something.

I don’t.

Because I’m not sure what to say. And also? Because I’m pretty sure I’m going to barf all over the place. Come on, morning sickness. Now is not the time to rear your ugly head.

Claudius exhales, jaw tight. “Cecely, this isn’t going to work if you can’t be honest with me.”

A bitter laugh escapes me.

“Honest with you.” I huff, shaking my head. “That’s funny.”

“And why is that?”

I cross my arms, my pulse still too fast.

“Because I’m pretty sure you’re not being honest with me.”

He stills, just slightly.

I press on.

“Why are you so worried about helping my sperm donor?” My voice doesn’t waver, but my heartbeat kicks up. I refuse to call that man my father.

Instead, I watch Claudius. For a flinch. A tell. A reaction. I get nothing. So I push harder.

“You’re not an Elite Member, so why do you care if he dies?”

The air between us thickens. Something shifts in his gaze just for a second. It’s gone before I can name it. But I saw it. I know I did.

“I care because I’m a member of the Brotherhood.” His voice is steady, absolute. “If he dies, it puts us all at risk. Our secrets. The things we’ve done.” His gaze hardens. “All of it is compromised.”

I hum, tilting my head. “Sure. But maybe you’ve taken on this task so you can be a martyr.”

His expression darkens.

“What in the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

I lift a brow, watching the way his fingers curl just slightly against the armrest.

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