Page 77 of Ruthless God

What does that mean?

It means, mama, that I am good at my job, and your father was sloppy.

Did you know he’s in Dallas now?

My chest is tight.

No.

He arrived the day you left. Do you want to know how many times he’s seen your mother?

The answer comes before I tell him I don’t want to know. Because deep down, I already know.

Every day.

In fact, he didn’t even go to his safe house when he arrived. He dropped off his family and went straight to your mother.

Why are you telling me this?

You asked why I’m going after your father. I’m just pleading my case.

And that is?

That he is a selfish liar who will do anything for one person. Himself.

Okay… I don’t even know the man. If this is supposed to move me, it’s not.

I knew it wouldn’t. Unlike my brother, I will always be honest with you, mama. That means telling you things you may not want to hear.

I shift.

Claudius has lied to me?

You tell me.

But before you answer, I want you to think about this.

Has he told you why there are only females on the island?

My pulse thrums in my neck. I’ve only seen two people other than Claudius, but surely there are others? I think back to the laugh in the hallway. Okay, I know there are more people here…

And because I know the way your pretty little brain works, open your door right now.

My pulse is hammering as I drop the phone. I don’t think. I just move. I hurry to the door, yanking it open. I nearly collide with someone standing there.

A young woman.

She jumps back, eyes wide, looking as shocked as if I’d just slapped her, and I freeze.

“Who are you?” I demand, breath still uneven.

“Rose, ma’am.” Her voice is soft, hesitant.

I narrow my eyes. “Do you work here?”

She swallows hard, her throat bobbing visibly. I take a step closer. I see it… The uncertainty. The fear. But not of me. Of what happens if she answers wrong.

The air between us stretches, thick and weighted.

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