Page 167 of Ruthless God

When I wake up the next morning, I’m in control. Not Gabriel. I panic, asking Agnes how I got in that room. I don’t believe her. Not until she shows me this very tape.

I glance over at Cecely. She watches, her expression unreadable. But I can feel it. The weight of realization crashing down on her.

I exhale, dragging my hand over my head. “Do you believe me now?”

Cecely’s gaze locks onto mine. Steady. Searching.

She says softly, “I do.”

The words land between us, heavy with meaning.

She shifts, her arms still wrapped around herself like she’s trying to hold everything in.

“I do, Claudius, but…” Her lips part, then press together like she’s unsure if she should even say it. Finally, she exhales, voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with the information.”

I study her, watching every flicker of emotion pass over her face.

She believes me.

That’s a start.

But she hasn’t decided what it means for her yet.

I can see it in the tightness of her shoulders. The way she keeps glancing at the screens, like she’s waiting for another answer to fall into her lap.

I push off the desk, crossing my arms.

“You don't have to do anything with it.”

Her eyes snap back to mine. “How can you say that?”

“Because it's my burden to carry. Not yours.”

She shakes her head, frustration creeping into her voice.

“That’s not how this works, Claudius.”

“Isn't it?”

She huffs, rubbing her forehead. “You can't just drop something like this on me and expect me to pretend like it doesn't change anything.”

I tilt my head, voice calm. Measured.

“Does it?”

Her breath catches, but she doesn't answer. Because she doesn’t know.

I take a slow step forward.

“Tell me, Cecely.”

Her lips part, but no words come out. So I keep going.

“Does this change how I’ve touched you?”

Her breath shudders.

“Does this change how I’ve protected you?”

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