Page 1 of Ruthless God

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5 MONTHS AGO

Cecely

My best friend shakes his head. “No.”

“I’m not asking.”

“Good, then this conversation is over.”

“Harvey.”

“Cecely.”

My gaze searches his. “Why won’t you let me do this?”

“Because you’re better than that!”

I laugh, but he doesn’t.

“I’m serious, Cecely.”

“And I think you’re being ridiculous. Where was this righteous attitude when I worked there the first time?”

“You needed the money then! I wasn’t going to tell you no.”

“I need the money now.”

He cuts his gaze. “No.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“I’ll tell Lili.”

I roll my eyes. “Lili, who has three jobs? Yeah, tell her I’m going to strip again for money. See how little she cares.”

“I’ll tell her the truth.”

“I’ve said all along that I think you should tell her.” My voice is firm but unwavering. The weight of the conversation hangs between us like a storm cloud ready to break.

At that moment, the front door creaks open, followed by the familiar thud of boots being kicked off. Our other roommate’s voice rings through the apartment.

“Where is everyone?” Lili’s tone is light and oblivious. For now.

Harvey meets my gaze, his jaw tightening. His hesitation is palpable, thickening the air between us. I arch an eyebrow, challenging him in silence. He needs to tell her. We need a plan, and we can’t make one if we’re keeping secrets.

He exhales, raking a hand through his hair. “I don’t want her to know. It’ll only stress her out.”

His voice is low, almost pleading. Footsteps grow louder, approaching fast. Lili is seconds away, and I sigh.

“Fine.” I force my voice into something casual. “We’re in my room!”

The words feel heavier than they should, knowing what’s about to unravel. A moment later, Lili peeks her dark head around the corner.

“Raquel and I decided we want tacos tonight.”

Harvey snorts. “Since when does a five-month-old like tacos?”

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