Page 119 of The Devil We Know

“That sounds like a fucking you problem, then.”

Carolina nods, then walks over to me, pulling a knife out of her belt and handing it to me handle first. “You wanna do the honors?”

Finn’s eyes widen, and he puts both his hands up in front of him. “Wait, wait. What are you doing?”

Camilla laughs. “If The Beast is free, we have no more use for you.”

He gapes at her and stands there shaking his head, looking scared.

I take the knife from Carolina, feeling the weight of it in my hand as I look between it and him, contemplating what I want to do.

I want to. I’d like nothing more than to stab him repeatedly until I appease the fury that swirls inside me.

I look down at the knife again, gripping the handle tightly, imagining how satisfied I’d feel bringing an end to someone who so obviously has no conscience or decency.

A hand on my arm startles me from my thoughts. I look up, meeting Camilla's eyes as she smiles at me. “It’s okay if you don’t want to.”

I press my lips together, a short, pained sob escaping as I nod and hand her the blade. She takes it from me easily, understanding in her eyes as she leans in close. “Don’t worry. I got you.”

I return her smile, nodding as I blink back tears. She looks to Carolina, nodding toward the door. “You two go on. I’ll tend to this and meet you outside.”

Then Carolina is beside me, her hand extended.

I look back at that fucking asshole, my lip curling in disgust before I turn away, taking Carolina’s hand and allowing her to lead me away.

Camilla’s laughter echoes behind us, and I smile to myself as the first plea falls from his lips.

But I keep walking, and I don’t look back.

49

A Divide

Matt

I remain in theshadows as the girls walk by me.

Watching them until they disappear around a corner, I then turn into the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb and watching Camilla take a moment longer than absolutely necessary to eliminate that ginger-haired dude.

Part of me wanted to intercede and have a little fun with him myself, but knowing time is of the essence at this point, Irefrained. She turns away from his crumpled body, a smile on her face, and her eyes connect with mine.

She doesn't even flinch, as if she knew I was there the entire time.

Which she probably did.

I return her smile and ask, “Was that as satisfying as it looked?”

She nods shortly and says, “Would rather have taken my time with him, but we get what we get.”

I laugh, knowing exactly what she means but still slightly surprised, given I'm not talking to Tony. I raise a brow at her and then ask, “Are you really this certifiable, or is part of it an act?”

The smile falls from her face, her expression turning pensive, and then she answers, “This is 100% who I am. I’ve tried to fake it, but that usually just makes it worse.”

“I never thought I'd meet another woman who is equally or more certifiable than Antoinette and Lilith, but here I am. Intrigued.”

She smiles at me almost saucily and winks. “Just think. Under different circumstances, you could have had me.”

Now, I laugh outright, shaking my head. “Oh. You would not be happy with someone like me.”

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