Page 173 of Ink Deep Devotion

I wish it were.

I ignored what I needed and grasped what I wanted. I needed to learn how to fight and how to show Dash and everyone else who thought I was weak, that I could be strong and protect myself. All this time spent trying to run should have been spent learning to fight.

Instead, I’m punching the air alone in my room. I could have been fighting by his side.

“My name is Camilla, just as yours is Mila.” She squares her shoulder to me, unimpressed, eyes glaring at my backpack.

“Sit down.”

“You sit down.”

Her chest widens.“Fine.” She grabs the stool next to my easel and sits, legs crossed like she’s about to interview me.

“I don’t work with Avery, nor did Dash send me. I’m not going to kill you either.”

So you know a lot, don’t you?

Each proclamation feels like a bullet to my chest.“What do you want?” I ask, inhaling deep, knowing this is the last time I will smell this air. If, by some chance, she lets me live, I will have to run. My life will be over again. I see the pattern repeating endlessly, wrapping around me like a cheap, itchy jacket on a sweltering summer’s day.

“I want your help.”

“With what?” I step back as the room tunnels.If you don’t breathe and get control of your heartbeat, you’ll pass out. Then you’re dead! Calm down!

“Please don’t run out that door. I won’t chase you. Not in these heels. I’m offering you a chance.” She stares at me like a parent does a naughty toddler.

I hug my backpack.“Keep talking.”

“Why did you take your ring off?”

Why do you care?

She wants my help; she’s not working with Avery or Dash. She’s a new threat. Who cares deeply that I…detached myself from Dash.

I decide to lie.“Because that part of my life is over. I’m ready to move on.”

“Why didn’t you take it off when you were first placed here?”

Sweat drips down my back,“I…wasn’t ready.”

“But you are now?” Her eyes light up.“Are you ready to move on?”

“Answer my questions first.” I take another step back. She does as she promises, not moving an inch in my direction.

You can run! If you’re fast, she won’t catch you; if she’s honest, she won’t even try.

A dip of her chin has me continuing.“How do you know who Avery is?”

“I tried to recruit her. She said no, so I moved on. I’m sure she is regretting that decision now.”

What does that mean?“You killed her?”

“No,” Camilla scoffs, as if insulted.“Unlike others, I don’t have to kill unless provoked.” Her charming smile turns murderous.“That’s a warning not to threaten me.”

“Aren’t you scared I’ll run back to Dash and tell him about you?”

“Is that a threat?”

If you hold your backpack tighter, it’s going to become a part of your lungs!“No, it’s hypothetical.”

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