Page 76 of Savannah Royals
“No, we go ahead with the planas is.” Paul crosses his arms. “We don’t need Kat for every job. Abe can do her part.”
Tony and Abe can’t hide their shock. I don’t like his answer either, and I really don’t like the thought of the boys going three wolves against eight or more Magpies, especially considering Abe’s ribs are barely healed.
“You’re a fool if you mean that,” I tell Paul. “It’s suicide to try this without me.”
“Well, Kat, you don’t really have a say in this,” he snaps back. “If you aren’t going to show up for us, you don’t get to have an opinion.”
And that clams me up good. Tony looks at the ground, uncomfortable.
Tears of frustration well in my eyes, but I hold them in because I refuse to give Paul the satisfaction. Instead, I wiggle my foot in my boot until I feel the tip of my dagger press my skin. I concentrate on the reassuring pressure until an hour later when I beg off early for the night. I reject Paul’s, then Abe’s, offer to accompany me back to the Academy.
The following evening, I turn up at Paul’s downtown apartment to celebrate Christmas Eve together, same as every year. Unfortunately, we’re not destined for a happy holiday.
We have it out almost immediately, beginning when he asks why I’m skipping out on the Magpie job. When I tell him about the overnight with Matthew on Jekyll Island, he loses it. Absolutely loses it. The fight continues for hours. We spiral.
“This has got to stop, Kat,” he finally declares. “I can’t have this argument anymore. It stops now. Jekyll Island Club or not, you’re not going away with him.”
“Why are you being difficult about this?Youtold me to get to know him, that he could bevaluable.” I throw his words back at him. “That Jekyll Island and those blasted DaMolin rubies are the ultimate prize!”
“That was before—”
“Before what?” I wait, but Paul doesn’t reply. I release a bitter laugh and shake my head. “I guess that’s just another point to chalk up on the long list of things you can’t tell me, huh? Screw you, Paul. Trust is a two-way street. I’m going with him.”
Paul’s face darkens. “No. You’re not.”
“You don’t get to tell me who I can and can’t see.” I narrow my eyes. “You’ve never minded sharing me with Abe.”
“Christ, Kat! That’s different. It’sAbe.”
“How is this different?”
“Well, for one thing, I don’t imagine Sir Matthew DaMolin is interested in sharingyouwithme. Does he even know about me? Or Abe?”
“He does, actually. He knows about youboth. And he handled the conversation with a lot more maturity and grace than you are.”
A flicker of uncertainty flashes across Paul’s face, but he covers it with another attack. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Miss Katarina Quinn. I’m sorry I’m not living up to your newly raised standards.”
“That’s not what I said. Don’t twist my words.Youset my standard. You always have. It’s him who has to worry about competing withyou.Why don’t you see that? I’m trying so desperately to choose you. Why can’t you let me? I’m looking for a reason, Paul.Anyreason. Just give me one.”
Ask me.I look at him, beseeching.Tell me it’s me, only me, for you. Always.
He stares straight back, unyielding, stubborn as the day is long.
When he finally speaks, it’s not what I want to hear. “What have you told him about us? Have you compromised us for him?”
I’m struck dumb, so hurt by the question, I can’t immediately answer.
“You know the motto,” Paul breathes. Ice fills my veins. “Fool me once, Katarina…”
“I’m not fooling you. I wouldneverrisk you, or Abe, or Tony,” I plead, tears rising. “It’s a shame I can’t say the same about you.”
“What?”
“You’re clearly willing to risk them by pushing ahead with this revenge scheme of yours. And your behavior tonight shows you’re willing to risk losing me too.”
With that, I rise from my chair, grab my coat, and run out of the apartment.
This love we have is all-consuming. Volatile, combustible.
