Page 40 of Cruel Queen

“Why?”

“Because he thinks I’m his long-lost sister. Is that enough for you?”

“You are.”

I freeze at his words.

“What did you say?”

“You have the same father. It’s why he was always showing up.”

“What’s your excuse, then?” I ask, every feeling I have for him simmering inside me. He softens and enrages me in equal measures every time.

“I don’t have an excuse. I was drawn to you, so I kept coming back. I will always come back for you, little fighter.”

Goddamnit! I cover my ears as he says those two words.

“You can’t say that to me, Grim. You can’t push me away and tell me we will never work, then say things like that. It confuses me,” I tell him, swallowing down my rising emotions. I step closer, and when he doesn’t move away again, I hold out my hand. “Please… take me back.”

“As you wish.” He takes hold of my hand and pulls me to him, our bodies now flush. There’s no question he did that on purpose. As soon as I feel the air change, I know I am back.

Everything has stopped.

Max is kneeling on the ground, caring for someone.

John is on his way back to the house.

Pushing away from me, Grim leaves without another word.

Why must he do that to me?

Why?

I check around and see all the vampires are gone—ashes on the ground in their place—and know Max had a hand in their demise. Levy is sitting a short distance away, knowing she is safe with Max there.

That’s what a good king or queen should do.

Make their people feel safe.

Time starts to move again, and as soon as it does, Max’s head swings around, and his eyes find mine.

ChapterTwelve

You don’t really plan to fall for two men, do you?

Because I am falling for Max.

He is everything I should want.

Need.

There is no doubt in my mind we could be happy.

But there is also a part of me that screams for Grim.

How I wanted him with a force so fierce I was willing to sacrifice everything for him.

“Talia,” Max says my name as he stands.

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