Page 18 of Forever Midnight

Midnight’s eyes bore into me, as if he can see straight into my soul, but instead of unnerving me, I feel seen. Heard.

“The night you guys rescued me from Malek was me trying to deliver some justice. A month before that, I had arranged the delivery of the money to him, but he refused to hand over the tapes until he got Lucia back. Obviously, that’s not gonna happen.”

“No.”

“I thought I could handle it.” I scoff. “I don’t know why. I’m just some rich kid from the burbs, but the desire to protect my family is stronger than my sense, I guess. It would break my mother’s heart if she knew what happened to Lucia. If it got out, it would be really bad. It could ruin my dad and any future Lucia has.”

“I see.”

“But obviously I’m in over my head. You had to save me twice. Did you kill Vinni?”

“No. I wanted to, but something held me back.”

I blow out a breath. “Thank fuck. He might be the only one who knows where the tapes are besides Malek.”

Midnight leans across the table closer to me. “Let me help you, Tru.”

“I don’t want you to get in trouble over me.”

Amusement flickers over his features. “Tru, my chaton féroce, my entire life is trouble.”

I tilt my head. “What language is that?”

“French. It means fierce kitten.”

I should probably be annoyed, but I can’t be. The endearment feels kind, not mocking. I never wanted to accept help, but I’d be an idiot not to take Midnight up on his offer.

“Are you sure?”

“Very,” he responds. “Vinni and his gang are dangerous. You need support.”

I nod, blinking back the tears threatening to fall. “I just want to save my family.”

“That’s what we’ll do then.”

Exhaling a slow breath, I force my eyes to meet his. “Your turn. Pretty sure I witnessed you and your brother murdering someone last night.”

Midnight nods. “You did.” Then a slow smile spreads across his face. “You shared your story, so I’ll share mine. I’m an assassin.”

Holy fuck.

ChapterNine

MIDNIGHT

Tru hasn’t responded to my confession, which rattles me. If he can’t handle this news, he certainly can’t handle the rest. I should have known not to get myself tangled up with a mortal. My only choice now will be compulsion to make him forget.

After the longest minute of my life, Tru rises from the couch, walking across the room to the windows, where he stares outside. I remain silent, waiting for his reaction before I choose mine.

When he turns to face me, I’m surprised by the wide smile spreading across his face.

“You’re an assassin. Youkillpeople for a living?”

I nod. “Correct.”

Laughter bubbles up from his chest and he bends over, hugging his stomach. “I have to be the luckiest idiot on the planet.”

“I’m sorry?”

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