I shot Annalise a look that said everything I didn't need to say aloud.
You said you took care of this?
She tilted her head, expression painted with pretend innocence, though her eyes flicked toward me with that sharp, knowing glint that made my jaw tighten. The smallest shake of her head translated perfectly, I did. Don't look at me like that.
I turned my gaze back toward the window.
He sat there, sunlight pooling across him like the universe had chosen him as its centerpiece. Silver hair tied neatly behind his head. Violet eyes glowing faintly, serene. A gentle smile—too peaceful, too content—for someone whose life should have been slowly going to hell.
The original protagonist.
The boy whose story I'd stolen thread by thread.
The one I'd paid Annalise to ruin.
And yet, there he was. Happy. Radiant. Unbroken.
Almost like fate itself had decided to spit in my face.
That asshole, acting like a bitchy ex.
