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“Funny, you puttin’ it that way. But see that you stay loyal. You’ve tangled with the Block. From what I hear, you tangled with the Ghosts, too. Puts a mighty big target on your back.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
I watch from the doorway as he leaves, walking down the driveway after helping me get Gavin to bed. He’s getting into another car, sent to follow us, when it clicks.
The way he moved.
The way he looked back at me over his shoulder.
Tyler. I’m suddenly positive it was him. And kicking myself for not realizing it sooner.
But exactly what was Tell doing there?
It looked like he wasn’t new. Like he belonged.
And was it just a coincidence that he showed up right after I did?
22
EVAN
Control.
It defines my existence as much as the favors I deal out define my sense of purpose, give me meaning.
I'm autonomous. I do my job. I get things done.
Occasionally, they want a detailed report and it becomes clear that lately, I've gotten sloppy. I've made a few mistakes. It's drawing attention. Especially with the biggest event of the year coming up at the end of the month.
The Sinner’s Ball. Sanctum’s very own Carnival Masquerade.
A night of deals.
Debauchery.
It’s also my sole responsibility to coordinate.
Except that I’ve been… distracted.
The studio is quiet in the early hours of the morning. I need the time to warm up, clear my head. Swinging my arms out to the sides, breathing deep. Control.
In my six years of working for the Sinful, I have kept myself in check.
I have poured every ounce of energy into staying focused. Staying on task.
It’s a cost I pay, denying the wild creature I was in my youth. I only allow it to come forth on stage, and even then, I keep a tight leash on my urges.
That is, until Hellena Michaels singlehandedly, and with one dance, decimated my existence.
Every waking moment, her body haunts me. Like an imprint from the sun, every time I close my eyes, I see her dancing, spinning.
And I see her on that platform across from me in the dance hall, bent over and screaming.
If I continue down this path, I'll become the animal I used to be. I'll forfeit everything that I sacrificed to get where I am.
Every moment I spend with Hellena seems to break down my defenses. She drives me insane, constantly testing me, asking me questions that I don't want to give answers to.
I'll say it again. She's too clever for her own good.
