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I read those psychology books so I could understand people better; he read them and used his newfound information as a tool to manipulate. Many people have mistaken our simple laying out of the facts as rude. It’s not our fault society can’t handle harsh truths.

That’s why Blade and I get along—we’re honest. While he can detect someone’s lie easily, there are times I still need to go through the process of replaying the conversation over to focus on every cue that may indicate their words hold truth. I’ve always been frustrated it takes me longer, but Blade saw the fact that I can recount every detail of a conversation as a positive. I’ve started to think of it that way myself.

Being around my parents for years, I understood them easily. I learnt Alexa’s habits and mannerisms, but she’s an expert at masking emotions, so there were times I mistook I’m fine as the truth, only to discover later that she was lying. I tried to make her understand she needed to communicate and stop masking everything.

Blade can’t help who he is, and neither can I—that’s the reason I love him. We’re fucked up and different, but at least we’re together. Neither of us could do what we do without the other.

Chapter thirty-one

ROME

“Is Mum okay?” Kilah asks quietly.

“Yeah, she’ll talk to Dad tonight.”

“What an asshole,” Indie scoffs, leaning into me.

I slide down further on the couch and wrap my arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm. After speaking to Mum on the way to her car, we decided it was best the twins know. I can feel the shitstorm brewing.

I look over to Kilah, who’s hugging her legs, chin dropped to her knees. “I didn’t want either of you to be left in the dark about what’s happened, or that Mum confronting him about it could affect both of you.”

Kilah lifts her wet eyes to mine with a sombre smile. “Can we stay here for a little longer?”

“As long as you need, although Rain may barge in at any point. I never get much warning when he’s coming. I’ll keep him away as much as I can.”

Indie giggles against me. “I like him.”

“Same,” Kilah agrees.

I sigh. “Please don’t tell me he bought your approval with those bloody clothes.”

“He can’t buy our love,” Indie says, “but he’s funny.”

I arch a brow as she looks up at me. “That’s debatable.”

“It’s like he brings you out of your shell and you aren’t so focused on work all the time.”

“He also posted everything on Oliver's Instagram for me,” Kilah adds.

My mouth parts. “How did you know that?”

“You’re terrible with computers. I also heard you on the phone. I recognised his voice from the theatre.” She lifts her head with a disgusted look. “Also, gross, I don’t want to hear you say, ‘I need to come’ ever again.”

My cheeks heat. “You—you heard that?”

“I tried to ignore it, but it was obvious what he was doing. I could see his hand moving, Rome!”

“Okay, enough.” I stand, pointing a finger at her. “It never happened. We don’t talk about it. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Bed,” I laugh.

They both jump up, kissing either of my cheeks before they giggle and whisper as they climb the stairs.

Please don’t tell me they heard what happened the other night.

I’m going to touch you however I want. His words flow into my ear, and I can feel his hot breath against my cheek and neck.