Page 13 of Twisted Temptation

"It's criminal."

"You keep using that word."

"Because it keeps applying."

Beside me, John Marco makes a noise that is close to a chuckle.

Dante gives him a look that would burn most men to the ground. But John Marco simply gives him a dazzling smile in return, and I suspect he is the only person on Earth who is not afraid of this devil sitting next to me, his leg brushing against mine.

I turn to the window because if I keep looking at either of them, I'm going to scream cry, or say something that will get me killed. Wife or no wife.

Outside, the city slides past in a blur. City lights, traffic, and people on sidewalks going to dinners, bars, and apartments, getting on with life while I’m on my way to the scary unknown.

My thoughts return to my dad, and my stomach turns.

I know his guilt will be eating away at him, and my heart aches for him and for what he will be going through. Somehow, it makes me feel stronger and more determined to survive this.

The last thing I saw before the door closed was my father mouthing, I'm sorry.

I play with Mom’s locket around my neck. "How long?"

"How long what?" Dante asks.

"This arrangement. Is there an expiration date, or is it a life sentence?"

"We'll discuss the terms when we arrive."

"I'd like to discuss them now."

"And I'd like silence. It seems neither of us is getting what we want tonight."

I turn back to the window.

"For the record," I say. "I meant what I said back there. I will never forgive you for this."

"Noted."

"And I will make your life difficult."