But this girl—this Roran—here is Diana’s last hope. And that's all that matters to me.
I’m going to do some crazy shit tonight, and for that, I need to bring the mask back. The one that fakes smiles, never cracks, never betrays emotion, and plays the kind of game no man ever says no to.
I inhale deeply, eyes still fixed on the outside. Then I exhale the panic bubbling in my chest.
Why am I so scared to showhimthis side of me?
It’s like he’s about to cut open an old wound I swore I’d never let anyone see—especially not him. Not when he can read things too easily. Not when he’ll see just how cheap it all can look. And if he suspects the truth I told him... if he hears what’s going on in there or sees a glimpse of it—
Please, God. Be with me tonight. Let me save Diana.
No. Let himtrustme to save Diana.
I straighten up quickly, holding my breath when I see the familiar bar street appear.
“Don’t go straight to the main entrance. They’ve got CCTV. They might recognize your car. Turn left here,” I say, leaning forward behind Pedro’s seat and pointing at a dark alley.
He glances at Malec before twisting the wheel.
“Now turn off the high beams. Luxury cars here will make people talk before we’re even inside.”
I stay focused on the road ahead, but I can still feel Malec’s gaze still boring into me. I become aware of my every blink,every breath, every tiny shift—because that’s where I canfeelhis attention going.
I feel so small under that gaze.
“Slow down here,” I say softly, as if someone outside might hear. “Now turn here and park at the end of the alley.”
I lean back. We’re here.
Pedro follows the directions and cuts the lights before turning off the engine. He’s careful. And he’s paying attention.
Good.
He wouldn’t be a Spallo if he weren’t.
My heart is pounding now as the familiar back door to Konfetki comes into view through my window.
I can do this. Ihaveto.
“Pedro,” Malec says, finally breaking the silence. Thank God. That drive was more nerve-wracking than when he kidnapped me. Back then, I didn’t even care—I just needed out.
“You stay here. No car lights. No engine. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to move,” Malec orders.
Pedro takes his hand off the wheel and slaps Malec’s shoulder. “You better make her plan work. I really don’t want to be the one to tell your father you messed up.”
I can’t tell if it’s a joke or a threat.
“It’ll work,” I say quietly. It has to.
The click of the car doors unlocking makes me act fast—I push mine open and jump out, pulling the rubber hair tie off my wrist to tie my hair into a tight ponytail.
I scan the alley. Clear. Then I lean back into the car through my open door, looking for Malec’s eyes for the first time since the drive started.
“Quick. I’ll show you where I need you.” I whisper this time, and thank God again that he doesn’t ask anything. He just steps out and joins me on my side.
I close the door quietly and press a finger to my lips.
He nods.
