Shady steps forward.
This time I don’t tell him to stop.
Nico sets the box on the narrow hall table like it might explode. Maybe it will. In Miami, drama likes accessories.
Shady opens it with a knife from his boot, because of course he has a knife in his boot.
Inside are white roses.
Fresh.
Perfect.
Too clean.
On top is a cream card with red lettering.
CHOSEN WOMEN BLEED PRETTIEST.
For a second, nobody moves.
Then my phone buzzes in my hand.
Unknown number.
One photo.
Carmen Solano, sitting in a private booth somewhere that isn’t Eclipse, champagne in hand, smiling at the camera like she already won.
Under the photo is one line.
Enjoy your spotlight, Lady.
My hand tightens around the phone.
Shady’s voice drops beside me, dark enough to chill the hall.
“Give me the word.”
I look at the roses.
Then at him.
Then back at Carmen’s smiling face.
“No,” I say.
His eyes cut to mine.
I lift my chin.
“She wants blood. We’re giving her a show.”
Chapter 8
Darling
By the time we leave Eclipse, Miami is wearing our blood like perfume.
