Page 20 of Kane's Kingdom

"The reasonable answer."

"It's also true."

"It's not the whole truth."

"No. It's not." The admission lands between us.

She walks farther into the kitchen. "You haven't spoken to me all day."

"You asked for room. I gave it to you."

"I know that and I hate that you're being so reasonable. I hate that you're giving me space," she adds.

“But It's what you wanted."

"Yes. And I hate that too."

A laugh nearly gets out of me. I stop it.

Her eyes narrow. "Don't."

I lift both hands. "I didn't do anything."

"You almost smiled."

"I wouldn't dare. What do you want me to do?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

"Then we're back where we started."

"No." She shakes her head. "We're not."

The kitchen hums around us. Refrigerator. Ice machine. A pipe ticking in the wall.

Bella presses her lips together. "I heard what you told them. He said you told Dekker I was off-limits."

"I did."

"And if he touched me, you'd do what he thinks you won't."

“Also true."

Her breath changes, not with fear but something hotter. "You shouldn't say things like that."

"I meant it."

"That's the problem."

She turns away, staring toward the dark common room. I could let the silence close, but I don't.

"My father would've asked what their route was worth.” She looks back at me.

"Dekker said that. He thought I'd negotiate because King would've."

"Would he?"

"Probably." The answer costs less than it should. Maybe because she already knows the truth.