Page 61 of Silk and Sirens

I scrambled off the bed and stood in front of her, practically vibrating with excitement. Mira stepped closer and carefully fastened the necklace around my neck.

“It looks perfect on you,” she said, brushing my hair back so she could see it better.

“Darya’s going to be so jealous.” I grinned. “Thank you, Mira.”

Pulling me into a tight hug, she rested her chin on top of my head. “We’re sisters. We share everything, remember?”

“Nothing is worth giving up your life for,” Fletcher said far gentler than he had a moment ago. “Not her memory. Not your fucking revenge. Not any of it. You’re sacrificing yourself for someone who is either dead or doesn’t want to be found. And I’m just supposed to stand here and watch?”

“What do you expect me to do?” I shot back, exasperation cracking my voice. “Selene fucking owns me, Fletch. You think I can just walk away?”

“You fight,” he growled, stepping forward again, refusing to let me retreat. “You fight dirty. You fight smart. You let me help you instead of shutting me out like I’m some useless fucking bystander.”

“What do you think I’ve been doing for years?” I snapped, my voice rising. “Every deal, every risk, every night I let myself be used. You think that’s not fighting? I’m still breathing, aren’t I?”

I stared at my longest friend, the raw anger and worry etched so deeply into his face that it hurt to look at. My throat tightened, but I still made sure I held myself with confidence.

“Where is it?” Mira screeched, pulling out every single thing from her jewellery box. “Aeris, where is it?”

“I don’t know,” I said, sitting on her bed beside Fletcher, who was watching the scene with amusement.

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” he said, even as Mira threw a shoe at him. He caught it, chuckling.

Mira hopped on one leg, pulling on the boot while holding out her hand for the one she’d just thrown. “Aeris, I swear to God⁠—”

“If I give it to you, will you let me come?”

Mira glared at me, her makeup so thick I knew if Dad caught her she’d be grounded. “Aeris …” she threatened through clenched teeth. “Give me my necklace.”

“But I want to come too!”

“You’re too young, Red,” Fletcher said, pushing at my arm gently. “You don’t want to hang with us losers.”

“I’m twelve!” I said with as much confidence as I could muster. “You’re only a couple years older, and Darya said I could go.”

“Darya’s not even invited. And besides, you look about ten. So you can’t get into the concert without someone ringing Dad.” Mira held out her hand, and I reluctantly handed over the necklace I stole at every opportunity. “Stop taking what isn’t fucking yours.”

“You said we could share it. And I’m telling Dad you swore!”

Mira turned to Fletcher, who had carefully done up the clasp. “Nah, you won’t Red,” he said. “You love her too much.”

I pouted my lips, and Mira’s expression softened. “Don’t worry, kid, you’ll be old enough soon. Then you can come hang with us losers.”

I perked up. “Promise?”

She winked at me. “Promise.”

“I know what I’m doing,” I said softly.

“All I know,” Fletcher said, voice rough and edged with desperation, “is that you’re playing too many fucking people at once. And no matter how clever you think you are, you’re not walking out of this a winner.”

I stared at Fletcher for a long moment, pain twisting sharp and deep in my chest. Without another word, I turned and left him standing alone in my office. I knew he’d be gone by the time I returned, sneaking out so he wouldn’t be seen.

I walked through the gallery of sin, letting the sound of sex and pleasure wash over me. This was my world. This was what I controlled.

“Who was that guy just in your office?” Albus asked, his brows creased as he held paperwork tight to his chest.

“Am I not allowed to have private conversations anymore, Albus?” I asked, forcing a smile and quickly changing the subject so he couldn’t pry. “Is everything set up?”