Page 290 of Trick or Stalk

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to hear you say you wanted me.”

Her face crumples for half a second.

Fuck. I would rather she hit me.

“I wanted to know what Hades meant to you while you thought I was someone else.”

“You manipulated me.”

“Yes.”

“And Wilder? Why bring him into it?”

“I realized I was going to lose you if you figured it out before I was ready.”

“So you made him wear the mask.”

“Yes.”

“You chased your own brother through Hollow Creek.”

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “It was planned.”

She closes her eyes. “Jesus Christ.”

“I know.”

“No, I don't think you do.”

“I do now.”

Her eyes open.

I don't know what she sees in my face, but whatever it is makes her go quiet.

“I thought if I could prove we were two different men, I'd have more time.”

“To do what?”

I laugh once, without humor. “Figure out how the fuck to tell you I'd been lying.”

“That plan was going well.”

“Was.”

Despite everything, her mouth twitches.

Then it disappears.

“You said you were going to tell me everything.”

“I am.”

“Is there anything else?”

There it is. The opening. The loophole.