Page 94 of A Vicious Love

The applause came too early from someone. Then was swallowed back into silence because everyone wanted to see what she did next.

Three years.

She had told me about rehearsals, performances, costumes, and I had treated every word as static around the business I cared about.

I had never watched. The knowledge sat in my stomach. I did not understand why.

Sienna moved across the stage.

My vision sharpened on them again.

Weston did not move. That was what made me want to kill him most. He watched her with kind of attention I recognized because mine had become the same violent thing.

Only mine had history under it.

My phone rang again. This time, I answered without looking. Harrison would not stop until he heard my voice.

“What?”

“Tell me you’re not watching.”

I stared at the screen. Sienna turned again.

“I’m watching background news.”

“Right. And I’m a virgin.”

“Be useful or hang up.”

Harrison exhaled. “Damius did this.”

“I know.”

“Marcel is already calling him.”

“Tell Marcel to stop.”

“That’s a terrible idea, so obviously I’m interested. Why?”

I watched Weston lift one hand and touch his lower lip, eyes fixed on the stage. Something dark moved through me.

“Because if Damius wants a response,” I said, voice calm now, “I’ll give him one.”

Harrison went quiet. Everyone in my bloodline, knew that tone.

“Jamison.”

“No.”

“Think before you⁠—”

“I did.”

“No, you reacted.”

“Same result, faster.”

The first act ended. Applause detonated through the theatre. Sienna stood center stage, breathing hard, chest rising under the costume. The camera cut to the front row. Four Crow cousins stood with the rest of the audience.