Page 100 of The Taste of Deceit

“You were supposed to be my best friend. I trusted you.”

Her voice breaks.

“I trusted you more than anyone.”

“I still am your best friend.”

“No.”

She looks me dead in the eye.

“Get out.”

“Katie...”

“Get the fuck out.”

I don’t move. She screams.

“GET THE FUCK OUT!”

I don’t say another word. There’s nothing left to say.

I turn and walk out of the room, pulling the door shut behind me before her sobs can follow me into the hallway.

They do anyway. I wipe at my face as I hurry toward the staircase, but it doesn’t matter. The tears keep coming. My chest aches so badly it feels impossible to breathe.

By the time I reach the bottom of the stairs, Luca and Michael are standing in the foyer waiting for me.

Luca’s eyes find mine immediately. I stop in front of him, trying to swallow around the lump in my throat.

“I want to go home.”

He nods.

“Okay.”

He reaches for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. Behind him, Michael takes a step toward me.

“Sarah—“

I shake my head before he can finish.

“Please.”

My voice breaks.

“Just...leave me alone.”

The words stop him in his tracks. I don’t look at him again.

Luca’s thumb brushes across the back of my hand.

Michael’s gaze stays on the staircase for a long moment before he looks at Luca.

“Take her home.”

Luca gives a single nod.