Page 132 of Merciless

CHAPTER 47

ELIJAH

DAY 7 OF THE BET

The conversation with Asher plays on repeat in my head as I work on the painting before me. It’s come along since the last time I worked on it. The woman’s soft brown eyes stare back at me, as if she’s already upset that I deceived her.

I lower the paintbrush and clench my jaw.

My phone buzzes in my pocket with a new notification. I ignore it and glare at the painting.

Two can keep a secret if one is in the grave.

I hope to God Asher didn’t mean that he would kill me or that he would do something to himself.

I shake that thought away.

He wouldn’t do it.

He wouldn’t leave Eden behind.

I may be blood to him, but our stepsister means more than everyone else. It’s not offensive to me. Or upsetting. It’s merely a fact.

Eden Astar wiggled her way under my brother’s skin and into his heart. Just like she did with me.

My phone buzzes several more times with new notifications—enough to pull me out of my thoughts. I drop my paintbrush into the water and reach into my pocket to see what the fuck is going on.

Footsteps approach from behind.

“There you are,” Katie says.

I turn my head and glare at her from the corner of my eye. “What do you want?”

She shrugs a dainty shoulder. “I wanted to check on you. See how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine,” I say. “You can go now.”

“Are you sure?” She walks past me and stands beside the easel. Her gaze flits to the painting, and her lips curl downward.

Good. I hope it stings that I’m painting another woman and not her.

She shifts her attention to me and folds her arms beneath her breasts. “It seems like you have a new muse.”

I relax into my seat. “Jealous, Katie? It’s unbecoming of you.”

“I’m not jealous.” She rolls her eyes. “I came here to see if you’re okay.”

“I’m curious. Why do you care if I’m okay?”

She shrugs. “Because it seems like you may be upset, what with the news going around the school, and I want to comfort you.”

I snort. “The only reason I’m upset is because you’re here. And what news are you talking about?”

“Rude.” She sighs and looks at her nails. “So you haven’t heard the rumors?”

“I’ve been stuck in this room for the last two hours. I haven’t heard anything.” I tilt my head. “Even if I had, it’s none of my business unless it involves me.”

Her gaze flicks up, her lips curving into a smile. “Are you sure about that?”