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“I know,” he whispered.
“People have died because of the objects inside that building. I want you to tell me what you know about them. And quit the bullshit about how it’s better if I don’t know. We both know it’s too late for that.”
His back tensed; then he set the binoculars on the blanket. “I told you that my father found out about the estate and then brought Marino on board. That’s pure speculation, but I’d bet money I’m right. Rumor has it that the collection disappeared soon after my father did. The next time it was heard of was when the family of the private collector, Emilio Ricardo, announced it was going to New York for auction a few months ago. Then it disappeared again. Marino got preview photos from Ricardo’s attorney, but it was gone before he could see it. Marino asked me to find out what had happened. I wanted to know the truth because of my father’s involvement. And, like I said, the Manteo Keepers knew a couple of weapons had been created by a Dare Keeper, but I never knew the specifics until I asked my grandmother.”
“And what did she say?”
“She said it was a given that the curse would eventually break. The real question was when it would happen. The Dare descendant realized the spirits and gods would be upset and had weapons blessed at the gate to Popogusso that would help defeat the demons.”
“The letters David found insinuated that Ahone was the one who instigated the creation of the weapons. He knew the curse would break, and they were his way of sealing the gate permanently.”
Collin shook his head. “We already did that.”
“Ahone wants me to use this ring at the gate.” I held up my hand, the gold glittering in the sunlight. “And I’d bet money it has something to do with my power as a witness to creation.”
Collin’s mouth twisted as he considered what I’d said.
“Did you know that a group called the Guardians owns this collection? That they’ve been collecting weapons for centuries to fight demons?”
He scowled. “No.”
“David pieced it together. They’ve been preparing for the end of the world, but Tsagasi says they’re thieves and liars. I don’t trust them.”
“It’s safer not to trustanyone, Ellie.”
“Including you?”
He looked up at me. “I used to tell youespeciallyme. I’m trying to change that.”
“And yet you still keep a shitload of secrets from me. What do you know that you’re not telling me?”
A grin spread across his face. “That could fill an entire encyclopedia set.”
“What aren’t you telling me about the curse? What Ahone really has in store for me?”
“I’m completely clueless about what Ahone has planned. I had no idea that he wanted you to use the ring next to the gate. But I’m not surprised he wants to use you for his own purposes. Both he and Okeus have their own agendas. They always have.”
I believed him, not that I liked it. If he didn’t know, who did? Maybe I needed to press Tsagasi more. “Then I’m just as clueless as I was before. Everyone wants to use me for something, and I’m not sure how to stop them.”
“I’m sorry.”
I looked up into his face. “You keep telling me that you’re sorry, and while I realize that your apologies are as rare as a full solar eclipse, what exactly are you sorryfor?”
He swallowed, his eyes turning glassy, his right hand grabbing my left one. “How about I tell you what I’mnotsorry for? I’m not sorry you were persistent about getting me into bed. And I’m not sorry I gave in. And I’ll never be sorry that our souls are bound together. I’m sure that makes me a bastard, but you want honesty, so there it is.”
I fought my warring emotions.
“I’m not sorry I met you, and if it took breaking the fucking curse to do it, I’d do it again in an instant.”
I tried to jerk my hand from his hold, but he held tight.
“Now how about what Iamsorry for? I’m sorry I met the one person in this world who makes me believe I’m actually worth a shit, but I completely and hopelessly fucked it up.” He dropped my hand and narrowed his gaze at the building. “And I know how much David means to you, so I’m going to go down there and make sure he’s okay.”
“He’ll be upset if he sees you.”
He grinned. “Would he rather get killed or see my ruggedly handsome face?”
“He’s going to be upset withme.”
