NICHOLAS' POV
"Just let it go. He has to prove himself or he will pay for his betrayal."
"But Nicho....."
"Enough."
My voice came out harsher than I meant, but the silence after it was worse. Simone froze, staring at me like I had just slapped her, and for a moment guilt grated at me.
I hated this. The tension between us was so airless it felt like breathing smoke, like every word was going to light another fire.
And the problem was....I could not even tell her the full truth yet. Not without risking everything.
I turned away from her, rubbing my temple. My study suddenly felt too small, the air stifling, like Irene herself was standing in the corner grinning at me.
"Listen, Simone," I said finally, forcing my tone to soften even though my nerves were vibrating un
