I got to my feet, heart pounding with a steady, traitorous ache.
“Then I’m sorry to burst your little bubble,” I said, standing toe to toe with him. “Because the guy you saw her with? The one she fought with? The one she ran from? That’s not just anyone.”
I let the silence stretch before I delivered the dagger.
“He’s her soon-to-be husband.”
Kross’s expression faltered.
I pushed. “My father chose him for her. Nero and Vanya are engaged. The moment we graduate, they’re getting married.”
His mouth parted in disbelief. His eyes narrowed, like he was trying to figure out if I was lying or just trying to torture him.
The truth? It was both.
Yes, Nero was the match my father had in mind. No, I’d rather die than go through with it. But if it got Kross out of my life?
Then let the lie bur
