He looked at me like I’d lost my goddamn mind.
“Vesper. Since when do you pull this drama queen bullshit?
“You’re acting like a kid. I’m done playing along.”
At his words, I just dropped my eyes. Smile crept across my face. Bitter as hell.
You really think you’re all I got, Dante?
When I stayed quiet, something in him cracked.
Figure your shit out. Sienna’s running a fever. Someone’s gotta stay with her.”
After that, door slammed so hard the frame rattled.
Next morning, I woke up staring at the knife on the nightstand.
ight caught the engraving.
).C & S.G
I.G.
Sienna Graves.
his wasn’t mine.
‘ulled open the hidden drawer. My blade was still there. Still said D.C & V.K
here it was.
he one thing we swore meant life and death–he’d also made her a copy.
Didn’t think twice. Called security. Had them wipe every access code to the safehouse.
Then packed my bag. Checked into some sketchy capsule hotel downtown that only took cash.
lace was crawling with strangers. Loud. Dirty. Had to watch my back every second
But hell–felt like I could finally breathe.
Day later, Dante sent word through channels. Emergency
mmons. Get to the med wing
Didn’t wanna go. But my money wasn’t fully moved yet Couldn’t afford to make waves
So 1 showed up
Walked into the med wing, Dante came out of nowhere.
Grabbed me by the collar, slamned me into the wall. Forearm jammed against my windpipe Eyes like he wanted me dead
Chapter 3
“Start talking. What’d you do to Sienna?”
His voice shaking. Pure fury. “You know what she’s been through. She’s got serious trauma. And you’re gonna mess with her head because you can’t handle your feelings?”
‘It wasn’t me.” His arm was choking me out. “I haven’t set foot in here for two days.”
ana and the others came out.
Nobody stepped in. Just watched. Eyes cold as ice.
Vesper. Drop the act.” Lana’s tone was dead. “Who else could slip past every camera in this building, get into her room at night, and spook her without Dante
ven knowing? Only you.”
erfect timing–Sienna started crying inside.
shoved Dante back. Hard. Walked into the room.
ienna was balled up in the corner of the bed.
Look at me. Was it me last night?” Staring at her, I asked.
he flinched like I’d struck her. Eyes blew wide. Screamed bloody murder.
STAY AWAY! I’ll give him back! Just don’t hurt me!”
he snatched the metal cup off the table. Whipped it at my face.
turned my head. Thing clipped my eyebrow. Blood dripped into my eye.
ante jumped in front of her. Yelled at me like I was the threat.
GET THE HELL OUT! Stay away from her!”
Whole crew rushed in. Circled around Sienna. Whispered soft words. Looked at me like I was poison.
dragged my hand across my face. Smeared blood. Left.
atched myself up in the hall. Dante showed up a few minutes later. Still looked ready to snap.
Sienna’s in bad shape. You gotta give her space.”
looked up at him. Kept my voice level. “Sure. I’m not gonna make it worse. You’ve got hits to plan and a sick girl to babysil. Sounds rough.”
fy words threw him off. I could see it in his face.
Yeah. Good. Long as you understand.”
hen he started to reach for my cut Wanted to heck the damage.
backed up.
fis hand froze mid air. Dropped clenched into a fist
held his stare. Nothing behind my eyes “But lets be clear–I didn’t touch her
A smirk crept across his face. That cocky look I used to find charming
‘Out of everyone in Red Spider Lily, who else has the skill set? You think sienna framed herself? Gitt doesn’t have is in her
2009
Chapter 3
I stared at him. Watched him stand there like he had it all figured out.
Knew right then–nothing I said would matter.
Drew a breath. Opened my mouth. “Dante. We’re-”
‘Dante! Get in here!” Lana burst through the door, practically running.
‘Sienna’s having another episode. Curled up in the corner, won’t let anyone near her.”
Dante’s expression shifted. Didn’t even glance back at me. Just took off down the hall.
watched him disappear into that room.
inished what I’d started in my head. We’re done.
‘omorrow was the final memory procedure. Last lock on the vault.
fter that? Him, this family, all this mess–buried. Gone for good.
urned on my heel. Headed for the exit. Couldn’t breathe in this place anymore.
Made it downstairs. Caught the sound of footsteps behind me. Light. Deliberate.
Moved to turn.
oo slow.
omething hard cracked against the base of my skull.
World went dark.
(5)
(0)
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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