“That would start a war.”

“People die all the time for all kinds of reasons.” True, but it can’t be him that does it. The Falco family can’t think it came from us.

“Get out of my room. I’m done with this conversation.”

Gilly stands, to my surprise.

A pang of disappointment fills me, but I shouldn’t be shocked. I’m okay for him to play with in the dark but nowhere else. A dirty secret. That’s what I am to him. At first I thought that it might be fun to sneak around with him. I guess what they say is true. Be careful of what you wish for. You just might get it.

“This isn’t over, Carina.”

“It most definitely is, Gilly. I’m not your little toy to play with when you want.” I lash out with my words. I know some of them are for Falco too. He came into my home and threatened me. Scared me.

“You’re not a toy.”

“I’ll scream.”

“Carina,” he warns.

“I swear it, Gilly. I’ll scream this whole house down. Then you'll have to explain to my brother why you’re always sneaking into my room. You tell my secrets, and I’ll tell yours.”

“You’re not being rational.”

“I’ve never been rational, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you.” I laugh. “Now leave.” I order him in a sharper tone this time. I know I need to get him out of here before my resolve wanes.

I don’t see it coming. Gilly’s hand wraps around my throat. His hold is firm but gentle, letting me know he’s in control. But is he? I don’t think he really is. Gilly pins me to the bed under him. I don’t fight him. Fear doesn’t shoot through my body like it should. No, instead my traitorous body fills with lust.

“Get some rest, but this isn’t done,” he repeats. “You’ll never be done with me.” He presses his mouth to mine in a hard, punishing kiss. “You belong to me.” He releases his hold on me and heads toward my bedroom door. “Cancel the date.”

He doesn’t wait for a response before he slips from my room, closing the door behind him. I want to throw something at the door, but I manage to get myself under control. Barely and mainly because my phone vibrates, reminding me of the task at hand.

Magic: Found him.

Magic: And the man from last night.

Me: They’re together.

Magic: Yep.

The first thing I did when I got back to my bedroom was pull security footage from our home and grab a full-face picture of Falco. I knew if Magic had it, she’d be able to track down the man from the other night.

Ocean: You know what you’re doing Rebel?