Who Can You Trust?

*Kieran*

An hour later, I’m walking back toward my room when I see the absolute last person I can stomach at the moment. Nessa. The moment she locks eyes with me, she’s running toward me, latching herself around my neck. Her little minions titter in excitement behind her. Were they not there, I’d maneuver to the side and let her run into the wall.

Instead, I reluctantly wrap my arms around her and pull her against my chest. Even before I knew the truth about Raven this was torture. Now, my mark burns so much I nearly cry out in pain. Even that can’t compare to the nausea I feel churning in my stomach.

“My love, you’re home,” she screeches, planting sloppy kisses on my face. It takes a concerted effort not to wipe them away. “I’ve been so worried about you!”

I push her away gently and smile at her awkwardly.

“No need to worry, darling, I’m home now,” I say in my smoothest, most charming voice. “I can’t wait until we can put all this nastiness behind us and finally wed.”