“I know, and I never meant to fall in love with the devil.”
There is that word again—love.
“I know you haven't yet, but could you ever fall back in love with me?”
Her eyes meet mine. They are hard, dark, and unforgiving. She doesn’t hate me because I couldn’t stop Milo. She hates me because of who I am. I wish I could change, be the man she deserves, but I can’t change enough for her. And I sure as hell can’t change my past.
Kai doesn’t answer me with words. And I know whatever love she felt is truly gone. Fuck you, Milo. If I could bring him back from the grave, I would. I need to kill him again myself.
Kai hates me, and she doesn’t want to fight to change her feelings. There feels like there is more to the story, but she doesn’t say.
I watch as Kai rubs her stomach.
“Are you going to be sick again?” I ask.
She shakes her head, and her hand immediately stops rubbing her stomach.
“What else? What else did Milo tell you?” I know there is more. I can see it. But I’m not sure she’s ready to tell me.
“No, there’s nothing else. Now you know the truth. I can never love you.”
Lie.
Her words are all lies, but I don’t call her out on it. If she’s not ready to tell the truth, then that’s fine. I don’t get her truth. I haven’t earned it yet. And I’m not sure I ever can.
I hear a light tap on the door edge—Langston.
He doesn’t look at me. Instead, he looks at Kai as if asking if permission to enter.
She nods.
My time is up.
I stand up as Langston brings Kai the glass of water. I put my hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of her when I can’t,” I whisper so only he can hear me.
He nods solemnly.
And then I walk to the door, stopping and turning around one last time.
“Truth or lies, you hate me,” I say.
“Truth,” her voice breaks as she says it.
I turn and stare at her. But I can’t tell if she is telling the truth or a lie.
“Truth or lies, I will never stop loving you,” I say.
“I hope for your sake, that’s a lie. Because there is nothing you could do to make me love you again,” Kai says.
4
KAI
MY HEART ACHES WATCHING Enzo walk out the door. It shouldn’t, but I hate him.
Or maybe I’m lying to myself?
I hate the nightmares. I hate how Enzo plays as much of a part in them as Milo does.