I take a long drag of a cigarette, enjoying the sharp burn in my lungs, and set it on the edge of the coffee table.
For once, instead of charging like a shark at things and taking what I want by force, I am running away from it all.
I bring the tip of the needle to my vein—I know them by heart, I don’t need to pump.
The metal end doesn’t feel scary.
Neither does the prickle when it punctures my skin.
Nor does the black liquid that drains into my blood, spreading pleasurable warmth through my limbs.
Everyone was right about me but you, Mom. Sorry. Your talented Archie didn’t quite make the cut.
I close my eyes and smile as blood carries the poison to my heart.
Finally, I feel at peace.
58
KAT
I am hurt morethan mad.
“Fuck you, Archer,” I murmur on repeat as I stomp on my high heels along the main road through the resort.
He plays God, and on this island, he might as well be. But he has no heart.
My eyes burn with tears.
I’ve walked around the resort for a while, blowing off steam. The fireworks start, and the bright colorful flashes are in a stark contrast to my miserable mood.
Then they end. So does the music in the distance. It’s too early, and I wonder if Archer cut off the party. I wouldn’t be surprised.
I regret what I said about Olivia. He’s not responsible for every shitty thing that happens.
Why did he raise his voice at me then?
“Kat!” Marlow turns me around roughly, making me jump, and I jerk my arm out of his grip.
“What the hell, dude?” Deep in my thoughts, I didn’t hear him approach.Asshole. I could’ve punched him.
But his gaze is alarmed. “Sorry, it’s—”
“What happened to the party?”
He is panting. He doesn’t look right. “You haven’t heard yet?”
“Heard what?”
“Secretary Crone.”
“What about him?”
Marlow swallows hard without looking away. “There was a terrorist attack on the International Assembly. He was one of hundreds who died.”
The words deafen me. I frown and shake my head.
“Two hours ago,” he adds almost in a whisper.