“Rosa?”Her voice quivers. “Diamond, thank god. I didn’t know who else to call.”“Already seen this movie, petal. I’m bored. What you want?” But shame and stupid hope clench his fingers tight.“Ange is creeping me out. He stalks me. Watches me. It’s like a game to him. I’m hiding … . Shit, I’m scared, Di. I … I got a little drunk tonight, and I … I’ve been bad. He locks me up at night and … He’ll kill me, I swear.” Tears thicken her words, and his stubborn heart aches.He swallows. “Whatever, okay? I know what that shiny is. You trickified me. Why the hell should I spit on your ass if you burn?”“I’m sorry!” A sob catches her throat. “Famine said someone was hunting us down. I had to keep it safe. I didn’t know what else to do. Can’t you just—? Oh, shit.” Her voice rasps to a whisper. “Ange is here. He’ll find me. Please, Diamond, I’m begging you, you have to help me!”Fuckfuckfuck.Across the room, pretty Ember stalks into the ladies’ alone, tossing angry flamescarlet hair, and Diamond’s pulse thuds, both accusation and hot distraction.
