bChapter /b439

It was clear by now–Fortune already considered Alessia one of his own. He held nothing back, no trace of concealment in his words.

After all, in moments like this, honesty was the only way to pull their fates tighter together. Only by exposing each other’s weaknesses could they truly be partners in crime.

“You know about Ileana’s drug habit, don’t you?” Fortune asked.

“That was your doing?” Alessia shot back.

Fortune put on an expression of wide–eyed innocence. “I just ordered her a drink. Maybe I identally added something extra. Who can say for

sure?”

He spoke with such blunt candor, as if wrecking someone’s life was of no consequence to him.

“So you pulled the same trick this time?” Alessia pressed.

Fortune raised both hands as if to surrender. “Not quite. I just let a rumor slip, and they all came running. Young people looking for a thrill–I simply pointed them in the right direction.”

“How very charitable of youi./i” The sarcasm in Alessia’s voice was unmistakable.

Fortune grinned, not bothered in the slightest. “And the two drinks you handed me?”

“Just a little something, nothing that would get you hooked. Anyone with a shred of willpower could get through it. I trust you won’t disappoint me.” Fortune’s tone was open,pletely devoid of guilt or shame.

A flicker of anger sparked in Alessia’s eyes, but she justughed in disbelief. “Is this your idea of partnership?”

“Oh, don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. We’re in this together now, aren’t we? I’ve beenpletely honest with you–what more could

10.05

Chapter b439 /b

you ask for? I need to keep a few options open for myself, that’s all.”

He smiled in a way that was almost endearing, as if the thought of Alessia betraying him barely crossed his mind. After all, if word got out she’d taken drugs too, her problems would go far beyond a tarnished reputation.

“And Joyce? Why drag her into this?”

Alessia seemed to ept the reality of their situation. She drew a slow, steadying breath and pressed on.

“Joyce?” Fortune let out a dismissiveugh. “What choice did I have? I couldn’t get to you directly, so I started with her. Country girl, not much experience, a chip on her shoulder and desperate to prove herself. A few words, a few suggestive photos, a shirt she could never afford–I knew exactly which strings to pull, and she danced to my tune in no time.”

He sounded almost proud of himself, his face alight with the satisfaction of a well–yed game.

“Impressive, Fortune. You really are a master maniptor.” Alessia pped slowly, her apuse cold as steel.

Even she had to admit–Fortune’s methods were chillingly effective. Heaven only knew how many lives he’d ruined with tricks like these.

Her eyes turned icy. “Come in.”

Fortune’s smile vanished, reced by a wary suspicion as he nced

toward the door.

With a soft beep, the lock disengaged. Fortune’s pupils narrowed to pinpricks. He spun, attempting to grab Alessia, but she moved first, driving her heel into the back of his knee.

He cried out, his leg copsing beneath him until he half–knelt on the floor.

Alessia wasted no time. She seized his wrist, twisted his arm behind his back, and yanked it up hard. Fortune howled, curling into himself, sweat breaking out on his brow.

????b??/b??

A click–the harsh white re of overhead lights reced the dim glow, and Alessia found herself swept into a familiar embrace.

“I’m fine.” She patted Cole’s back, steady even as she felt the tremor of his hands, cold and mmy with worry. She was the one caught in the trap, yet he seemed even more shaken than she was.

“Never again. This is thest time,” Cole whispered fiercely, clutching her as if afraid she’d vanish before his eyes.

Usually calm and calcting, always in control–Cole was rattled now, all because Alessia had been the one to step into danger.

She nodded, reassuring him. “I promise. Never again.”

This time, she’d insisted on being part of the n. She knew it was the only chance to cut out the rot for good.