Sordid Empire by Julie Johnson

Author:Julie Johnson [Johnson, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Julie Johnson

Chapter Eleven

“What the actual fuck?”

“Chloe,” I plead. “This isn’t what it looks like—”

“Really?” Her brows are by her hairline. “Because it sure as shit looks like the two of you are out making out like handsy teenagers on prom night.”

I hear Carter sigh, but I don’t turn to look at him. I can’t. None of my limbs are cooperating.

Chloe’s eyes narrow. “You know, for a while now I’ve suspected there was something going on between you two. All those longing looks, those heated exchanges… I figured it was just an attraction. Some forbidden flirtation. Maybe a bit of unfulfilled sexual frustration. Christ, I never thought you’d actually be stupid enough to act on it. I thought you were smart enough to stop before you crossed that line. Especially here, of all places. You’re right out in the open, for anyone to see!”

Horror dawning in a wave, my eyes dart past her. Galizia and Riggs are stationed at the doors to the terrace, preventing anyone else from coming outside. That should be a relief, but all I feel right now is shame that we’ve been caught. That we’ve been so incredibly reckless. That we ever let things get this far.

How could we have been so stupid?

“Don’t worry. Everyone else is at the auction. No one saw you. You got lucky… this time, at least.” She shakes her head, as if to clear it. “God, what the hell are you two thinking? Actually, I take back that question, because it’s pretty damn clear you aren’t thinking. Not at all. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be doing this.”

“Chloe—” I start, but Carter cuts me off.

“We aren’t doing anything. Not anymore.” He steps forward, past me, so I can’t see his face. Whatever expression he’s wearing makes Chloe go pale. Her lips part, a question poised there, but he beats her to it.

“This — what you just saw — is over now. It won’t happen again. It was… a goodbye.”

“A goodbye?” she echoes, blinking rapidly.

He nods.

“I don’t understand. What does that mean, Carter?”

His voice is empty of all emotion when he answers. “I’m leaving. Tomorrow morning. First thing. And… I won’t be coming back.”

Chloe goes even paler. “What? Tomorrow? But—”

“You can come visit me in Switzerland whenever you want.” He takes a few steps forward, slides his hand behind her neck, and pulls her in to deposit a kiss on her forehead. His tone goes soft. “I love you, baby sister. And no matter where I am, I’ll always have your back. Even if you are a pain in my damn ass, sometimes. You say the word, I’ll get to you. I promise.”

“B-b-but… I don’t want you to go,” Chloe says, each word clogged with tears. “I don’t know how to do this without you.”

“Do what?”

“Exist.”

“I’m only a phone call away.”

“But you said you’d stay,” she whispers forlornly. “Until I was better.”

“You are better.”

“I’m a mess!”

“You’ll be fine without me. You’re strong. Stronger than you know.”

“I’m not,” she insists. “And I don’t understand this! I don’t understand why you have to leave so abruptly.

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