“But you and me? I was . . . hoping for this outcome.” Did he think I was stupid? “You literally said ‘either Northcott girl is fine.’” “I said that to protect you.” His tone was sincere. “It was a lie, Marist. Like I told you last year, I’m not interested in your sister.” At the memory, the room seemed to grow smaller the longer Royce and I stood alone in it. “Protect me from what?”
