My blood runs cold as I take in the Swarovski crystal candy cane necklace.

The same necklace Candi Cane always wore.

My heartbeat drums in my ears as I stare down at it.

Why would he have this?

I close my eyes, sucking in a heavy breath. My brain knows the truth, but the organ in my chest keeps trying to look for a loophole.

The room blurs as my mind tries to put the pieces together…but fails.

I startle when I hear the door open and Knox walks in.

My expression must give me away because he eyes me warily.

“I—”

I hold up the necklace. “Why do you have this?” I quickly get to my feet. “Why the hell do you have her necklace, Knox?”

His jaw locks, and he takes a step closer. It feels like an eternity before he speaks.

“Why do you think I have it?”

My stomach drops.

Don’t be an idiot, Aspen. There’s only one reason he would have it.

I move, but so does he. It’s like a terrible game of Simon Says.

I open my mouth, but no words escape. I feel like I’m choking on them.

My palms sweat and everything around me starts to spin.

“Did you kill her?” I croak after another minute passes.

I feel like I’m going to pass out as I wait for him to answer.

I expect him to deny it. I want him to deny it. However, the next words out of his mouth only leave me more conflicted.

“What do you think?”

That’s a loaded question.

I know what I should think.

I know what the evidence points to.

I know about his past.

I know what my mind is telling me.

I just don’t want to believe it.

I want to hold on to the hate I feel for him…

Because that’s when I trust my instincts and keep my guard up.

And something’s telling me that’s the only way I’m going to survive these next few months.

I avert my gaze. “Where is Whiskers?”

Taking a step back, he shrugs. “No idea.”

“What do you mean, you have no idea? No one else stays down here with her.”

He reaches for his cigarettes on the nightstand. “I don’t know where your stupid cat is, okay? Now fuck off.”

I clench my hands until they become fists. “Where is Whiskers, Knox?”

There’s no way he doesn’t know. He’s the only one who’s always here with her.

He lights his cigarette, takes a drag, and proceeds to blow the smoke in my face. “The bitch was overstaying her welcome. Kind of like someone else I know.” His lips curve into a menacing smirk. “But I think she got the hint when I left the door open on my way out earlier.”

It’s like a knife lodged in my heart. He knows how much I care about her.

So of course he’d use that to hurt me.

Because that’s what he does.

Every reward is followed by a much harsher punishment.

Stepping closer, I spit in his face. “I hate you.”

He drags his thumb over the wet spot on his jaw and brings it to his mouth. “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll come back.” His eyes sharpen as he delivers his next words. “Strays always do.”

Chapter 28

Aspen

I shake my hair out of the clip and smooth my hands down my short silky white dress. So short it stops mid-thigh.

Peering into the mirror, I run my nude lipstick across my lips, then put on another coat of mascara.

Smirking, I take out some black eyeliner and draw a dramatic cat eye on my top lids…just like I do when I’m at the club.

My mother wanted me to look classy tonight for all her ritzy friends.

But she stole my hard-earned money, so fuck her.

Payback is a bitch.

And tonight? So am I.

The party is in full swing by the time I trot down the stairs and out to the patio, which, as promised, has been transformed into a beautiful oasis.

Apparently, the guests have a choice between surf and turf and lobster ravioli to go along with their elegant ambiance.

Thanks to all my goddamn money.

By the looks of things, dinner has already been served and everyone’s nearly done with their meal…so I’m right on time.

“Aspen,” my mother utters when I approach, and wearing this dress was so worth it for the horrified look on her face. “You’re here. Finally.”

“Sorry, mom. I was busy getting ready. Wanted to make sure I looked my best.”

Trent—who doesn’t appear pleased one bit by my appearance, or my extreme tardiness—gestures to the only open seat on the other side of the never-ending table. “Have a seat. Now.”

Shooting him a fuck-you smile, I take my place at the table.

Unfortunately, it’s next to Knox.

However, I notice that Leo is seated directly across from me. He’ll make this dinner much more bearable.

“Hi, Aspen,” Leo says. “How have you been?”

“Great,” I answer, playing right along with his pseudo small talk. “How’s work? I heard you got a promotion.”

“I didn’t know slutty nightgowns were suitable dinner attire,” Knox hisses.

A few people around the table exchange a glance, and my mother’s cheeks turn red.

“Oh, you know brothers,” my mother jokes tersely. “Always teasing their sisters.”

“Knox,” Trent says in warning as a server places a plate in front of me. “Stop teasing your sister.” His angry glare swivels to me next. “And Aspen…”

I can tell he wants to ream me out, but he can’t because we’re surrounded by people. Such a shame.

“Be good,” he settles on before going back to his lobster.

I bat my eyelashes at my stepfather. He wants the perfect family? Well, I’m gonna give it to him.

“Sure, daddy,” I state with a mock pout. “I’ll do whatever you want tonight.”

Beside me, Knox chokes on his drink.

Trent’s eyebrows shoot up to the sky.

My mother looks like it’s taking every ounce of willpower not to reach over and strangle me.

And Leo looks at me like I’ve lost my damn mind.

Mission accomplished.

“So,” Leo says, attempting to change the subject. “I heard you got into Stanford.” He raises his glass and I see the pride shining in his eyes. “Beautiful and smart…that’s a winning combination.”