Heart of the Devil (The Forge Trilogy #3)(27)

Obviously, Alanna and Summer heard sounds of life from the bathroom, because they’re both standing and facing the hallway when I walk into the open kitchen and living area of my flat.

Alanna has moved into the guest room, and Summer has stopped by often, judging from how many times I’ve heard her voice. Or maybe I dreamed that. Who knows.

“How are you feeling, dear?” Alanna asks like I’m ill, instead of throwing the world’s most intense pity party.

“I’m fine.” I shove a hand into my hair, and my fingers get stuck.

“You look like hell,” Summer says as I tug them free.

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

She shakes her head, sending her blond waves, that no longer look like mine, flying. “That’s not what I meant. I mean you look like you’ve been through hell. I’m still so sorry, Indy. I wish . . . I wish I could fix this for you like you’ve always fixed everything for me.”

Immediately, my mind rewinds to the memory of that time I married a guy to save Summer from being sold to sex slavers. Nope, still not distant enough.

“It’s fine. I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” I give her a lame thumbs-up.

Summer’s eyebrows wing up to her hairline. “That’s a lot of fine for someone who—”

“Enough, Summer. Indy, do you want some tea? Sandwich? Soup? I’ve made a little bit of everything. You’ve barely eaten in days, and you need to.”

For the first time since I came back to my apartment, my stomach rumbles with hunger. I guess that’s a good sign.

“Whatever you’ve made is good. I’m not picky.”

Alanna bustles into the kitchen and busies herself putting together a plate for me.

“Want to sit outside? It’s nice,” Summer says.

I glance out the window and realize the sun is setting. “What day is it?”

“Friday.”

I’ve lost track of two days. Not as bad as I thought.

“How’s the job going?” I ask, remembering what she said about feeling like she was working for the enemy.

If that Juliette bitch was mean to Summer, I’ll tell her where to get off. Because that’s what sisters do. Alanna was right; there’s nothing in this world that would make Summer anything other than my sister. Family is more than blood.

Forge knew that too. He had Isaac . . . until Bastien killed him.

My heart clenches again, but I push away the feeling. I refuse to hurt for him, not after he threw me out—for the second time—like I was trash.

Summer’s expression goes blank, like she’s hiding something from me.

“You can tell me. I promise I’m not going to fall apart again.”

“Pretty good.”

Her reply has me raising my eyebrows. “Define pretty good.”

“It’s not bad. I mostly run and fetch like a gofer, but I’ve gotten to learn a lot. I’ve made some really great contacts.” Her shoulders slump. “I won’t keep working for her, though. I’m going to put in my notice.”

I shake my head, proud that I have zero inclination to cry. “No, don’t. There’s no reason to quit. I’m not worried about it. Make sure it’s worth putting on your résumé.”

“But—”

When Summer tries to object, I cut her off.

“What happened between me and Forge had nothing to do with your boss.”

“What did it have to do with then? You’re killing me here. I need to know if I should be hunting him down to kill him, or if he gets to live.”

My fierce, loyal sister.

“It ran its course. That’s all.”

Summer surveys my puffy eyes and gives me a that’s bullshit and you know it look.

“I caught feelings, and he didn’t.” I say it in a way that Summer will understand. She’s always been of the catch flights, not feelings mentality, at least when she’s coming off a breakup.

“Oh . . . shit. I’m sorry. That’s . . . not cool.”

And it’s as humiliating as I imagined.

“I just need some time to get it out of my system and move on.”

“Is that why . . .” Summer presses her lips together instead of finishing her sentence.

“Is that why what?” I ask.

“Juliette’s been asking about you a lot. And then she said something about you and Bastien—”

I reach out and wrap my palm around Summer’s wrist. “Stay away from Bastien. Far away. You hear me? Actually, you need to go buy a taser, and if you ever see him again, shock the fuck out of his ass before he can get close to you.”

Her stunned gaze drops to where I’m gripping her wrist. “Whoa. Why?”

“He’s no good. He’s deep in the drug scene, way deeper than I ever realized. And dangerous as hell. Don’t go anywhere near him. Ever.”

Summer bobs her head, and I think I’ve gotten through to my sister with a warning on the first try.

Just to make sure she understands, I add, “He’s the one who ordered those kids to trash Alanna’s efficiency apartment.”

From the kitchen, Alanna gasps. “He did not.”

“He did that, and who knows what else. We all need to be very careful. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Use your common sense. I don’t want anything happening to either of you. I couldn’t bear it.”