The echo of the gunshot still rang in my ears.

Even though the body had been removed, even though Luca had cleaned every trace of blood, the stench of death still clung to the room… and to me.

I had pulled the trigger.

No one forced me. He hadn’t touched my hand. He’d only given me the choice.

And I had chosen.

Chosen Luca.

Chosen this life.

I stared at myself in the mirror, hands trembling as I washed off the invisible stain. I could still feel the cold steel of the gun. The way Matteo had looked at me—like he never expected me to do it.

Neither did I....