MAEVE'S POV
My lips parted. I wanted to deny it, to spit venom back in his face, to tell him Ivan didn't deserve my pity or mercy, but the words wouldn't come. My heart pounded too loud. My pulse stung at my temples.
Francis leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear.
"So I'll ask you only once, Maeve, and if you have even a shred of humanity left in you, you'd speak the truth: Who are you working for?"
My heart slammed hard enough I thought he'd hear it. But I met his eyes, widened mine just enough, and whispered coldly: "No one."
Silence. Dead, pin-drop silence.
He searched me, his gaze so sharp I thought he'd peel the truth straight off my skin.
Then, softly, almost gently, he asked, "Would it be worth it? All of this. Would it be worth it?"
My throat ached. I curled my lips into a mocking smile to hide it.
