CASSIAN
I didn't yell. I didn't have the energy for it. "You promised," I said quietly.
Julian looked at the floor. The shame was all over him, thick and heavy. "I know," he whispered.
"How long?"
"Three weeks," he said. I could barely hear him.
"Is it Emilio?" I asked. I felt the cold coming back into my chest, settling in for good this time. "Did he do something else?"
Julian flinched, a small, sharp movement. "I handled it."
It wasn't a no. I knew exactly what that meant. I didn't blame him. I didn't get angry at him. I just got up, crossed the room, and sat down right next to him.
"Give me the rest of it," I said.
He didn't argue. He reached into his other pocket and handed over the remaining folds.
"No more," I said.
"I know," he whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Cassian."
I put my hand on the back of his neck, holding him there, anchoring him to the room and to me.
"Don't be sorry," I told him. "Just stay."
