"It's a good thing the stab is shallow."
Joaquin let out a sigh and gazed at Aries from the edge of the bed. She was sitting up on the bed with her back against the headboard, eyes on her bandaged hand.
"You overdid it," he said, waiting for her to raise her eyes to meet his. "I told you to trust me. You didn't have to —"
"You think it's all for show?" Aries inquired, halting him. "You think I stabbed myself?"
Joaquin pressed his lips and sighed quietly. "Circe."
"Joaquin, you know very well Inez is dangerous. You will not warn me about her if you don't think she is capable of doing this." She looked away. "I wanted us to stop. I told her I cannot continue meeting her… but she didn't want to. She killed Cherry just because she was jealous. If she could kill people — my people — she will also harm you."
