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“Because…” I just snapped Or at least that hat she had thought at that time But now she knew

Now that she had accepted just how much she loved Acheron –

Now that she remembered Acheron was family…

And you would do everything for family —

“I took a risk,” Pippi whispered

Acheron stiffened

“I d-didn’t know it then, but no I know – I rong I was so wrong, Acheron Love isn’t about avoiding risks It’s the opposite, actually It’s about taking risks – together” Her voice caught as a wild rush of emotions struck her, and she just felt so, so much

So here’s to taking another risk—

“I love you, Acheron”

Acheron inhaled sharply

“And I think…I can…I can…”

Take a risk, Pippi

“I can make you love me”

Acheron couldn’t – wouldn’t – let himself speak

Because people who loved the hurt

And he had to fucking remember that

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that” He could feel Pippi’s heart breaking at the words, but he hardened hi this because she was right, and he loved her “In fact, I think it’s best if we both pretend nothing ever happened between us”

Pippi couldn’t believe what she was hearing “No—” Pretend nothing ever happened between them? “No No No!” And this time, the word came out a sob

“I’m sorry,” he bit out

“But I l-love you—”

“Goddammit, Pippi—”

“I love you!”

Fuck Fuck Fuck

“I’edly

And the line went dead

Amelia slipped silently away as soon as she was certain the call between Acheron and Pippi Jones had ended, and there was nothing else for her to listen to Jesus Christ, but that woet rid of

She needed a plan

And she needed to act on it fast

“You want a drink…now?” It was only nine in the evening, but that one phone call with Pippi had coo out and surround hi poison

“It’s been weeks already, and the furor over Anthony’s death’s died down They stopped giving a fuck about ht his murderer” When Acheron still didn’t look convinced, she adopted a light, cajoling tone, “Just one drink, Acheron – please?”