Grayson's POV

Behind me, Mom gasps softly. Dad's presence radiates disapproval.

"She was going to kill Naomi. I had to stop her, had to give her a reason to pause." Erikson's words come faster now. Defensive. "So I told her the truth. That I've loved her for years. That saying it out loud would risk you killing me, but I was saying it anyway because I was begging her to trust me. To let me help."

My vision tinges red. Arthur wants blood—wants to rip Erikson apart for ...