-roccosiffredi- Linda Sweet- Alexis Brill - Roc... -

For the first time, Alexis Brill’s mask slipped. Just a millimeter. A flash of raw, wounded animal in her eyes. Then it was gone.

“Truth or lie?” Rocco asked, his voice a low rumble.

“He’s watching us,” Linda whispered, her fingers trembling as she lifted a flute of prosecco. -Roccosiffredi- Linda Sweet- Alexis Brill - Roc...

Linda’s breath hitched. Rocco smiled. “One point for Alexis.”

“He’s always watching,” Alexis replied, not bothering to look at Rocco. “It’s his art. The composition of desire. He places people like chess pieces and waits to see which one breaks.” For the first time, Alexis Brill’s mask slipped

They gathered in the library, a cavern of leather-bound first editions and shadows. Rocco sat in the high-backed chair, a lion surveying his court. Linda was first.

“Lie,” Linda said defiantly. She looked at Alexis. “I am not afraid of you.” Then it was gone

Rocco steepled his fingers. “Linda. Your verdict.”

Now it was Alexis’s turn. She stood, walked to the window, and spoke without turning around. “I have never loved anyone. Not once. Not even as a child.”