Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
"He might’ve asked you to come and get me, but I didn’t ask you to come here. You weren’t invited into my house, so get out.”
"I wasn’t aware I needed an invitation to come to my own house," Bel snaps from beside me.
I turn to glare at her. "It's your house now?"
She glares in return. "Say all the ugly things you need to say. It won’t change my mind.” She takes a step toward me. "Nor will it make me love you any less."
“I'm not a good person, Bel. I didn't want you to find out, not like this, but I'm a fucking menace, a monster that ravages and destroys all the good in my life.”
She rolls her eyes. "Are you done yet? You act like I didn’t know the person you were before we discovered we were siblings. Like I had no idea that you were an asshole. All you spoiled rich boys are, but that doesn’t mean anything. I can love you despite the darkness.
She gets closer, and I retreat. I can’t bear the thought of her touching me. Not now, maybe not ever again. "No. Don't touch me." I whirl around, ready to make a run for it, but Drew anticipates my next move and comes to stand behind me blocking my escape.
"Don't touch me, Bel. I refuse to let my ugliness bleed out onto you.”
She doesn't listen, of course, and takes my hands in hers, blood transferring to her pale skin. "Do I agree with how you did it? No. But the fact you are doing so much to keep her protected says something about you, Seb."
A humorless laugh escapes me. "What? That I’m an unhinged bastard who doesn't give a shit about what others want?"
She shakes her head, letting loose a small smile. "No, Dick. You're a good person. Even if you do questionable things."
I stare at her, my sister, my last living blood relative, and I can't stand in front of the love and kindness radiating off of her.
I pull away, only to bump into Drew's chest. "Leave me alone. Both of you, please, go away."
Bel takes that as her invitation to get closer. "I'm not going anywhere." She glances over my shoulder. "You?"
I feel Drew shrug behind me. "Nah, I kinda like it here."
I hear a scuffle on the stairs and glance back to spot Lee and Aries leaning against the railing like they don't have a care in the world. Great, an even bigger audience to my meltdown.
"I said go," I tell them, all of them. I’m exhausted both physically and mentally.
Bel gives me another sad smile. "Still not leaving. None of us are. Not until you and Ely are taken care of. We’re family, and this is what family does."
I attempt once more to escape, but they block me in, and I'm not quite willing to put Bel on her ass. I’d never forgive myself if I hurt her, and I know she knows that.
"I can't," I whisper this time.
She cups me by the cheeks. "Then don't. Don't say a word. Don't ask for help. Don’t do anything. All I’m asking is that you don’t run. Let us be here with you, for you. Whatever is going on between you and Ely, I know you'll fix it. You're as hard-headed as your friends, but you love with your entire heart, and if Ely loves you like I know she does, she'll realize that.”
I stare at her, then at Drew, Aries, Lee...all of them. And something in my chest breaks open. Bel takes the back of my neck and pulls me into a hug before the tears start to fall, and Drew wraps his arms around both us, holding us, me together. A moment later Lee, and Aries join in, all of them standing here with me, watching me break.
If only they knew that I’ll never be the man they think I am.
CHAPTER 9
ELYSE
It's a strange feeling. Wanting to see someone but hoping they stay away at the same time. It’s ridiculous how much I think about him. I think about the way his hands mold to my body, the way he makes me feel, all of it juxtaposed with memories of a gunshot.
The hurt in his eyes when I confronted him about killing his own grandfather.
I stare at the now cold soup on the tray near my hip. The first day I'd been stuck in this room, Drew brought me food for each meal, the next day, Lee, then Aries, and then back to Drew. Some fucked up football rotation of making sure I eat. Well, news to them, I'm not really eating. I’m picking at the food, kinda hoping Sebastian is going to show his face. Or maybe he’s given up on me.
After everything he said and did, I doubt he’s done with me. No, this is another tactic, another way for him to try and control me.