Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 61767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
The only problem is vulnerability can't be one-sided.
"I need you to know I don't want anything from you," I say the words in a carefully neutral tone while I reapply fresh bandages.
His muscles ripple beneath my fingers, but he doesn't respond.
"This was my decision. I didn't involve you, and I'm not asking for anything from you. Nothing."
Silence.
"I will do this on my own, and I'm okay with that. As far as I'm concerned, you can forget this ever happened. I will talk to Santi, get my inheritance, and step back from The Society. You can go on with your life, and nobody will ever know." My voice wavers slightly at the plan I've mentally prepared, but I steel myself as I go on. "I want to do this on my own, so don’t feel guilty for the choice I made. I understand you're angry right now, and I get that. But I just need you to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I want nothing from you. Not a single—"
"Enough." Judge snarls, yanking away from me before I can seal the last bandage.
The ferocity in his tone stuns me into silence, that single word ringing with such finality. But what did I expect? This was always going to be the beginning of the end.
"I'm not going to ask you again, Mercedes. Go to your room."
* * *
It feels strange, being back in this room. More accurately, it feels achingly empty. I lie on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, waiting for footsteps I know will never come. But even as pain lances through me and I cry silent tears, I have to believe this is for the best. Judge is angry, and I wish he wasn’t, but it serves as a reminder of why I have to follow through with my plan.
I meant what I told him. I’m going to talk to Santi. I’ve had plenty of time to think about it over the last week, and it’s going to be hard. Possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ll have to own my choices, and I will do it with my head held high. It won’t be a comfortable conversation, given that we’ve only just started to put the past behind us, but I’m in it now, and there’s no getting off this ride. I have to put everyone else’s feelings aside and do what’s best for my children. No matter what.
Later that night, somewhere between darkness and dawn, I manage to get a little more sleep. I only realize it when I’m awakened by the sound of shouting carrying up through my windows. I sit up, straining to hear what’s being said, when I recognize Solana’s voice.
Oh, shit.
I’m moving before I can even think it through. I know this isn’t going to go over well. Not after they realized I was gone from the house without a word. I didn’t even have time to grab the burner phone, so I’m sure they’ve been going out of their minds with worry. That thought is confirmed when I turn the corner into the entryway and see Georgie and Solana at the door, guards at their sides while they argue with Judge.
“You aren’t welcome here,” Judge growls, inches away from Georgie’s face.
They look like they’re about to come to blows, and I don’t like this. I don’t like it at all.
“Stop!” I yell. “Please, stop.”
All three of their gazes whip to me, and Judge shoots me a withering glare so cold, it sucks the breath from my lungs.
“Mercedes.” Solana takes a step forward, only for the guard to grab her by the arm. “Are you okay?”
“Quit manhandling her!” I bellow. “Judge, this is ridiculous. Tell him to let her go. This isn’t necessary.”
“I’m not telling them anything.” His jaw sets, and I could almost swear a look of betrayal flashes through his eyes as he turns away.
I don’t understand it. Is he pissed at me for taking their side?
“Let her come with us freely,” Georgie says, the ire in his voice unmistakable. “Or so help me God, I will make so much noise about this fucking Society of yours you’ll wish you’d put a bullet in my head.”
“That can be arranged,” Judge answers darkly.
“Enough!” I yell at all of them. “Please don’t do this.”
They all fall silent, and I can see the irritation coiling in Judge’s spine, but he still won’t look at me. There’s no way any of them will handle this amicably with tensions as high as they are, and I have to put them at ease.
“It’s okay,” I tell Georgie and Solana, taking a careful step forward. “I’m going to be okay here for now. I promise you, I’m safe. I’m going to talk to my brother soon, and we’ll get this all sorted out.”
“Maybe I should go talk to your brother.” Solana’s eyes flash with fury as she turns her attention back to Judge. “I’m sure he’d love to hear all about what you’ve been doing here.”