Page 63 of Psycho Sinners

The memory of his betrayal still cut deep whether I wanted it to or not, the image of him tangled with that waitress forever seared into my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the emotions down. He didn't deserve anything from me, not sadness, anger, or despair.

As Kenny purred and nuzzled against me, I found myself wondering how Naomi was holding up. She always sounded fine on the phone, but our conversations were brief, and we knew they were monitored, so there wasn't a whole lot we were willing to say.

The bedroom door swung open, and Julian sauntered in, his typical swagger making me grind my teeth. Kenny perked up at the sight of his owner, hopping off the bed to wind around Julian's ankles.

"Where's Tyrone?" I asked, not bothering to hide the bite in my tone. Julian smirked as he bent to scoop up the tabby.

"Had to step out for a sudden meeting. I'm here to supervise your phone call with Naomi," he replied, giving Kenny a scratch under the chin. The cat purred loudly, seeming blissfully unaware of the hellish circumstances around him.

I scowled at Julian's nonchalant attitude. As if monitoring my conversations with my best friend, the only thread keeping me tethered to sanity, was just another mundane task for him. Anger flared inside me at how casually they stripped me of any privacy or autonomy.

"Well, I'm just honored you could fit me into your busy schedule," I spat, pushing off the bed. Julian's eyes narrowed dangerously at my tone, but I didn't back down, meeting his gaze defiantly.

In a few strides he was in front of me, his free hand fisting in my hair and yanking my head back. I hissed in pain, my scalp burning from the rough treatment.

"You'd do well to watch your mouth, pyro," he growled, his grip tightening. Kenny meowed in protest, squirming in Julian's other arm. "You've already gotten Cristian riled up, look how that went for you."

My heart raced as his dark eyes bored into mine, that ever-present threat of violence simmering beneath the surface. I refused to show fear, keeping my face impassive.

"Fine. I'll make the call," I said through gritted teeth, and he made a sound of satisfaction as he released my hair, and I rubbed at my head as I moved to fetch my phone off the desk.

He shifted to lean on the wall, focusing on Kenny as he scratched the now purring feline's chin.

I clutched the phone tight, my heart fluttering as I waited for Naomi to pick up. On the second ring, her familiar voice came through, instantly flooding me with relief.

"Noms? It's me," I said, glancing over at Julian who was casually stroking Kenny as he watched me impassively.

"Scar! Oh my god, are you okay? I thought you weren't calling until tomorrow," Naomi's voice was thick with worry.

"I'm fine," I lied as I sunk onto the edge of the bed, keeping my front to Julian. "Listen, Tyrone said something about their word being their bond or some shit like that. That once my sentence is up, they'll let me go. Is that true?"

There was a pause on the other end before Naomi spoke again. "Yeah, from what I've been able to dig up, that tracks. I've asked around, just to ease my own worries and to reassure you. It's hard to take someone's word these days." She clicked her tongue. "These guys, as twisted as they are, they seem to have their own fucked up code they live by."

I exhaled slowly, some of the tension leaving my shoulders. "So you think they'll actually keep their word and let me go after the month is up?"

"As hard as it is to believe, yeah, I do," Naomi said softly. "Just...just try to keep your head down and get through this, okay? I'm here for you, always."

A lump formed in my throat at her words. "Thanks, Noms. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Julian suddenly pushed off from the wall. "Time's up. You get five minutes tomorrow, today was just a verification call. I have business to attend to. Cristian will be here to keep an eye on you." He fixed me with a pointed look, and I scowled before his words sunk in.

I swallowed hard, a knot of unease settling in my stomach. Being alone with Cristian was the last thing I wanted after our last encounter.

"I have to go, Noms. I was only allowed to call to check that."

"Okay, keep your chin up, Scar. You'll get through this, you always do. We always do," she said with conviction, and a small smile touched my lips. I always had her, and that was my one main comfort in life, especially in times like this.

"Thanks, talk tomorrow."

With that, I hung up, and Julian set Kenny on the floor before striding straight back out.

At least he closed the door behind him, which I took some solace in.

Kenny rejoined me on the bed, and I curled up with him, hoping sleep would take me away from this hell.

I awoke from a clash downstairs, and even Kenny shot up beside me, his little ears straight up.

"What do you think's going on out there?" I asked him in a hushed tone. He didn't respond, as was to be expected, and I slunk out of bed. I checked my phone on the bedside table. One in the damn morning.

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