Page 72 of Darkest Deception

“Why do you hate me?” The questions falls out, and I immediately want to slap myself. “Never mind. I’m just going to walk into a ditch and drop dead,” I mutter, turning away from him.

His hand falls.

“I don’t want the answer.” Deep in my heart, I fear the answer, and I fear what it may do to my heart.

Getting off the pavement, I walk away from him. There is no need for goodbyes; we aren’t close like that.

Then what was that moment in his office that rainy day?

What was that kiss you keep remembering?

Shaking my head at my own thoughts, I swallow, not looking at the Cainn mansion in case any tears escape. If he saw, Helia may destroy whatever is left of me.

“Ambrose.” The thumping of shoes on the pavement and the swift grip on my arm that turns me around has my stomach dropping in fear.

I stand frozen. Helia takes a deep breath in before letting it out.

I wait.

The cold wind pierces my skin, and my hair flies out of my face, allowing more wind to freeze my face.

His green eyes focus on me with such intensity and emotion that my stomach churns. I finally manage to take in a few deep breaths, then we start to walk.

Pulling my jacket’s zipper up, I dig my chin into its collar, seeking warmth.

He keeps looking at me like he is holding something in him and it’s painful for him to speak about it.

His jaw tics as his hands clench into fists at his side.

His eyes look pained. He looks like he is trembling, his whole being fracturing.

“Helia—”

“Go home. Cry your tears in your bed.”

I flinch.

Why did that hurt me?

Was I truly waiting for something kind from him?

Am I deluding myself again?

24

“Wake up, little sin.”

My eyes fly open.

A hooded figure towers over me. The hood hangs low enough to cover his eyes, but I can see enough of his face to see his twisted smirk. His towering figure is dark and silently deadly.

I open my mouth to scream. Panic rises to the point where I can feel my heart thundering inside of my chest, but the cold hand on my mouth stops me. My muffled screams are quiet. Tears prick my eyes as I try to thrash in his hold, but I can’t move. His thick thighs are on either side of my hips, pinning me in place. I’ll probably be bruised tomorrow.

“Shh, wouldn’t want to wake up your mummy and let her see you like this now.”

That stops me. I know she would do exactly what Dad did to Aurora. She threw her out.

“Scared, are we? I thought you were strong,” he taunts. His words reach inside my chest, wrapping my heart in shadows until not even a speck of light peeks out. Draining me of life. Draining me of peace and filling it with fear and terror.

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