Page 100 of Saviors

They’d taken advantage of me. Of my suffering and weakness. Just like they did every person who came into that warehouse. He was the champion. He knew he’d never lose.

Until now. He lost me.

I chuckled because he didn’t even care. I was nothing to them. I was a fuck toy. A lay. Disgust twisted my insides as I thought about all the times I thanked them. But they’d gotten what they wanted. Me in their bed. Under their control. Trapped like I was with Simon.

Only I’d been too blind to see it this time. I had closed my gaze to all the red flags. Well, my eyes were open now.

I let them decide everything. To take me. Keep me. Fuck me. I allowed them to command me. And I didn’t even know who they were. And I only had myself to blame.

No more. I decided now.

I turned on my heel. “Don’t go.” My body betrayed me, stilling as he pleaded. “It’s not safe.”

I did have someone who cared about me. Who needed me. I’d been sitting here playing house with a bunch of fucking criminals. Pretending I belonged with them. That they were my family when my real family was in danger.

Who was I? What was I doing?

A hysterical laugh ripped from my chest as more tears fell. “Staying here is what’s dangerous for me.”

51

Violet

My shoes had rubbed the back of my ankles raw. My thighs were chafed. Sweat coated my skin. I was regretting walking out of the club without calling a ride first. But I’d just wanted to get as far away as possible. I didn’t want to see anyone.

My heart pinched when I thought of Ivette. Maybe I’d call her someday. When it wouldn’t hurt so much. Or maybe not. She had to know, and she’d never told me.

But was it her place? Perhaps she believed I already knew.

My head spun. My body ached. I looked up and realized I’d made it to my destination. The community center. Lights illuminated the building, casting harsh shadows across the grass. It was dark and deserted at this time of night.

I stumbled to the steps and collapsed. I should be more afraid. Worried someone would attack me, but I couldn’t find the fear. I’d used up all my emotions. My nerves were fried.

Or so I thought. But as I pulled my phone from my purse, my hand trembled. The guys had given it to me. I doubted they thought I’d use it to get away.

I wasn’t sure what I was feeling as I dialed the number. Embarrassment? Anger? Guilt?

The line rang a few times before a female voice filled my ears. “Hello?”

“Mom.” The word caught in my lungs. Tears tracked down my cheeks. I was desperate and scared. I needed my mom.

Silence followed. One. Two. Three beats.

“I was wondering when you’d finally call.” Her resentment was obvious, but still my chest swelled with a ragged breath. This was familiar. This was right. It was what I deserved. “What’s your story this time?”

I scrunched my nose, trying to stop the flow of tears. “Mom, I really need—.”

“No. I’m not doing this again, Violet.” I tilted the phone away, so she didn’t hear the whimper. “You walked out. You made your choice.”

“Could I just have Craig’s number, please?”

Why hadn’t I called for it earlier? Why had I let the guys tell me they were looking for my brothers? Because I’d trusted them. I’d wanted to trust them. I didn’t want to be alone.

“No. You will not drag Craig and Aaron into whatever insane thing you’re doing now.”

“Please.” But I wasn’t sure she heard me because there was shuffling on the line and then it was my stepfather’s voice in my ear.

“You can’t keep doing this to your mother.” My chest stuttered as I tried not to scream. I would always disappoint them. My heart banged with loneliness as he droned on.

---