Page 147 of Dare To Break

I frown at his words, a spark of anger igniting under the sadness I’m wallowing in.

Me: Is that what I’m supposed to do? Fight back against the world? Fight my stepbrother?

Chapter 94

Eli

I roll onto my back and read the text again. To me, the answer is obvious. If I was in her position, I’d be collecting weapons ready for the battle ahead. But she’s not me, and the enemy she wants to fight is … well, me.

The irony of that isn’t lost on me. I’m sprawled on my bed trying to convince the girl I’m supposed to hate to fight back against the person who is making her miserable. Is that irony or just sheer fucking stupidity?

Me: Why did you let me strip you naked and put my mouth on you?

Kitten: I don’t know.

Me: You know better than that. Think about it.

Kitten: Because I liked it, and it made me feel good.

Me: Do you think someone weak would have been brave enough to do that? Or are you just hungry for any attention?

Kitten: Maybe I’m just crazy for doing it. Like you said, what good girl would let a stranger do that to her in the dark?

Me: I’d argue that a VERY good girl would do that. But you didn’t answer the question.

Kitten: I like your attention.

Me: Do I need to insist you get your ass to the bench, Kitten? Answer my question. Do you think someone weak would be brave enough to do what you’ve done?

Kitten: No.

Me: I’m not convinced. Where are you?

Kitten: The cemetery.

I’m off the bed seconds after the text comes in.

“Where are you going?” Kellan asks as I pull on a plain black t-shirt and sweats. A black hoodie is next and then sneakers.

“For a run.” I don’t know why I don’t tell him the truth. Probably because he’ll give me shit about it.

“Hmm.” His lips curl up and he lifts his hands to make air quotes. “A run. Got it.”

I don’t reply, pull up the hood and leave the room. The hallway is silent and empty, and I make it outside without anyone crossing my path.

What the fuck are you doing? I don’t know the answer, but as the cemetery comes into view, I take out my lip piercing, then lift my cell.

Me: I need you to stand up and walk to the tomb. Face the door.

Kitten: Green.

Movement follows the text, and she rises like a ghost and walks slowly to the tomb. Questioning my sanity, I move up behind her and press my hand over her mouth.

“Don’t scream. It’s me, Kitten. Nod your head.”

She gives a jerky nod and I relax my hold on her mouth. “Stay where you are. I’m going to unlock the doors. Go inside. Sit on the tomb, facing away from the door.”

I unlock the door and step back, turning away so she can’t see my face as she walks past. I sing the first verse of ‘Toxic In You’ by Palaye Royale, and follow her inside, keeping my head down. A quick glance shows she’s followed my instructions, but I pull the doors closed, sealing us inside.

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