Page 20 of Branches of Betrayal

“Either way, we’re all here for you, Pey. You’re a strong, beautiful badass and you have an entire family by your side now. You don’t have to go it alone.”

Chapter 12

Peyton

Time passingfor someone to heal was the slowest the world ever moved. At least, that’s what it felt like to Peyton. She’d been cocooned in the Adis house for over a week, both Hadina and Piper watching over her like she was a broken doll. It pissed her off. She loved them for it, for the kindness they showed her, but she hated sitting fucking still.

What she really wanted was to be outside, breathing in the fresh air and reminding herself that she was free.

She hadn’t been quite ready to see or speak to Don yet—after all, even Hadina was still walking on eggshells around her—but she missed when they used to garden together, sitting outside and talking about everything until the sun went down.

“I’ll be back late tonight. Do you want me to sleep in my own room so I don’t wake you?” Hadina asked, tucking her gun into her waist holder.

Peyton shook her head. “We spent too long apart. But maybe I’ll sleep in your room tonight? I could do with a change of scenery.”

Hadina smiled at that, her eyes flashing with hunger as they roved over Peyton’s body. “I’ll never say no to having you in my bed, in any capacity,tentadora.” She leaned over, pressing a light kiss to her lips. She was being so cautious with Peyton which was another thing driving her mad…

“Get some rest. I love you,” Hadina said into her hair, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I love you, too,” Peyton replied, feeling the same familiar tug at her insides. The whole I love you thing was new to them both, but it still made her feel giddy whenever she heard Hadina say the words. It was a declaration between them. “Be safe.”

“Siempre.”

An hour passed after Hadina left before Peyton felt so overwhelmed with boredom that she had to leave her room. She pulled on her combat boots and tied her hair up in a ponytail, avoiding looking in the mirror as she did so. She knew, if she looked, that she’d see fading bruises and cuts that were almost healed; they should have been a reminder that she was healing, but they’d only remind her of what she’d been through.

Denial was her newest best friend.

She was glad that the house was practically empty as she walked through it. Piper and Harris must have went into the office with Hadina, and Peyton knew Don was probably reading in the study so he didn’t cross her path. She’d have to speak to him at some point, but she wasn’t quite ready yet.

Peyton breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped into the backyard, the sun beating down on her and sound of birds chirping filling the air. She walked slowly, admiring the flowers that were now blooming and the trees which were bearing fruit.

It had been so long since she’d sat on the patio area; today seemed like it was finally time for her to do it. She was so busy in her own head, thinking of what it was like when she’d firstarrived at the Adis house, that Peyton didn’t notice someone already sitting there.

“You smoke?” Zellie asked, holding out her packet of cigarettes.

Peyton’s blood boiled. “Don’t you dare fucking speak to me like you aren’t the cause of literally everything bad that’s happened to me!”

Zellie rolled her eyes and before Peyton knew what she was doing, she was flying towards Zellie, fist poised to hit.

Zellie stood, sidestepping Peyton’s attempted punch with ease. “Oh, please. What the hell was that?”

“I’m going to fucking kill you!” Peyton screamed, lurching forward.

"You’ll have to try harder than that if you want to kill me. You can’t even hit me.”

Zellie stubbed her cigarette out in the ashtray and stepped onto the grass, staring at Peyton expectantly. “Well, if you want to hit me, do it. You’re right—the shitty things in your life were primarily caused by me. So, go for it.¡Pégame!But I won’t make it easy for you.”

Peyton glared at the woman, all poised and perfect. She looked like a model, but Peyton knew she was nothing but venom beneath. This was the perfect time to beat the shit out of her in retribution for her sister…for herself.

Stepping closer, Peyton followed Zellie onto the grass, squaring her shoulders. She watched for a moment, before creating a fist and throwing her right arm in a curve. This time, it did make contact—with Zellie’s shoulder. The Adis sister laughed coldly, motioning for Peyton to try again.

So she did.

Hit after hit, Peyton circled Zellie and tried to land a punch to the woman she hated. Zellie was right when she said shewasn't going to make it easy for her; she barely managed to make contact.

Kicking her leg out, Peyton was sure she was going to catch Zellie off guard, but she simply hit her leg out of the way, causing Peyton to lose balance and fall on her ass.

“Gotta do better than that,niñita.”

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