Page 58 of Their Offering

She released me from her bear hug. “I see the way they all look at you, especially the tall, dark one. Keir, right?AndI see the wayyoulook atthem. I’ve never seen you so happy, Lil. Admit it, you’d go with them even if the world didn’t need saving.”

“You’re being ridiculous. I would not.” I laughed at her and shook my head. She was crazy. I liked them, yeah, but would I up and move to Hell just for them? No way.

A voice in my head called me a liar. Was that my voice?

“Go ahead, lie to yourself. Come find me when you’re ready to admit I was right.” She nudged me with her leg.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes at her.

“Are you going to go see your mom before you go?”

I sighed, letting her question sink in. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. “I don’t think so. She won’t notice me being gone anyway. No point in wasting my time.” I shrugged.

“Not that it’s my place, but I think you should. This could be your chance to get things off your chest and she can’t do shit about it. You can finally tell her everything you’ve been bottling up all these years. Let loose, you know?”

I nodded. The thought of telling her everything I’d kept inside sounded amazing, but I wasn’t sure if I was brave enough to stand up to her. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to see her one more time. I’d never have to see her or speak to her ever again. Katie was right, as usual.

“Maybe I will.” I smiled, feeling a little lighter.

We spent another hour talking, laughing, hugging, and crying. It was hard to tell her goodbye. She was the only person who knew the real me and still loved me. She was my best friend.

When we finally drove away, I cried into Nicholas’s shoulder as he and Aiden stroked my back and told me everything would be okay.

I knew it would be, but I’d never see Katie again. No more sleepovers. No more girl talk. No more best friends. I already missed her so much, but there was no turning back. I had to be brave for once and see this through. I wouldn't chicken out.

Chapter 28

Lillian

My mom’s house was trashed, as usual. Thankfully, the brothers were willing to stay in the car for this visit. I didn’t want them to see my mom again, and I think they pitied me enough to not fight with me.

They did remind me they would be able to hear me scream if I needed anything. I felt safe knowing they were there, and all I had to do was call for them. My princes would come running to my rescue. I smiled at the thought as I crossed the living room and headed to the hallway.

“Margaret?” She wasn’t in her usual spot on the couch. I knew she was home, though, because I’d seen her car outside.

“Back here, honey.” She was at the back of the house, probably in her room. Her voice sounded weird and shaky, and since when did she call me honey? Something was up.

I walked slowly to her bedroom. I didn’t see or hear anything suspicious, so I opened her door. When I stepped in, I was grabbed.

A hand clamped over my mouth before I could scream. I pulled against the hands pinning my wrists behind my back, but they were too strong. My hands were pulled up to my shoulder blades, and I couldn’t move. I stilled and looked around the room to find several men standing around my mom tied to a chair, bloody and crying. They had hurt her. This must’ve been the men she owed money to.

“You were right, Maggie. Sheispretty. She may be worth that steep debt after all.” The ugly brute grabbed me by the chin and looked me over. I snarled as he inspected me.

I tugged harder against my captor once I saw his face. It washim. The man who haunted my nightmares for the longest time. The cruelest man my mother ever traded me to. He’d always been rougher, harsher than the other men.

His grip on my arm tightened. He knew who I was, and it excited him. His breathing picked up as he ran his nose along my neck, breathing in my scent.

My mom sobbed loudly. “Please. You have her. Let me go now.”

My eyes widened once I realized what was going on. They’d been waiting for me, even my mom. She was trading me to them because she owed them. My own mother was going to hand me over to her drug dealers. Mother of the fucking year.

The large, disgusting hand was still tight over my mouth, so I couldn’t scream. I silently pleaded with Keir, hoping he could hear me call for help, but I didn’t get a response. My mind raced. There was no way I could fight my way out. These men would destroy me.

Suddenly, I felt a tug in my mind, and I knew it was him. I felt confidence rise in my chest; my princes were coming. I laughed.

“What’s so funny, bitch?” the man holding my arms spat, releasing my mouth.

“Oh, nothing. It’s just…you are all going to be dead really,reallysoon.” I chuckled, knowing I sounded sadistic and crazy, but I loved the feeling surging through my body.

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