Page 45 of Theirs to Corrupt

“You can’t protect me from everything,” I say, my voice stronger than I feel. “Please, just tell me.”

“This is extreme.” Pax sighs, running a hand through his hair. “They were looking for something specific. A clue to your whereabouts, most likely.”

There’s fury in this kind of destruction.

Was it my brother? One of the henchmen from last night? The man they sold me to?

I shudder, wrapping my arms around myself. Earlier I had protested the need for three bodyguards, arguing that it was overkill. Now, standing in the ruins of my life, it doesn’t feel like nearly enough. Can anything truly protect me from this level of determination?

With shaking hands, I gather what few clothes I can salvage, but most of my belongings are beyond repair.

In the shared bathroom, my toiletries have been smashed, leaving nothing usable.

As I load my meager belongings into a garbage bag, I feel utterly violated.

“We should go,” Pax says softly, his hand warm on my shoulder. “We’ll stop and get you some essentials on the way back.”

Unable to think, I tie the red drawstring and follow him to the front door.

Then I stop. “I need to clean up this place.” Especially if I’m never coming back.

“I’ll handle it.”

“But…” I look around. Where would I even start?

“Hawkeye has experience with this kind of thing.”

I hate that I’m okay with his suggestion.

I don’t feel safe here, and I never want to come back again. “Thank you.”

Pax takes the plastic sack from me and pulls the door closed behind us.

Sadness overcomes me.

Over the last couple of months, I’d started to let my guard down. I had a job I liked, a good friend, and the boy I loved babysitting.

Now, for a second time, I’m walking away from everything I know. And I need to let Serena know I can’t take care of Miguel ever again.

“You okay?”

Since there’s a lump lodged in my throat, I remain silent.

Within a minute, we’re pulling out of the parking lot, and I don’t look back.

Torin drives us to a nearby drugstore, and Mira shadows us inside, staying close and ever vigilant.

I shop for a few cosmetics and other necessities.

Pax pays.

I’m mentally keeping a tally of what I owe the men, but at this point, the amount they’ve spent is in the five figures.

Since I don’t even know when I can return to work, the debt is enormous. I shove aside the awful, niggling voice that says maybe I’ll never be able to have a job again.

On the drive back to Link’s house—my new home, I suppose—Mira yawns.

Long day for them, and I have no idea if they even had the opportunity to eat. More guilt heaps on top of me.

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