Page 34 of Burning Truths

Pick.

Slam.

Stab.

I continue this routine until my arms are heavy and sweat mixes with blood and water. My body trembles from exhaustion. Or could it be the frozen water cascading down my body?

I wonder if I’ll die from hyperthermia.

I muse to myself but the bitch in my ear just laughs.

When he comes in here to see the mess you’ve made, what do you think he’ll do?

A small flash of fear courses through me at the reminder of the collar still in place around my throat.

You know how to get rid of the collar, Kenna.

Shaking my head I ignore the voice in my head. She may be right but I refuse to think of that.

Look at you!

NO.

Turning away from the wall of the shower I throw the broken tile into the corner and let out a loud wail. Dropping to my knees my fingers throb when I shove them into my hair. Tugging at the strands, my body moves on it’s own. Rocking in a familiar motion.

Get up.

My legs start to go numb from the chill reaching my bones.

GET. UP.

I continue to rock. The images scattered across the bedroom wall flash through my thoughts. A reminder of how little I matter.

You matter to Hank. He is your Ryker now.

Bile threatens to come up. My stomach quivering with the picture of Hank merging with Ryker. Hank's salt and pepper hair drifting into dark strands and brown eyes. Blue- brown. Back and forth.

He’s ours and we are his. Let him show you.

Oh god.

Footsteps approach the bathroom. Fuck, I didn’t hear the bedroom door close.

Prove to him that he can trust us. He is our Ryker now.

Lifting my head I stand too fast shooting a numbness through my legs. Moving to shut the water off I slip my hands under the water to clean them. The blood has slowed but thedamage is done. The doorknob turns in time for him to see me step out of the tub with a large grey towel around me. A sigh escapes past my lips when his eyes meet mine. Blue. Brown. My vision betrays me. His now dyed hair appears darker in the bright light of the bathroom.

“Princessa.” he says.

His tone is flat while his gaze assesses me. I’ve pulled the curtain back to cover the mess but he must sense something because he takes a step forward.

Show him.

Swallowing around the lump in my throat I give him a soft smile. His steps falter when I slowly begin moving towards him. Two steps later and I’m only inches away. Lifting my hand I rest my palm on his chest looking up to meet his stare. Pulling in a deep breath I let the chains of my mind break away freeing me from the past.

Free us.

My lips part, “Ryker.” I breathe.

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