Page 25 of Deviant Secrets

10

CHLOE

Apang of sadness overcame me, realizing we only had a short time left. Normally it was one and onto the next fun and kinky adventure, but I didn’t want this to end. Most would think that’s crazy because I haven’t seen their faces. I hope they reveal themselves to me before the night’s over.

Lux had his arm draped lazily around me, and King rested his head on my abdomen. It felt nice, and it’s the most wanted…and loved I’d felt in a long time.

King cleared his throat and scratched at his chest, shifting slightly. “Hey, throughout the night, I couldn’t help but notice the scar on your thigh. Would you feel comfortable telling us about it?” Stroking his fingers along the reddened scar, my pulse quickened. Did I want to talk about it…no. Would I…yes.

I clenched my jaw tight, silent as I wracked my brain for a way to start. Nobody ever asked me about them, but everyone knew. It ruined a dream I’d worked my whole life for.

I lost a part of my soul that night. A few heavy breaths settled my decision, and I looked towards the ground in shame, away from them before answering.

“Have you ever given your heart to someone? I mean everything in you, including the air you breathe…to have them betray you in the worst ways possible?”

Lux tensed up, his fingers stilling on my shoulder, and his body tensed. King turned to face me and both pairs of eyes met mine. Neither needed to answer. I could see what swam in their eyes, understanding.

“I had someone who was my everything. We had the perfect life…on paper.” My bottom lip jutted out, quivering to restrain myself. “I was in control until I wasn’t. It happened so fast and by the time I realized, the turtlenecks and endless amount of make-up weren’t enough to hide it.”

I clenched my fists together, realizing that this was going to be harder than I thought. My heart clenched at the thought of Nicholas and what he must have thought about me.

Stupid for staying…

Gold digger…

I wiped my teary eyes, letting the intrusive thoughts spread lies. “Especially from his brother. I think he suspected what was going on, but I never asked for help. He probably thought I put up with it to have a lavish life.”

Lux

My heart thundered in my chest wildly as I restrained my anger. My breath caught in my throat as soon as she mentioned me, and I didn’t think hearing her end was something I could handle.

How could she put words in my mouth like that? She was so beautiful, and he broke her down, forcing her into a box she could barely fit in. Over time, her raging fire, the one I rapidlyfell for, just…snuffed out. I wouldn’t do that and I sure as hell wouldn’t injure her to the point she would never skate again.

I was just as guilty for not protecting her then, for choosing a career over her safety. I was too fucking young and disgustingly outnumbered that night. That night repeatedly makes an appearance every time I close my eyes.

I popped the trunk and threw my duffle bag in, my gear thudding into the empty space. The most important game of the season was tonight, and an inadequate feeling spread throughout my chest as the nerves kicked in.

Would I be good enough? Fast enough to win? Did I have everything I needed?

With a groan, I grabbed the zipper and slid it across, the sound loud in my ears as the bag opened and I did a mental check, pushing down the anxiety that welled inside.

Skates: check

Jersey: check

Stick and helmet: check

Extra clothes: check

Angel had the rest and I would grab it after dinner, but my thermals and mouthguard were missing. My room was on the first floor, away from everyone. I could run in quickly and get on the road with no problem.

After finding what I needed, I rolled up my sleeve and, according to my watch, I was already running late, as usual. Commotion ensued in the hallway in a fit of screams and was that begging?

My hand shakily reached for the door handle, and I opened the door slightly. Enough so I could peer out.

“What the hell is going on now?” I whispered to myself.

My brother looked furious, whispering harshly and I couldn’t quite make out what he was saying. And there she was. Her dark hair fell in long ringlets along her back as she triedto plead with him. I zeroed in, noticing his hand raised. My fists clenched and jaw tightened hearing the harsh slap, and I almost lost it.

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