Page 90 of Ashes

I wanted to hang in a closet. Throw myself out of my window and break on impact. Slit my wrists until I’d drained the monster from my body.

I twined my fingers through hers, sobbing softly.

And maybe it was my desperation, but I could’ve sworn she gave my hand a tiny squeeze, her quaking body relaxing against mine.

“You’re still here,” I whispered, my voice wobbling and hoarse.

A tiny blossom of hope bloomed in my chest. I breathed out.

It hurt.

This life hurt so fucking much.

And the pain was growing.

But. . . I had her. We still had her.

For that, I’d fight until my body broke.

“I’ll stay too, baby. I’ll stay too.”

SIN

Icouldn’t shake the shit Asylum had said from my head. Lying in bed, I stared up at my ceiling, watching as the shadow of a branch danced on a moonbeam.

I had no idea how he knew what I’d done with Isabella’s remains, but he did. One of my gifts was being able to break into places without being detected. I’d done that to dispose of her remains, thinking maybe one day I’d use it to get Sully tossed out on his ass if he ever pissed me off enough.

That day seemed to be here.

I couldn’t do it though. Not without making sure everything was set for it. I didn’t want that shit to come back on any of us. I’d let Bells go a long fucking time ago. Or maybe I hadn’t, which left me in the lurch I was currently in.

Closing my eyes, I breathed deeply. Then again. And again. Until I drifted off, my mind on my crimes and Sirena.

The dream came quickly.

I stared around the cemetery, inhaling deeply as the smell of summer hit me. The sun heated my skin, making me uncomfortable.

I took off my leather jacket and placed it beside me on the stone bench near the mausoleum.

Movement behind the tombstones caught my eye.

I was on my feet and moving toward the statue of the weeping angel. My heart sped up at the prospect of what I’d find lurking behind it. Peeking around the edge, I saw Sirena sitting on the grass in a gauzy, white dress, her black hair spilling around her.

“Siren?” I called out, my heart lurching in my throat.

She snapped her attention to me, her colorful eyes wide. Quickly, she stumbled to her bare feet and backed away from me, fear flickering across her face.

No. . . please don’t be afraid.

She turned on her heel and dashed away from me, her long hair whipping behind her.

No! Don’t run!

I raced after her, jumping over crumbling tombstones to reach her. Finally, when I was close enough, I shot out my hand and snatched her by the bicep. She spun to face me, silent as always.

I backed her against a massive headstone as her chest heaved. Her dress showcased her full breasts as she panted heavily, her pink lips parted.

Saying nothing, I moved my hand to her cheek and cradled her face. My heart hammered loudly in my ears. I crinkled my brows as I took her in.

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