Page 127 of Stitches

“It’s actually a good thing I didn’t burn the entire house down. I almost lost it.” Ashes gave me a tight smile.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be the one cooking for us,” I said, shaking my head at him.

I glanced over to Sirena to see her watching Ashes, a tiny smile on her lips.

I’d fucked her yesterday and today things felt more normal than they had in a long time. My mark was carved deep enough over her heart, so she didn’t fucking forget me. It was also a warning to anyone who got that far with her. If they saw the wound, I was hopeful they were smart enough to back the fuck off.

She hadn’t spoken since screaming my name, but I was fine with that. In fact, I loved her silence.

Ashes and Stitches had returned to tell me that Sin had an alibi and had been in therapy until late before he’d been spotted with Asylum’s group in the gym playing basketball. It gave me great relief to know he hadn’t been out there in the woods with Sirena.

A knock on the door had me stopping from dragging her onto the table and feasting on her little pink pussy. Sometimes I liked to eat dessert before dinner. It was a toxic trait of mine I had no interest in changing.

Ashes looked at all of us before getting to his feet and going to the door. A moment later, Asylum walked in behind him, dressed in all black and a beanie pulled over his head.

“Your father is here,” he said in a monotone.

I stood abruptly. “What?”

“He just arrived. I’ve been the lucky one tasked with bringing you to him.”

I ground my teeth. There was no way I couldn’t go. I sent up a silent prayer this wasn’t about the task he might call on me for.

Wordlessly, I grabbed my coat and nodded for Asylum to follow me.

“Do you want us to come?” Stitches called out.

“No. I’ll be in touch. Keep her safe.” I looked at my specter whose eyes wavered with fear.

I’d die for you, baby.

“Be careful. Call us,” Ashes urged, following us to the door. “I mean it, Dante.”

“I’ll be fine. Make sure she is.”

Ashes nodded and we stepped off the step, the front door closing behind us.

“Is my father aware that I know you work for him?” I asked.

“I assume so since I’m the one sent to get you.”

“What can I expect?” I asked tightly.

He cocked his head to the left as we walked. “I don’t know.”

“What the fuck do you mean you don’t know?”

He shrugged. “It’s very blurry to me tonight. I didn’t even know he was coming. I’m high though, so that’s probably why.”

I let out a sigh of frustration. “Weed?”

“Eh, sugar. I know a guy who gets it for me. It’s great. I have some if you want to try it.”

I glanced at him, noting what was off about him finally.

He sounded fucking…normal.

“Is this what you’re like high? Normal?”