Page 69 of Stitches

I couldn’t let her go once she spoke. Fuck, how could I?

We had to do something though. As much as I hated thinking about it, I knew we did. Everett was a sick fuck. He was really the only father I knew, but that didn’t save him from my hatred. In a way, he was still controlling me without saying a fucking word. I knew he’d strike if I so much as mentioned the shit in the facility to Dante. If I told what had happened to us. To Sirena.

Suffer in silence.

He was punishing me without lifting a finger. Fucking prick.

Maybe it wasn’t punishment. Maybe it was a threat. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Maybe it was because the meds I was on made me feel not quite like myself. I was hollow inside. While maybe it was a good thing, it also felt bad. On the other hand, I liked the lessening of emotions, although they did seep through, like with the moment with Sirena.

My rage still burned within me, but it was odd. Like it was just a tiny flame, and fear was what owned my soul right now. Because of Sirena. Because I fucking knew what would happen.

I chewed on my piece of pizza and swallowed, not really tasting it, simply going through the motions.

I needed to tell them about Sin being here. It felt important that they knew he’d been the one to find her.

Maybe I was looking for a way to hate him less and hoping the guys found a way so I could follow them.

I cleared my throat, making Church look over at me.

“Can we talk?” I asked.

Ashes immediately turned off the TV as Church sat forward.

“Of course,” Ashes said. “What’s up?”

He glanced at Church quickly who was fast to share a look with him that only said they thought I was finally going to spill my guts to them.

“I have something to tell you guys that I think you should know about. I don’t like to keep secrets, especially something like this. I mean, I know I’ve not been telling you guys stuff, but I will. Someday. I just…fuck.” I scrubbed my hand down my face.

“It’s fine, man. Take your time,” Ashes said gently.

I sighed and reached over to the side table and pulled out a joint and lit it. After taking a deep, fortifying hit, I blew out the smoke.

“Malachi,” Church called out.

“I know. I’m sorry. I needed something to take the edge off,” I muttered. “Want some?”

Church hesitated for a moment before he grabbed the joint and took a drag. He handed it off to Ashes who put away his lighter to take a hit before handing it back to me. I smoked for another moment before passing it around a final time.

“The night Sirena ran out of here,” I started. “I-I lied. I didn’t come home and find her in bed. Not really.” I looked at Church through the dark fringe of hair hanging in my eyes.

“What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes at me, and I sighed.

“I did come home, and she was in bed, but Sin put her there.”

Church froze, and Ashes stared at me wordlessly.

“What?” Church finally asked.

“I came back to see if she’d returned. I went to your room and saw Sin putting her into bed. I heard what he said to her. What he did.”

“What the fuck did he do?” Church balled his hands into tight fists.

Ashes remained wordless.

“He told her he was sorry. He didn’t know I was there. He kissed her.” I swallowed hard and stared at Ashes then at Church. Neither had moved an inch.

“He was crying,” I continued. “He wasn’t wearing his shirt. His fucking body, man. There’s more bruising on him than there is healthy skin. He’s really been taking punishing himself seriously.”

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