Page 26 of Embracing the Dark Side

Jolie wanted to hurt him. And what better way than going after a man’s pride? “It was four,” she bit, hoping it was like a slap.

But Vincent chuckled as he blew out smoke and met her gaze. “Hewasfucking you, wasn’t he?”

“I know you think every girl’s purpose is to be used by an asshole, but I’ve never been like the girls you cheated on me with.” Jolie stood. “I’ll stay for Helina. But I want a phone.”

Vincent flicked the ashes on the floor. He was disappointed in her lies. “Can’t.”

“Why?”

“Don’t know who you know. Can’t have you calling none of his friends.”

“I don’t know anyone.”

A dry smile pushed its way through, and Vincent shook his head. “I think our trust broke years ago.”

The response was a punch to her gut, and she bowed her head. He made her feel like the lost teenage girl she used to be, and she despised him for it. “My parents will worry.”

Vincent nodded as he stood. “I’m sure they will.” With a hand on her back, he ushered her out the door. “Maybe being on the opposite end of the silent treatment will make them learn it’s a dick move.”

Chapter thirteen

Health Check

Jolie stood under the shower. The hot water sprayed her face, and though it helped clear the fog that had settled in her brain, it didn’t cut through the depression. She stared at the wall, unseeing. So many thoughts ran rampant, and all were terrible. Jolie blamed so much of this on herself. Her choices led her here, and now she was reaping the results. Whose fault was it that the results weren’t happy?

But no matter the self-loathing, her attention always went back to Adrik.

Jolie thought of how just yesterday morning she woke up with him sleeping next to her. She could see his relaxed face. She remembered how she traced her fingers along Adrik’s tattooed skin. He had been the epitome of perfection, and now that blissful feeling was gone, she didn’t know if it would ever come back.

What if he goes to prison for the rest of our lives?

Jolie didn’t want to think of that. Even though the possibility was high, she somehow had faith in Adrik’s ability to slip out of the most complicated situations. He knew how to evade the police. He had friends in high places. He’d get out.

I just need to wait.Was that the answer? Wait to be saved? Or did she need to fight her way out?

Jolie got out and dressed, moving because she had to. It was nearly impossible to smile as Helina popped in. The little girl’s spirit wasn’t as crushed as expected, given the situation. Jolie giggled at Helina’s silliness and now being center stage, Helina bounced around for applause. Jolie was empty, a shell going through the motions out of obligation, but she was thankful, nonetheless. Helina was her partner. They could lean on each other.

A soldier came for her at ten. Helina was left behind after an argument. Jolie didn’t want Helina out of her room, needing to shield her from what they had done to her house. Plus, Jolie didn’t trust any of these gang members. Unlike in Adrik’s world, these men had less respect and decorum. They wore their violence on their sleeves like a calling card.

Jolie fought against the hold on her biceps, but she was shoved down the hallway. It wasn’t until she got to the stairs that she stopped her fight.

Standing in the foyer was Agent Mally, dressed in civilian clothing and black hair in a bun on her head. Her back was to Jolie. It was Vincent who stared up at her. He had swim trunks on and a Hawaiian shirt. His voice carried over the distance. “We got permission to be here. Do you? Got any warrants? Because I don’t think I got to answer any of your questions.”

The room had cleared out. There were open drink containers and half-eaten food, and the smell of weed was overpowering. But all the guns and drugs were missing, making it appear more like a crazy slumber party, then a takeover.

Mally kept flicking her head about, searching for signs of something wrong. “The problem with people like you is that everything out of your mouth is a lie.”

“Look.” Vincent approached the stairs, holding his hand out for Jolie while pinning her with a warning glare. Jolie could hear the threat underneath every word he spoke. “JoJo and I have been friends for a long time. She’s my guest, aren’t you?”

Jolie stiffened as she took each step closer. He was telling her to be quiet, to say nothing, to smile and nod. But this was her out, wasn’t it? Mally could save her. Vincent wouldn’t kill an FBI agent. He’d know how dangerous that would be. He’d know that once it was done, there would be no coming back.

But as he stared at her, narrowing his brow and clenching his teeth, it said: Dare him, and he’d prove her wrong.

Vincent’s too unpredictable. I can’t risk it without knowing who he is.

So Jolie smiled and placed her hand in his. Vincent pulled her over to Mally and introduced her. “Detective Mally, Jolie Bell.”

“Are you alright?” Mally asked. The question was quick and panicked without any formality. It was a dangerous thing. What if Vincent realized they knew each other?

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