Page 32 of Dangerous Allure

I woke up the next morning to him pouring water on my face and ordering me to get up and make him breakfast. I was in my own personal hell, giving me a glimpse into the future if I didn’t succumb to his every want and need.

It was so hard to hide all the bruises and marks he left all over me as I got ready for my mother’s funeral. Forcing me to sit between him and Stan was the most scared I’ve ever been. They both got off on degrading me and making me do whatever they wanted the moment we left the cemetery. He cancelled my party which was a relief, but if it wasn’t for Violet inviting me to her house to hang out, I’m not sure what would’ve happened. I was the scared prey that was hunted and brought back to the den.

Watching Jacob do ‘Ice’ with my stepfather made me physically sick. He knew how my mother died, but yet, let's get high with my stepfather. I don’t know at this point who's more of a monster, but I don’t want to find out.

Seeing the brother’s dressed in suits at the funeral made my heart skip a beat and I hated every second seeing the look on Axel’s face. Once again he saw; he saw it all and it hurt him to the core. He’s been texting me non-stop and I can’t text him. It’s just all too much.

Arriving at school today, I’ve tried to avoid everyone. I’m just mentally not okay and I’m not sure when I’ll be. When anyone asks, I used the dead mother card to lie from the truth and truth is, I miss the guys. Jacob taking me away from them is literally killing me from the inside out, and I don’t know what the fuck to do about it.

Sitting in the art room during my lunch period, I take out my pad and get to work on my latest drawing. Tears pour down my face at the boy laying in his bed underneath the blankets, holding a teddy bear, with music notes floating from his opened mouth.Axel.

Suddenly I’m snapped from my drawing as the door swings open, banging against the wall as Axel stomps into the room, coming straight for me and fast. My eyes widen as he approaches. When I look up at him, he cups my face, bending down, pressing his soft lips to mine. Tears continue to pour down my face knowing I need to end things, knowing I’m going to hurt him. He pulls away, wiping my tears.

“Please don’t cry. Tell me what’s going on. I can’t take your silence, Angel baby.” He whispers as the tears continue to pour down my cheeks.

“I’m sorry. I can’t. You need to leave. Keep your brothers away from me. Please.” I beg as he takes a step back.

“Presley, look at me.” He commands and my eyes finally collide with his.

“Tell me what the fuck happened. I could come to a conclusion, but I need to hear your words. I see you, baby. I see you. Don’t think I don’t.” He says.

“Look at what happened to Brax! And if you see so clearly, then you’d let me go, Axel. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt.” I spit, but he shakes his head.

“We can handle ourselves. You on the other hand, don’t deserve this. This isn't the end for us. This is our beginning and I will stop at nothing to show you.” He warns as his two hands grip my face, forcing me to look up at him.

“This is my life Axel. This is what the future holds for me. There’s nothing anyone can do about it.” I say and again he shakes his head.

“No, you’re wrong. I will gut every last motherfucker who’s hurt you. My hands are already full of blood. Why not soak in it some more?

I don’t like seeing you like this. This is not the real you. You’re stronger than this. Next time something happens, you fucking call me and I will come. I promise you, no matter where I am orwhat I’m doing, I will come for you.” He says, pressing his lips to mine.Why does it have to be like this? I hate it. I fucking hate it all. He backs away and I hiccup.

“I have to tell Harley I can’t work for him anymore.” I say as Axel tilts his head at me in confusion.

“Why is that?” he asks and I shake my head.

“Because I’m not allowed to be around any of you. If I’m caught, he will hurt you, but more so, he’ll hurt me. I’ve been hurt enough and I just can’t keep fighting.” I admit as his hands ball into fists.

“Fuck that. We need to figure this shit out before you end up dead. I will not stand by and watch you die, Presley. I can’t. You mean too much to me,” he confesses, making my heart skip a beat.

“You care for me?” I ask, and he rolls his eyes.

“Are you kidding me right now? Get up. Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he orders, but I shake my head.

“I can’t. Trust me, I want to. But I’m done being the reason everyone gets hurt.” I say as he takes an easel, hauling it across the classroom, making me jump. I’ve never seen him behave this way. I cover my face as he continues to destroy the room.

Paint sails through the air and papers become shredded in his wake. A chair flies by me as my hair whips in my face from the force of his throw. He roars, flipping the tables and metal chairs. I fold into myself and rock, letting him self-destruct as I hum, waiting for it to end. It's not until warm arms wrap around me, squeezing me tightly, that I relax, taking deep breaths as I listen to Axel catch his own breath.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just don’t like this. Not for you or anyone else. I just want you to be okay, and the only way I’ll know is if you are with me. So get your shit. You’re coming home with me. That motherfucker ain’t going to touch us.” He says with such self confidence that I wish I had an ounceof the same. Looking up at him, I nod, grabbing my bag and standing to face him.

“Also, don’t you ever leave my house again without getting a ride home. He caught you once you left didn’t he? Because I came looking for you and you were nowhere to be found. That’s how you got the bruise on your head, right?” He questions and I nod.

“Does he do this frequently?” He asks and I nod again.

“It’s progressively gotten worse the more time I spend with you and your brothers. The other night, Maverick baited him and Brax got the ass beating.” I say and he nods.

“Well, that shit ends today. Fuck it.” He says, and I shake my head.

“Did you not hear what I just told you?” I ask, but he laughs sinisterly.

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