Page 18 of Sinner's End

It’s been a damn long time since I moved like that. Finally letting my guard down in the absence of prying eyes that might foresee the show of weakness as what it is, I slump in my seat, letting out a heartfelt groan. Fuck this form. I’m too weak, too human.

I almost envy Lethe in his ability to forget everything.

A demented smile etches my face. “Lethe,” I call softly, though the walls echo my words to perfection, obeying the single command of pure thought:bring him back to me.

Lethe returns to my office, pausing with a single toe of his bared foot over the threshold. “Yes?”

His imperious tone brings me to my feet. I fist my hands until hot fluid coats my fingers and runs between them. The scent of burning sulphur fills my office.

“Fuck with her date first.” I breathe hard through my nose.And show a little obsequience.

“I beg your pardon?” Lethe’s brow dips.

“You heard.” I let the growl rend the air between us in a threat I’m not entirely certain I can carry out right now. From the disdainful look on Lethe’s face, neither is he.

“You want me to … mess with her?” he asks slowly.

“Is such an order beneath you?”

He blinks, and his face clears. “No, sir,” he says softly. “Who is the date?”

“Kaleb.”

A hard smile lights his face. “My pleasure.”

In a swift turn on his heels, he’s gone.

I lean back in my chair and smile.

Chapter Eight

Date Night

Adreana

I sit in front of the vanity that used to belong to my mother staring at myself in the mirror, into green eyes that also belonged to her. Sometimes it hurts to look at myself since I look so much like her. Emma has long since changed her appearance so drastically she barely resembles the woman who gave birth to us. I’ve even caught her wearing blue contact lenses.

How can one person want so badly to be someone she isn’t? It hurts my head just trying to figure it out.

Emma glares at me from the doorway, leaning against the wooden frame.

“So, you’re kicking me out of the only house I’ve ever known?” She is trying to push my buttons, but I won’t let her.

“No. I am offering to buy your half. At market value might I add,” I reply, swiping mascara across my lashes. “Please stop pretending you give a shit about this house, or me for that matter. We both know you would rather be anywhere else in the world. You don’t belong here.”

“Don’t you dare judge me, Adreana.”

No one calls me by my full name, but she is trying to remind me that no one knows me better than she does. What she seems to forget is that I know her just as well and I can see through her ruse.

“I’m not judging,” I say, looking directly at her. “I am merely stating the facts as we both know them to be. You’ve always believed you were too good for this house, this life, and whatever is left of this family.”

She looks like I’ve slapped her. It’s the first real emotion I’ve seen in ages and I almost feel bad. But I can’t constantly putmy life on hold for my sister, especially if she isn’t willing to do the same for me.

“Just take the money and go,” I say, returning my attention to the mirror. “I don’t care what you do anymore. Chase after Mana, or whoever. Just know that I will be changing the locks come morning.”

“Addi,” she says softly, drawing my attention. “You know I love you, right?”

She looks like a sixteen-year-old for a moment, and I almost cave. But I can’t forget all the shit she has put me through in the past couple of years.

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