Page 2 of Sinner's End

“You may not have said it but it doesn’t make it any less true. Our entire lives, you led and I followed. You spoke and I agreed, even when I was sure you were wrong. That’s what really bothers you.”

“What the hell, Addi?” she gasps her shock. “You’ve nevertalked this way before.”

“I didn’t, but these have always been my thoughts and feelings. And now it’s time for things to change,” I say, clipping Daisy’s leash in place before walking away. “I’m not just going to blindly follow you anymore, Emma.”

“Where are you going?” she yells behind me.

“Away!”

I hear her continue to talk but I steadfastly ignore her. For as long as I can remember, I have always danced to her tune, done whatever she wanted. She has always been the more outspoken, free-spirited twin, but now it’s time for me to start living my own life.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister with my whole heart. She is the only family I have left but I can’t stand her. I never could. But then, you don’t have to like someone to love them.

Yes, I am fully aware that I won’t allow my only living family member to walk into the damn den of iniquity by herself. Yes, I will end up joining her at Harken tonight. But you can be damn sure I will make my displeasure known every step of the way.

A tingle spreads down my spine, and awareness flows through my veins. My watcher is back. Breathing deeply, I try to remain calm even with the adrenaline spike coursing through my veins. I want to stop and seek my watcher out, but I don’t. I never do.

The fear of them leaving holds me back. Do they know I am aware? Or will that scare them off? I don’t want to lose this feeling. Also, I am terrified of ending the mystique that surrounds my watcher. I honestly don’t know if I want to find out, even if the curiosity is killing me.

I can’t explain the way I feel which is why I haven’t said a word about it to anyone. Being watched like this isn’t something creepy or scary. No, it feels like I am being protected,even though I don’t have an idea why I would need that sort of attention. Or deserve it.

So instead of doing anything, I continue as if nothing is out of place.

“How do you feel about some ice cream, girl?”

Daisy gives me a lopsided smile and a little yelp. She starts walking faster, pulling me along, and I laugh at her enthusiasm. People may say animals don’t know what we’re talking about but as my beautiful rescue leads me toward the ice cream parlor, I know they are full of shit.

“Hello, Adreana!” Mr West smiles brightly as the bell above the door rings. “And the beautiful Miss Daisy.” He reaches down and scratches my pup affectionately behind her ear.

“Hey, Mr West. How are you feeling today?”

“You know, same old, same old.” He chuckles as he scoops out some of the sugar-free peanut butter and banana ice cream he makes special for all the dogs in the area.

Growing up just outside of Portland, Oregon, you would think I was just one of many faces. But the community is very close-knit in the suburb we grew up. You know the kind of community you see on TV and think could never be real. That’s where I grew up. Everyone knows each other and is always in each other’s business. Even with the city just being out of reach, we almost have a small-town feel.

It’s irritating in a way I can’t explain, but also beautiful. When my parents died in our last year of high school, the entire community banded around us, watched over us, and helped us. I will never be able to repay what this community, this town did for me. And I would never be able to put into words just how grateful I am.

I stay here for that reason. Hoping one day I will be able to pay forward the kindness that was shown to me and my sister.

The other side of the small-town feel is always havingpeople in my business. I couldn’t fart without the whole town knowing and having an opinion about it. But I have learned to take the good with the bad.

“Are you headed home?” Mr. West asks as he hands over the ice cream, glancing out the window. “It looks like a storm might be rolling in.”

“Yeah, just stopped for a treat.” I smile and hand over some cash.

With a wave, I walk out of the parlor and head to the house I have lived in my entire life, and now share with my sister. It’s nothing special, hell, it’s not even a pretty house, but it’s ours.

All the way home, the feeling of being watched and protected never leaves me.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

****

My dreams are vivid. Hands, lips, and skin. Dark hair, light hair, tattoos, bulging muscles… I’m not sure when they started, but I know I have them every night now. Scratch that, every time I sleep. Even if it’s only an afternoon nap. I always wake up hot and bothered, the feel of several hands still burning on my skin.

Perhaps if I had someone in my life, someone to slake my lust and take care of my needs, it wouldn’t be so bad. But I’m alone, and I’ve only had mediocre sex a handful of times with the same guy. I don’t even see any prospects on the horizon.

I don’t have any interest in any of the men in town, and I certainly don’t see myself with any of my sisters’ friends or one of the drug-addled idiots that frequent Harken.

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