Page 98 of Babalon

“I found my best friend’s lighter in the night stand. He was killed in a car accident right after I graduated high school. We made promises to one another that we would get out of Hazelwood for good, but when he died, I stayed behind. That’s when some of the things happened that I told you about.”

Is there anything this girl hasn’t gone through? Fucks sake.

“Anyway, when I walked back into the living room, he pissed me off so I started lighting everything on fire. It felt… freeing. The weight of my past lifted and I decided that I could let go and move on, whatever that looks like.”

“And where does Whitlock come in?”

“He showed up after the fire department finished putting the fire out. Said he was called for arson, but when I didn’t give him anything, he said he would come back with a warrant. I offered for him to take me then, arrest me and cart me off, but he follows the rules to the T and wouldn’t do that without having the correct paperwork.”

“Wait, that now means you’re a participant in two ongoing investigations.”

“Yeah, I know.” Nadia replies with a sigh.

“What are you going to do?”

“Fly by the seat of my pants, what else is there?”

“I think it’s cool as shit you burnt the house down but now I’m going to have to worry about you getting locked up.”

“I figured you’d be proud of the house. The rest I can figure out in time.”

“What did your dad say?”

“Nothing of importance. He is dying. That’s all that matters.”

I sure fucking hope her life clears up after this.Good Lord, she needs a break. After all of that, she comes here to deal with us like we are her vacation.

“What do you want out of life, Nadia?”

“You’re the only person who has asked me that, outside of Kaleb, my friend that was killed. I just want to live, Kace. I don’t want anything special or dreamy. I want someone who will love me and just be comfortable. Maybe take a trip on occasion but just be; you know?”

“You know what’s sad?” I ask. “That’s what I want too, but now that I have you, it’s not good enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“I want those things too, but now they don’t seem as achievable now that prison keeps me from enjoying them with you. That and I want you to have more.”

I can see her lips pursing below me, chewing on the inside of them like she does when she over thinks.

“Guess we'll just have to bust you out of here.”

I chuckle, tightening my arms around her, then press a kiss to her temple.

This woman, my heart.

“I think I will settle for nights like these, until the end at least.”

I wasn’t expecting things to get as heavy as they have, but then again, do we ever expect the love of our lives to walk into our cell block and take over every aspect of our life??

I sure as hell didn’t but I’m glad that she did.

Chapter twenty-eight

Lucien

My patience is wearing thin, and the Lord has failed to answer my call. I’ve spent days in the prayer room with William, begging for God to hear me and guide me forward. Each time I was met with silence, as if he were punishing me when all I have done is follow his command.

On my knees at the foot of the altar, I sit on the back of my calves and ankles, knees spread for balance and acceptance of his anger and grace both. With my head tilted back, I stare up at the crucifix with my eyes shut. Inhaling deep breaths to draw in the Holy Spirit— submitting to his power.

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