Page 13 of Tears of Ruin

Only someone severely abused reacted that way.

“Then he’s under your charge while he’s here,” Malachi stated, his gaze following my hand as I absentmindedly wiped the counter.

“Why would you place him under my care?” I growled, unable to stop the sound from escaping.

Instead of becoming angry, Malachi’s features softened just a fraction. “Maybe Noam isn’t the only one who needs to heal.”

I didn’t want to be his caretaker. Not because I held no compassion but the last time I was charged with anyone’s safety…

“Richard.”

I glanced at him.

Malachi looked as if he was also remembering that night. “It’s okay to forgive yourself.”

“Don’t.” I held up a hand, my jaw clenching. “That’s not for either of us to decide.”

Not after what I’d done. I was the last of my kind because… I couldn’t even bring myself to finish the thought. Forgiveness was for those who didn’t know what they were doing or held no malice in their heart. Neither applied to me. That was why I couldneverallow myself to lose control of my emotions again.

When I did, people died.

Chapter Four

Noam

“I seriously can’t believe you strapped a pillow to your butt,” the dark-haired man said to Kyson as I peeked around the corner.

“I broke my butt the last time we did this.” Kyson pointed a finger at the other guy. “Don’t you dare sprain a damn thing on your body. Even though this is your idea, I thought Malachi was going to kill me the last time.”

It was clear by the way they spoke to each other they were good friends. I envied them their relationship. I’d made a few friends in my life, but Martin always scared them off.

What I wouldn’t give to have someone I could hang out with, someone who I could confide in and be myself around. That was something I could never do at home. My father controlled my every move.

The only reason I worked was because he couldn’t stop gambling. Now it was my responsibility to pay the bills and buy food. But my paycheck barely stretched. There were many nights I’d gone to bed hungry.

Richard had no idea how much I appreciated the food he’d given me. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had ice cream, let alone sundaes with the works.

Even with a full stomach, I was craving more of his stew.

“Ready?” the other guy asked.

“Remember not to break anything, Dane.”

“Go!”

I covered my mouth to hide my smile when the two took off, but Kyson kept slipping in his socks while Dane tore down the hallway then slid the rest of the way.

“I give up!” Kyson shouted. “I suck at sock-n-slide!” He took a step forward, only to have his right foot shoot from under him.

Before I could stop myself, I shot forward, as if I could catch him from this distance. He shouted, his arms flailing, then he landed on his pillowed bottom. “Shit!”

I stopped, ready to bolt, but Kyson fell to his back, and I was worried he’d seriously hurt himself.

“My life sucks,” Kyson groaned.

“Loser!” Dane yelled from down the hall with a laugh.

When Kyson rolled to his side, his shirt rode up, revealing so many faded scars I couldn’t hold back my gasp.

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