Page 39 of Dirty Damage

Full face of makeup.

Tweety Bird pajamas.

She’s hiding in her room, covering bruises, probably waiting for Paul to come home.

“Did that fucker hit you?” The words come out in a growl that would make Oleg proud.

“I fell,” she lies. “It’s nothing.”

“Bullshit.”

“It’s not a big deal. Honestly, I started it this time. It was my?—”

“You two got in a fight, so you deserve to get your face bashed in? Syd, that’s crazy.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“Hehityou,” I hiss. “Remember when Dirk hit mom? Remember what we vowed to each other then?”

“This is different.”

“Leave him! Leave the bastard and come to Florida. We can find jobs together. Get a place. We’ll figure it out.”

For a beautiful moment, I can see it.

Our own apartment with working A/C and a door that’s never been kicked in. Jobs that don’t require taking our clothes off or sleeping with the boss. Pizza nights on Fridays. Drinks on Saturdays. Taking turns cooking and doing dishes.

“This is the dream,” I whisper.

It’s always been mine, anyway. While Syd dreamed about gold and diamonds, I just wanted to be with her.

But her face is hard now. Distant.

“I can’t even afford the plane out of here. And it’s not like you can wire me the cash. You don’t have savings or a job.”

“I’ll find another one,” I argue. “I’ll save up. I’ll?—”

“I swore to myself I’d never be broke again.” She touches her necklace like a talisman. “Things with Paul aren’t perfect, but he gives me whatever I ask for. I have beautiful clothes and a nice life.”

“And designer makeup to cover the bruises on your face. How nice.”

Her lips snatch together. Even her makeup can’t hide how red her eyes and nose are.

“We have our issues like every couple, but one day, he’ll marry me. One day, everything will work out.”

She’s wrong. Dead wrong. But I swallow the words. Speaking them would only widen the growing chasm between us.

Her lower lip trembles. “I know you don’t understand, but not everyone can afford to be as brave and strong as you, Sut.”

Am I brave?

Am I strong?

I don’t know anymore. All I know is that I would do anything—anything—to save my sister from becoming our mother.

I’d sign my soul away to Satan himself if it meant giving Sydney the security she’s always craved.

She spent her entire life protecting me from the worst of Mom’s choices.

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