Page 25 of The Devil's Weakness

“Fine, I’ll go with you. It’s a shame someone stole my car, or else I could drive myself home,” I say petulantly.

I shouldn’t have opened my mouth, but now I’m certain that the Skull is responsible for taking it. Do I think saying it would make him feel bad for me? Did I think he was going to just give it back outright?

He leans over, so we’re eye to eye with each other. Placing a hand on the mattress on either side of me, he speaks in a low, threatening tone.

“You mean the one you were driving when you drove myfatheroff the road and left him for dead?”

My eyes go wide, and my shaking returns. The pain I felt when my own father died is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Knowing I’m the reason for him to feel the same pain, regardless of the type of person this man is, breaks my heart.

“You have more important things to worry about than your fucking car,little girl.”

Hisnicknamehits a nerve.

“I’m not—” I begin to yell at him but close my mouth when he wraps his large hand around my throat and forces me backward onto the bed.

“Close your mouth and get dressed. This is the last time I’m telling you.” He taunts, quietly,threateningly.“I’m done being nice.”

This is him being nice?

“Okay,” I finally agree. What else is there for me to do other than play along until I can make a break for it? “I’ll get dressed. Can you please turn around?”

He stands up tall, with a smug grin on his face, and folds his arms over his chest again. I wait for him to turn around, but he doesn’t.

Fine.

I stand up and grab my clothes from the bed, deciding that I’ll change in the bathroom. As I turn in that direction, I feel his firm hand grab hold of my bicep. Looking behind me, I glare at him with confusion.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” he questions.

“I’m doing what you asked; getting dressed.”

“No. You’re staying out here,” he commands, pulling me away from the bathroom.

“You honestly expect me to get dressed in front of you?” I challenge.?

He pops an eyebrow and folds his arms again.

“No.You’re fucking crazy if you think I’m doing that,” I shout.

“Look, you can come naked for all I care. You’re lucky I’m even giving you the option of getting dressed,” he clarifies. “But I doubt you’ll want to meet my brothers dressed in only that little towel.”

My horrified stare does nothing more than bring a sly smile to his face.

“I told you I was being nice.” He winks at me as a shit-eating scowl stretches across his face. “Besides, if you’re worried about me seeing your…underthings, you shouldn’t be.”

He walks to the chair by the door and sits down as though readying himself for a show, and I’m left wondering what the hell he’s talking about.

“I’ve already seen them.”

I stare at him, about to ask if he went through my bag when he continues talking.

“In your dresser at the apartment.” My eyes widen with his admission.

Is he telling the truth or just trying to scare me? As if he can hear my thoughts, he continues.

“The one with the picture of you, your dad, and your brother on it. That vanilla lotion of yours smells incredible, by the way.” He leans forward, so his elbows are resting on the tops of his knees. Pinning me with another dangerous stare, he continues. “But not nearly as good as your pillow.”

My shaking has returned fully now. I knew they would stop by the apartment, but I never expected them to make it inside. Was Michael there? Did he have Steve bring him home? Did Michael let them in? Is he okay? I watch him as the questions bounce around in my head like a game of pinball. Sitting back again, he rests his leg on the opposite knee and folds his hands behind his head.

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