Page 29 of Hidden Echoes

“And who the hell are you to tell me how to raise my kid?”

I ignore him, turning to the boy instead. “Parents suck, huh? Mine’s an asshole too.” I flash a grin. “I’m Mia. What’s your name?”

The boy hesitates. “Ace.” His voice shakes.

“Listen, Mia, you’ve got two seconds to walk away before I—”

My mind goes quiet.

I want to kill him.

Zane won’t like that.

But you miss killing, don’t you?

I do.

"I saw you come in with a delicate man. Maybe I should have some fun with both of you, you nosy slut."

That’s it, all my patience snaps.

With a swift motion, I slide the knife deep into his throat, feeling the satisfying slickness of blood as it spurts out, coating my hands.

His choking gasps are louder now, a gurgling mess of blood filling his mouth. I can’t help but smile as his body writhes. The boy smiles too.

"Stop talking, you're such a bore," I murmur, watching him squirm in his final moments.

Then I realize—Zane is going to be absolutely furious about this.

Shit, you idiot.

I walk over to him slowly, almost cautiously, knowing I'm about to face his wrath.

Zane is watching me from the restaurant, mid-bite, expression frozen in pure confusion.

I smile at him sweetly.

“Zane,” I whisper, gesturing him over.

He sighs. “What now? Can’t turn on the faucet?”

“Well… more like, I can’t hide a body.”

Zane’s fork clatters onto his plate.

“What the fuck, Mia.”

CHAPTER 8

ZANE

The smell hits me first—thick, cloying. Urine, alcohol, something sour. Something that makes my stomach churn before I even open my eyes. My body feels heavy, every muscle coiled tight, like it already knows what’s coming before my mind catches up.

“I didn’t mean to touch you.”

The voice is small, shaking, full of unshed tears. Something inside me twists.

I freeze.

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