Page 74 of Penance

“Let me go, I just need to talk to him,” I say quietly.

Eli’s attention flicks between the two of us.

“Somethin’ wrong, Lala?” he murmurs, a blonde brow raised as I glance at him.

“No, nothing wrong. Just need to talk to Kacey about something,” I struggle against Huxley’s forearm as I lose sight of my golden-eyed beast slipping from the room. “Huxley,” I hiss, his arm releasing me.

“Go on. Be good,” he murmurs, a smirk on his peach lips.

Fingers latching around my arm. Quickly pulling me back into him, he presses a scorching kiss to my lips, I sway on my feet as he finally releases me.

I hurry across the room, darting around people, my heels clacking against the marble floor. I pass through the large, open archway, looking left then right. Catching sight of Kacey’s large frame turning at the end of the corridor. Shamelessly I rush down the empty hallway, guest rooms and bathrooms, the only thing leading off this hall. A smoking room at the very end. As I turn the corner, I see Kacey closing a bathroom door. I throw myself forward as fast as my feet will carry me. My palm slapping against the solid wood door, my heeled foot sliding in the tight space. He stops trying to close the door, his eyeline on my foot, before he draws his gaze up, his frown dissipating as his eyes lock on mine.

“Sweetheart?”

“Big Man,” I say, forcing my way into the room.

Kacey backs up, allowing me entrance, still looking a little confused as to why I’ve followed him into the bathroom. I close the door behind me, the automatic LEDs around the mirror flicking on as the lock engages. I rest my back against the wood, my good hand between me and the door, my feet crossed at the ankles.

“Talk to me,” I demand, “tell me what’s wrong, tell me, Kacey.” I swallow, licking my lips, the waxy texture drying my tongue.

“Kyla-Rose, nothing’s wrong, I’m fine,” he sighs heavily, running a large hand over his tattooed head, the hair shaved away completely so you can see the intricate ivy design.

“Don’t lie to me, we’re way past shit like this,” I squeeze the words out through my tight throat.

Kacey’s eyes lock on mine, his shoulders deflating, his head dropping forward. My heart squeezes as I hold my breath. This is it. He’s going to tell me we’re over. He finally looks up at me, and my breath rushes out of me.

“You’re going to leave me, aren’t you?” I hush out, my chest heaving.

I uncross my ankles, straightening from my leaning position against the door. Pain tears through me, I pull my top lip between my teeth, biting down on it so hard I have to swallow blood. My teeth tear into my cupids bow as I stare at a piece of my soul slowly disconnecting from me.

His gold eyes flash in the dark, sweet honey and warm amber, the eyes of a bloodthirsty beast.Mybloodthirsty beast.

I go to take a step towards him, “Kacey,please-”

“I’m not leaving you,” he growls, cutting me off.

I roll back on my heels, keeping my distance. He sighs heavily, dropping his head back on his shoulders, his eyes closed, facing the ceiling. He reaches up, pinching the bridge of his nose before rolling his head on his shoulders. His eyes opening to look at me. His expression unreadable, my heart battering against my ribcage, trying to break free of its boned prison. I press my wounded hand to my chest. My aching fingers curled into my palm, nails snagging my bandage. Blood rushing to my head, my ears buzz, I blink rapidly, trying to calm down. My breath comes in short rasps, my body trembling as he cocks his head.

“It’s not you,” he sighs, lacing his fingers together and planting them on the back of his head, he shuts his eyes again.

“It’s not you, it’s me, right? You’re gunna spin me that bullshit, Kace?” I snap out, but it doesn’t have the desired effect, because my voice cracks on his name.

His eyes pop open, his brows knitting together, he drops his arms. My bottom lip trembles.

“What can I do to make you stay with me?” I whisper, my voice grates out like sandpaper’s been taken to my vocal cords.

“What?” he frowns.

“Just, tell me, whatever it is, I’ll do it, Kace. I’ll beg if you want.”

I lick my lips, readying to do just that when he rushes me, slamming me back into the door. I wince, waiting for my head to slam into the wood, but his hand slides effortlessly to the back of my skull, his huge hand cradling my head. His hips pinning me in place, his other hand cupping my face, his thumb sliding over my top lip. He sweeps it across my torn flesh, bringing it back to his lips. Keeping his eyes locked on mine, he sucks the little trace of blood free from his skin.

“I’m not going anywhere, Sweetheart. I’m just, I’madjusting,” he almost chokes on the word.

I screw my face up, shaking my head, “I don’t understand, I thought-”

“I’m jealous, baby girl,” he sighs heavily, cutting me off, his breath on my lips.

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