Page 100 of Ruling Scar
Because she’s my kid sister. Because I didn’t want to admit the one date I had in forever turned into a disaster. Because how could I explain that while Leopold only said a few choice words I acted like he had a gun to my head?
It’s like she hears my last thought. “Did you think I wouldn’t believe you?”
I’ve had time to analyze every moment and I’ve also talked to Janis about sexual harassment. I didn’t give her the full details but I told her I’d gone out with an old schoolmate who got inappropriate.
I know it’s not my fault Leopold is an ass.
I crawl off the bed and sit in front of her. Albert eyes me expectantly and I rub his belly. “No. If anything I had visions of you nailing his dick to the wall.”
Adeline nods emphatically.
Albert settles his chin on my knee, the weight comforting. “The plan came together randomly, but at the same time, all at once. I wanted the problem to go away but at the same time I didn’t want Mom constantly hovering over me. It’s like, if I didn’t tell you all about the monster, than maybe he’d go away on his own.”
“But you asked Elijah to help get rid of the monster. So did he?”
“I think so.”
Her brow lifts. “I haven’t heard of him dumping any bodies in the harbor lately.”
Okay, so maybe she would fit in with Isolde and Ren. “Getting rid of and killing aren’t mutually exclusive.”
She ponders the idea, running her hand through Albert’s fur. “You know not freaking Mom out about this Leopold guy is one thing. Dating Elijah and hiding it from her is another.”
“You know Mom.”
“I know Elijah too,” she replies. “He’s letting you keep him as a dirty secret. Why?”
“Because I asked him too.” I frown. “He’s respecting my wishes.”
Her brow wrinkles slightly. “You’re wearing his T-shirt.”
I glance at the shirt.
“You really like him?”
“Yes.” I’m completely sure of it.
“Like like?”
“Yes.” I roll my eyes this time.
“You love him.”
A silence stretches around us. Adeline’s face stays blank, but I can’t understand if there’s a tinge of sadness or yearning underneath.
Whatever it is, it’s not confusion. She states my feelings like they’re facts.
Mom says she knew Dad was the one for her the moment she laid eyes on him. All around us, other couples divorced or remarried. Lia’s dad has about five mistresses and he’s not the only one.
I’m a naturally cautious person. It’s easy to get swept up. Of course, someone who comes in and wrecks my life—wrecks my body—will have a profound effect on me.
As much as I tell myself to be careful, there’s a gentle wave of calm and peacefulness. I know if I mention it, no one will believe me. This is Elijah Zimin. He’s made a name for himself by twisting those around him for fun.
But I could sit with Elijah and watch paint dry and I’d be happy. Just sitting near him, talking or not, I feel better.
And when I get annoyed, I escape to the bedroom with a book. He brings me water and a snack and leaves me alone. Though, he does wander back in after a while and ends up doing wicked things with his tongue to me.
“It’s new,” I tell her. But the path is set. I know it and so does my sister.
