Page 64 of Mariposa
Kade sighs like he’s contemplating.
“I don’t know,” he mumbles uncomfortably. “This isn’t like you. Who are you and what have you done with Penny?” he questions curiously with a tilt of his head. Still, he’s as serious as ever.
“It’s my girlfriend’s birthday, so steaks and beer actually sound like a good time. Right, Violet?” He’s trying to figure out a way to spend more time with me. Adam’s grip on my arm tightens. His fingers and nails dig into my skin to the point where pain strikes back. I try to wiggle out, but he doesn’t let up. Adam’s brown eyes darken—meanwhile, Penny continues to blush and giggle at a nonchalant Kade. His eyes blaze with an emotion I can’t decipher while he catches Adam’s hold around my arm.
I flinch and nod, conceding.
“Right, Dad?” his tone darkens like he’s daring his father to say no. Knowing Kade and his motivation to fix the damaged relationship with his son, his guilt won’t allow him to say no.
“Sure. Just warning you now, Kirk likes to stay up late, but I’ll give him a call.” Kade concedes. He reaches into his pocket, taking out his cell and cigarettes.
24
VIOLET
All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Kirk showed up about thirty minutes later. Adam and Penny left for the corner store to grab Shiner, and I stayed. After I take off my shoes, I walk into the kitchen to get a glass of water. I keep checking my phone notifications, hoping for updates on my grandmother and wishing my mother and sister would send me a happy birthday message.
Do they even remember?
It’s hopeless.
They still haven’t called or texted me. As I stare at my zero missed calls and texts log, Kade and Kirk burst into a roar of laughter, grabbing my attention. Kade takes a hit of his cigarette while Kirk chews on tobacco.
Shaking my head, I rub my arms for comfort.
I need to get out of here. Adam is no longer my family. It feels like I don’t belong. Lately, I’ve felt like I don’t belong anywhere. I don’t have a home or family.
But joining the Army has given me a sense of it. I’ve made friends who I consider sisters and brothers. Whenever Kadelooked at me, it was a storm of tortured emotions, and I fought against it as much as I could, but it’s one battle I can’t win. He created a dark tunnel to break me, but he always made sure to let me know there was light at the end of it. His arms made me feel safe when I was wrapped in them.
The tall glass I was holding slips through my fingers and shatters at my feet, snapping me out of my thoughts. I take a step back, standing on top of the scattered, broken, and sharp edges. Pain shoots up from the bottom of my foot, and I hiss. A trail of red follows, and I curse aloud.
“Shit.”
The back door explodes open, but I’m too busy looking for the broom and cleaning supplies to look at who it is.
“I’m so sorry. I-I’m clumsy.”
“Here.” He tries to guide me away from the glass.
Kade.
“Step away,” he says.
“No.”
“Step away,” his authoritative tone declares once more.
“No, Kade. I got this.”
“Goddamit, you’re so fucking stubborn.” He grabs me by the waist and lifts me into the air. I gasp as I grip his shoulders. He plops my ass on the edge of the white counter and gets on one knee.
“Let me look at it. I have medical training.”
“Yeah. So do I. I can do this.”
“Fucking hell, Violet. Let me take care of you.” His dark brows knit together. His pupils expand as he pleads. My shoulders slump, and the shell I hide behind obliterates whenever he shows me mercy.
