Page 137 of Never Die for a Sinner
I have to keep her away from Ava.
“What are you doing to her?”
“She’s asleep. She’s very pretty, Levi. I remember her. She was always a sweet girl. Always had eyes for you, even when she was with your best friend. It’s a shame, really.”
“Let her go.”
Mom cocks her head to the side, flashing sharp, vicious teeth when she grins.
“What’s the matter, sweetheart? Do you honestly think she’d stay?”
This isn’t real. It’s a fucking dream.
“Stop. Don’t touch her,” I growl, lurching forward, but the moment I do, I’m thrust another foot back.
Mom strokes her long, sharp claws through Ava’s hair, and my stomach turns.
“Oh . . . sweetie . . . she doesn’t want you. Who could, once they learn the truth?”
“Just leave her alone.”
“What do you think she’s going to say when she finds out the truth? What you did? Do you think she’ll cry?”
“Let. Her. Go.”
Why can’t I wake the fuck up?
“Or maybe she’ll despise you because you’re broken? A scared, helpless coward.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No?”
“Levi?”
I look down, finding Ava watching me, her eyes the same as my mother’s.
It’s not real. It’s not real.
“He was going to kill her.”
“And now you’ll be the one to do it.” Mom smiles sinisterly, looming over Ava in the bed. “One day, you’re going to snap, kill her too. Why wouldn’t you? You’re a murderer.”
“Levi.”
“I did what had to be done.”
“MURDERER!”
“Levi, you’re hurting me.”
In an instant, I snap awake, my mind foggy and full of terror.
“Ava?” I scan the room for her, rubbing my eyes. It’s nearly pitch black, and I fell asleep in my clothes in her bed, so I’m disoriented. She finally finds me, her hand coming out to steady me when she places it on my shoulder.
“It’s okay,” she pants, like she was really struggling. Because of me. “I’m right here.”
Her voice is gentle, but there’s an edge of fear to it that sends a shot of panic through me. When my eyes finally find hers, her brow is furrowed in concern, and she’s kneeling beside me.
