Page 126 of The Rivals' Touch

There’s a tightness in my chest, an ache that spreads and slowly suffocates me. To stop myself from crying, I throw my bottle at the bleachers with all my strength and bite down on my bottom lip until I taste blood on my tongue. I hate feeling this way. I want to be with her—with all of them. I don’t want to hurt and be scared anymore. I’m so fucking sick of feeling like my power has been taken from me.

The door opens, and Zayd and Jacob enter the room and swagger over to the bleachers. They sit down, and their eyes seek me out before I have a chance to look away. I’m trapped in their gaze, rooted to the spot, a thick lump forming in my throat.

My heart squeezes painfully, and the ache becomes too much. I can’t breathe.

I haven’t been in the same room as them since that day when Mr. Beaufort put his hands on me while Bennett and my father watched.

It hurts. My soul lashes out against the confines of my body, seeking a way out, somewhere to escape. I’m not strong enough for this. I thought I was, but no. How can I hurt the people who stole my heart for themselves?

Ask me to fight for you.

Zayd flicks his hair out of his eyes and pierces me with his dark gaze.

I’ll hunt you down every time!

I sweep my eyes over to Jacob, who leans forward with his elbows on his knees.

I’ll get to the bottom of it. Trust me, Remi! And when I do, I’m coming for you!

Legacy steps closer, but my feet move, and I escape across the gym before I realize what’s happening. I throw open the door and flee. I don’t stop running. The burning pain in my lungs is the only thing that keeps me from losing it. I’m tearing at the seams; emotions flood through me like a tidal wave. I’m about to break into a million tiny pieces and float away on the wind.

There are always consequences. It’s time you face yours.

I can’t see through the tears blurring my vision. The world ceases to exist, and it’s just me and my pain, running from my past.

It has finally caught up with me.

“What pretty piggy tails you have today.” My daddy smiles, running his hand through my hair. “Such a pretty young lady, and today is your birthday.”

I beam, proud to finally be eight years old. My mommy said I’m not a little girlanymore, and that’s why I got a doll’s house for my birthday. It’s bigger thanmy desk. Mommy said it was expensive, so I must look after it well. It goes with my Malibu car.

“Are you warm, baby girl? Let’s take this pretty dress off you.”

“I’m not warm, Daddy.” I lift my arms, and he slides my dress off.

“Daddy is warm. Will you be a good girl and undo Daddy’s belt?”

“Are you hurt, Daddy?”

He strokes his hand down my hair. “My wrist is sore. Think you can help Daddy out?”

I fiddle with his belt. My hands are too small, but Daddy is patient with me.

“And the buttons.”

“Remi! Fuck, Remi! Stop!” I’m lifted off the ground from behind. “Stop screaming!”

“Fuck, we need to calm her down.”

“Bring her over to the bench.”

“Good girl. Slide the zipper down for Daddy. I have a birthday present for you. You’re a big girl now, aren’t you, sweetie?”

I nod, pulling his zipper down. “Mommy told me so.”

“She’s right, and big girls look after their Daddy.”

“Remi! Look at me!”

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