Page 4 of Beautiful Revenge

Our parents aren’t stupid, though. They see the bruises on her, and the pain in her eyes. They’ve asked us before if we know anything, and they know we do and refuse to say anything. I think it’s a silent agreement within our family that we just choose to give Briar the safety and love she needs when she comes over. We don’t want her running away like she did the first time our parents asked her if she was safe.

One day, though, I want to make her safe. I love Briar. She’s my best friend, and I know Devon feels the same way.

“Die Hard?” she asks Dev, getting excited.

I love that she can watch girly movies but still enjoys watching the action ones we like.

“You know it!” Dev winks at her, and she giggles, relaxing into the bed.

Whatever horrors she’s keeping to herself tonight, I pray they don’t destroy the light we get to see. I need my best friend to be okay.

Once the movie starts playing, we settle into the spots we always do on nights like this. She curls into my side, seeking comfort, I think, while Dev holds her hand in a tight grip, never once letting go.

He’s never been one to accept affection like I have, but Briar worked her way into our hearts that first day two years ago, and she will always be there.

“You want to talk about it?” I whisper, resting my head on top of hers.

She shakes her head. “No. Not tonight, Dyl. Maybe someday I’ll tell you everything,” she whispers, sniffling.

I share a look with Dev over her head, and I know he’s angry. He wants to hurt whoever hurt her. Sometimes the anger he holds inside of him scares me. It’s darker than anything I’ve ever felt, but it only ever seems to be directed at anyone who tries to hurt the people he loves.

DEVON

I feelan anger inside of me that I can’t fully explain. I know Dylan can feel it, and it worries him, but I truly have no idea what it is. I just know that Briar’s hurting pisses me off.

The knowledge that her father is hurting her behind the doors of her own home just trips something inside of me. He’s supposed to love her and care for her, not hurt her.

I squeeze her hand a little tighter, seeking the comfort she gives me. The only time I feel like I can truly breathe is when she’s touching me, and I know she’s here and safe with us.

She’s lying to us tonight. She said as much, but we both know she won’t tell us what’s wrong. I can see the pain in her eyes, and it’s harsher tonight. It took a little longer for her to relax than it normally does, and she almost cried.

She never cries. That in itself is enough to have this anger shooting through me like never before. But I know no matter what, she still won’t tell us what happened tonight. I want to be mad at her for that, but I can’t.

Whenever I have her close, it’s as if my sole purpose is to hold her and keep her safe. To comfort her in whatever way she needs. It’s like my soul attunes to hers in a way I can’t explain.

“Are you okay over there, mean one?” she asks, sassing me, and I smirk.

“Still with the mean one,” I shake my head, pretending I’m hurt. “And here I would have thought you’d realize I’m the badass by now.” I wink at her and for the first time tonight, she laughs, and it eases that knot inside of me a little.

“I know you’re a badass,” she whispers the word, like she’ll get in trouble for swearing. It would be cute if I wasn’t positive she was truly afraid.

“Hey! What about me?” Dylan asks, distracting her the way he does best, and it works.

She smiles over to him. “You’re a very sweet badass,” she whispers, and he beams at her.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say my brother was in love with Briar, but we’re only twelve, and she’s only ten. That isn’t really something that’s on our minds. It’s impossible to truly be in love this young. Right?

I do know we’ve talked about how important she is to the both of us, though. How we would do anything in our power to help her if we were older and stronger. We would do anything to make sure she feels safe and loved. To see that she never had to feel pain and uncertainty in life ever again.

Someday.

Someday, we won’t be twelve and useless. When that day comes, I’m going to unleash the anger that I feel now, and the person causing her tears will be sorry.

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