Page 58 of August and the Night

I scoff, a bitter edge creeping into my tone. "I didn’t fabricate anything. I just exposed what she has been doing."

Dante's glare could have burned holes through steel as he leans forward, his voice low and laden with a potent mix of anger and accusation. "You don't get it, do you? Lily fought battles that were meant for Layla. She shielded her from the darkness, took abuse so Layla could be safe."

I try to deny it because believing it would mean that I truly did something unforgivable to these girls. Before I can deny it much longer, his gruff voice cuts me off, his expression lethal. "Lily only came up with the plan to sell Layla’s virginity to assure she is safe. He would have raped her if Lily didn’t do that; she meant to escape with Layla before that ever happened."

I feel my heart drop and my stomach twist as he continues. “She took on the role of the seductress in Layla’s place. She had to do unspeakable things just so your women didn’t have to. She protected her tooth and nail.”

The weight of his words hits me like a ton of bricks, realization crashing over me like a tidal wave. Lily's sacrifice, the torment she endured—it all falls into place. The pieces of the puzzle that I had chosen to ignore suddenly form a clear picture of the lengths Lily had gone to protect Layla.

I pale, guilt washing over me like a relentless tide. The implications of my actions, the pain I had inadvertently caused both Lily and Layla, are undeniable. My hand trembles slightly as I bring it to my chin, rubbing at my beard in frustration.

Dante's voice is a low, raw growl as he continues, his words a condemnation that pierces through my defenses. "She did things she shouldn't have had to do, all to protect your little dove."

A heavy sigh escapes me, guilt and regret weighing down my every breath. I feel the weight of my mistakes settle like an anchor around my neck. "I know," I mutter, my voice tinged with guilt. The truth was in front of me all along, I just chose to ignore it.

Dante's gaze holds mine, understanding passing between us. "You punished two innocent girls for something they had no hand in," he states.

My hand trembles, the weight of my actions crashing down on me like a tidal wave. His words reverberate in my mind, the reality of my choices becoming painfully clear.

But he isn't done; his voice softens as he continues. "Layla has nothing to do with your parents' death. Why are you punishing her for it?"

My head snaps up, surprise and realization etched across my features. "How do you know about my parents?" I ask.

Dante smirks, a wry twist to his lips. "Layla is really important to Lily. I did a bit of digging to find out who she was involved with."

I fall back into my seat, my hand rubbing my face in exasperation. "I messed up," I mumble, the weight of my actions crashing over me like a tidal wave.

His gaze holds mine, his expression a mixture of understanding and gravity. "You messed up," he agrees, his voice laced with the weight of truth. "You need to grovel."

I nod slowly, the realization settling over me like a heavy fog. "A whole lot," I add, a sense of determination mingling with the guilt that consumes me.

46

Layla

I lie in my bed, consumed by disgust. It has been a week since my last shower, and I reek. I must look like a complete mess, a reflection of the turmoil within me. Words cannot express the self-loathing I feel. I am like one of those monsters that appear beautiful on the outside but are a tangled, horrifying mess on the inside. Just like August Steele. There is no difference between him and me.

Well, perhaps there is one integral difference. He became a monster due to my family's actions. As for me, I was born one—I just never realized it. But that still doesn't justify August's actions.

Lily, my father put her through unimaginable pain, yet she remained an angel, a guardian for me. And I tore her wings off and fed them to her.

I don't deserve Lily. I wish she had let me suffer—be raped and tortured—while she lived her life and protected herself. Because I deserve it.

I deserve to be treated like scum, for that's what I am. I hurt my real soul mate, my best friend, and my protector for the infatuation I had with a man. And what did it gain me? The man I gave myself to, the man I believed over someone who truly cares for me, discarded me like I meant nothing. Because in reality, I mean nothing.

I wish Lily had fought for someone who actually meant something—herself. I wish Lily had fought for Lily.

Finally, I drag myself out of bed, nearly suffocating from my own stench, and make my way to the bathroom. I strip off my week-old clothes stained with tears, mucus, and who knows what else, and stand before the mirror.

The woman staring back at me is an exact reflection of the monster I am inside. My hair resembles a rat's nest, golf ball-sized bags weigh down my eyes, my lips are chapped and bloody, and my ribs poke out from my emaciated stomach. I don't deserve to eat, so I don't. My diet for the past week consisted of a couple of pieces of toast; I can't stomach food nor am I deserving of it.

I turn on the shower, letting ice-cold water wash over me. From this day forward, I will fully embrace the monster I am. I will relieve Lily of the burden of pretending to be a monster and reclaim the title for myself. I will be her guardian angel this time; she is the only weak spot a villain like me is allowed to have.

I shave, spending half an hour untangling and brushing my hair, which I haven't touched in a week. I apply a face mask and pamper myself. I am going to chew men up and spit them out.

If my father wants a seductress to further his deals, then a seductress he shall have. Only this time, it won't be Lily. It will be me. If anyone in the world deserves my sacrifices, it's her. And it's not even a sacrifice; I was born for this. The position of the seductress was meant for me since birth; I was born to lure men, born to be a sexual being.

Practice makes perfect, right? I am determined to take Lily's place. I wish I could alleviate her pain, but I know I can't. So, I'll settle for preventing any future pain from reaching her. However, I realize I don't have enough experience for that. I've only slept with one man in the twenty-three years I've been alive. While he had many kinks and taught me many things, I need more practice and experience to become the perfect seductress my father desires.

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