Page 83 of Forgive Me For I Have Sinned

I almost choke when I hear the twins. "Me too."

I pull him out, licking my lips, and he turns, putting himself away. "I love you."

"I think that was a yes," Jess says.

CHAPTER 31

Veronica

"How did you get into the Consortium?" I ask Adam, placing the clean plates on the serving counter.

It's my last day at the restaurant. I wanted to help Dorothy and Adam out until Melody can start part-time tomorrow. She needs to get into college and wants to save money and her brother wants to help her out.

Adam clears his throat, closing the door to the dishwasher after loading the cups. "Valen came and offered me a sweet deal."

I draw my eyebrows together because the sons of Kenyan don't ordinarily allow anyone into the Consortium that isn't from the Order.

"How's that? You attending high school then OSU.”

He smiles. "I'm not the only one, Veronica. They have people everywhere and only the loyal ones are allowed in." He lowers his voice. "If you fuck up, you’re dead. How did you think I got the QB1 spot?" He leans close. "Perks of taking care of their girl."

I shake my head in confusion. He rolls his eyes. "The night of the frat party. I was already one of them, Veronica. Alaric showed up and the rest…I can't go into detail. That is all I'm allowed to say."

Adam was one of them the whole time?

"Did you know I went to Kenyan before?"

"What do you think?" he asks, moving to the napkins and rolling them over the silverware.

He did.

"I think you are more involved than what you're telling me, but I get it. You’re sworn to secrecy or they will cut your head off."

He nods. "I'm glad you understand." He looks toward the window. "Do you need a ride?"

"Nope. I'll wait for Alaric's driver." I bend and grab my bag. "I'll be off."

"Are you sure?" I reach on my tippy toes and give him a peck on the cheek. "Yep."

I walk over and give Dorothy a tight hug.

"You be good now," she says in a raspy voice.

I look up and scrunch my nose. "I will if you promise to stop smoking."

"Stop stealing my Virginia Slims and I won't buy more cigarettes."

I raise my hand in the air before pushing the exit door open. "Excuses excuses. Bye. Love you guys!"

I walk down the three steps, looking left and right for the familiar black SUV, but I don't see Portman. I pull out my phone, sliding the text app open so I can text him, and walk deeper into the parking lot. I hear footsteps. When I look up, a large hand clamps over my mouth. I try to take gulps of air and thrash my arms dropping my phone. I kick my legs, trying to get free, but I can't. I can hear breathing from behind me and then something black covers my nose that smells funny. Adrenaline floods my veins in panic when my vision goes dark.

I bolt upward needing oxygen and feel the clinking sounds of chains. My arms feel heavy. I blink rapidly, my eyes trying to focus. The smell of dirt filters my nose. It's dark. I blink a couple of times, trying to get used to the light.

"It's about time." I hear Dorian's voice.

I close my eyes, trying to calm the racing of my heartbeat. I glance down and I'm lying in a dirty bathtub. A shudder runs through me. I begin to gag.

"It's normal. Halothane can cause nausea after it's inhaled."

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