Page 38 of Painfully Merry

“If you do, I’ll bring you down here alone next time.”

They both back away from me as I lie silently, tears falling into my hair. My body shakes with tiny tremors from their threats. What I witnessed isn’t right. Two siblings shouldn’t be touching each other like that. Even at the age of twelve, I knew it was wrong.

“Sabrina, no one is going to hurt you now. They aren’t here.” Parker wraps his arms around me, crushing me into his chest. “Fuck, baby. They aren’t here, do you hear me?”

“Jesus, Sabbins, I’ll kill them if you want. Just give me the names, and I’ll do it before the new year.”

“Thanks, Chaos. That won’t be necessary.”

“Is this the same Uncle that helped steal from the company?”

I dipped my forehead. “The one and only.”

Parker slowly backed away, shaking his head. “Nope, not gonna work. After Kevin is dealt with, I want the names of everyone, Black.”

“What he said, Sabby. I’ll be ready to shed blood anytime for you.”

A burn builds behind my eyes. “Can we finish this already?” I turn away before they notice the tears fall.

I rip open the basement door, taking the stairs one at a time before I can change my mind. Bright lights shine near the staircase. The last time I was down here, the power was out, and I was drowning in the pitch black. When I turn and glance at the guys, they smile.

“We didn’t want you coming down in the darkness,” Parker tells me.

I turn back, stepping into the open space where Kevin is tied to the same chair I was. I stand motionless in front of Kevin, his one eye swollen shut, blood crusted from a cut near his hairline. A chilling smile rises on his lips as he watches me.

“Sabrina, what a pleasure,” he rasps out. “You didn’t have to send your mutts after me.”

I clench my teeth, so I don’t say anything stupid. I have all the time to talk to him. I would make him rot down here if I had it my way. Parker steps next to me, laying a hand on my trembling shoulder.

“You got this. Make the bastard talk.”

Chaos steps behind Kevin, tugging his head back and placing a knife at his throat. “You’ll answer every question truthfully. If you don’t, I will start slicing.”

“And how are you going to know I lied?” Kevin chuckles.

Chaos pulls his head back, exposing his neck more, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Chaos taps it three times.

“I have my ways, asshole. Sugarplum, ask away.” His blue eyes meet mine.

I’m unsure where to start. My mind can’t wrap around with the idea that someone would steal from me. Let alone be involved with a family member.

“Why would my Uncle get you involved?”

He rolls his eyes. “Don’t be stupid, Sabrina. He knows the ins and outs of the entire company. Who else would help?”

Chaos jerks his hair back, making Kevin wince.

“Was it your idea or his?”

He takes too long to answer, and Chaos slices him with his knife.

“Fuck, you asshole,” Kevin howled. Blood drops from the small slice. “It was his idea. I made it look like the company was making a profit so no one would notice.”

Parker scoffs. “Little good that did.”

“I don’t understand why he would do such a thing to Grandpa or the company. It doesn’t make sense.”

“And that makes you stupid.” He screams in pain again.

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