Page 140 of Unravelling The Beast

"What the fuck is he doing there?"

I know the fucking answer when she remains silent and just stares at me. He intends to make a deal for sex trafficking.

"That mother-fuck…"

Before I glance at her again and speak, I rub my palm over my mouth.

"And you agree with this, do you? What is he planning with human trafficking?"

She attempts to defend herself by raising her voice.

"Of course not!"

We stare at each other in silence, and I realize she never truly had a say in anything my old man did. She's dealt with his continual abuse, betrayal, and this horrific world for years, and she's always handled it well, but I sometimes wonder how she does it and why she’s put up with it. My mom is a strong woman, but she is weak for allowing him to repeatedly abuse her trust.

She sighs as she breaks eye contact.

"Is this all about that girl?"

I become enraged and raise my voice.

"WREN!"

I'm furious that she didn't even have the decency to say her fucking name.

"I'm tired of people calling her ‘The Nanny’ or ‘Girl.’ WREN is her fucking name!"

She studies me as she stands straighter, her gaze narrowing.

"You're in love with her?"

My jaw clenches and I speak with clenched teeth.

"I don't fucking love anyone."

She stares at me again before lifting her chin and continuing.

"So, why the hell won't you let her go, Arlo?"

I don’t take my gaze off of hers; all my blood is rushing through my veins like a fucking maelstrom.

"I haven't seen you like this since—"

"DON'T!"

Her entire body freezes, and she clamps her mouth shut.

"Do you really believe it matters who I fucking care about in this life, mom? That cunt will keep trying to control and ruin things for me. I, like you, have no say in this life."

She finally decides to speak.

"So you care about her?"

I narrow my eyes.

"Yes, I fucking care about her!"

I recognise it's probably the first time I've ever said that out loud, and to the one person who didn't even deserve to hear it.

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