"Why? Why do you want to come with me?"
"Because I want to make sure you're safe." It's as simple as that.
I don't think I said anything wrong, but Seb's lips start trembling, and he throws himself at me.
"I love you," he mumbles.
"I love you, boy."
"Always. You'll always be mine." It sounds like a threat, but I don't mind.
"Always."
Chapter thirty-five
Sebastian
The next few days are a blur of work and time spent with my Daddy. But I'm not fooling anyone. Daddy keeps asking me what's wrong, and I keep brushing him off.
At first, I was fine. I swear I was. But slowly, the darkness started creeping back in. Again.
I should've known.
Thinking about my past brings me down like nothing else can. The darkness digs its claws into me and refuses to let go. My thoughts keep turning darker by the minute. I'm just an unwilling prisoner to it.
I hate it.
I despise it.
Usually, I'd take a blade and deal with it myself, but I made a promise to my Daddy. And to be honest, the blade doesn't hold the same appeal anymore. Everything just feels so… blank.
Emotionless.
Pointless.
Useless.
"Hey, are you okay? Do you need a short break?" Conrad asks.
I blink, realizing I've been staring at the alcohol bottles without taking orders. We're not full tonight, but still.
"Sorry about that. I was just spacing."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it. If you need a break, just say the word."
Conrad's such a sweetheart. I wonder how he ended up working for someone like Ethan.
I try to lose myself in taking orders and serving behind the bar, but I'm not feeling it. There's this hollow pit growing inside me, and I have no idea what to do about it.
I think back to what my Daddy made me promise and make up my mind.
I don't know what to do, but maybe Daddy will.
"Hey, Conrad? I'll take that short break you offered."
"Sure. Take your time. We're having a calm night for once."
"Thanks."
