He reels back like I slapped him.
And maybe I did.
But he isn’t the only one who made a promise.
I’ll make sure you get home.
Taunting words that taste just as bitter as the memories of Christopher’s blood leaking through my fingers. The damp press of his tears against my cheek as I dragged him back to my bedroom, cursing the villain who got to him before me.
As if I am any better.
“So, that’s it.” He bites off each word, “Time to cut and run like a coward.”
“I’m doing this for you.”
“Bullshit. You’re doing this because you’re scared.” Eyes blazing, Christopher leans across the center console, “You think nobody is capable of loving you, but I think I’ve made it pretty fucking clear that’s not the case.”
“You made a promise to your crew. It’s time to see it through.”
“This isn’t about my fucking crew. This is about me and you.” An anxious, frustrated sound escapes his chest, “Ask me to stay, Calista. Not because it’s right but because it’s what you want. BecauseI’mwhat you want.”
For a woman who takes whenever there is an opportunity to give, I find myself giving away the only thing I would have sacrificed the world to take.
Giving Christopher the family and the life he deserves.
“Go home, Devil. I don’t want you here.”
My shoes hit the gravel and the roar of Christopher’s engine fills the air. Tires squeal as he punches it out of the driveway, pellets of rain splashing across my face as I watch him escape to a place where light and laughter don’t come with a cost.
A place where he belongs.
I press my lips together as the warmth of his presence disappears with his taillights. My body starts to tremble as the chills slink back in, the emptiness expanding like a balloon in my chest, the never-ending weight of the hope that’s been lost.
You’re safe now.
Chapter 58
CALISTA
There was always one last trial.
A game to be played, a challenge to be met. It was not about overthrowing the Dragon so much as it was living up to her expectations.
Surpassing the plans she had made.
I walk through the halls of the house I was brought to, the walls that heard my screams and masked my cries. Each step brings me closer to my future, a step closer to the woman who designed it for me.
“And so she returns.”
I come to a stop in front of Maleficent, watching the steam swirl from her coffee mug, the same mug she’s used since the day I became her own.
Her eyes, so much darker than mine, drift across my face. Studies and examines my features with a slight tilt to her lips, amusement just waiting to be released.
“My safe was rather empty this morning. Find anything interesting?”
“Just an inheritance with some old documents.”
A beat passes as we stare at each other, hearing the words neither one of us are willing to say.
