“Get over here, boy,” Mr. Green seethed. “Clean this shit up.” He points to his ashtray that he knocked over on the white plush carpet. “I better not see a fucking spot once you’ve finished.” He pushed me to the floor, then stepped on my back to hold me down while he pressed his lit cigarette to my skin. The pain had dimmed long ago. I guess that’s what happens when all youknow is abuse. He’s angry from my lack of reaction, so he digs his shoe into my back harder. My lungs heaved, needing more air the longer he pressed into me. Finally, he raised his foot, making me suck in a painful breath. His dark laugh echoed over me.
He kicked my shoulder hard, making me cry out. “That’s better. I want to see your pain,” he spat down at me. “Now, get to work, you ungrateful little shit.” I heard his steps retreating as I sat up. I knew my shoulder was dislocated, and I also knew he didn’t give a fuck. I’d have to set it back myself.
The only thing that kept me going was knowing when I turned eighteen everything would change. I would never be hurt again. I would be the one doling out the pain and my first victims would be all the foster parents I’d had over the years. A small smile crosses my face. I would get my revenge on these bastards and it would be the sweetest victory. No one would ever scare me again because I was determined to become a powerful, ruthless killer. No one stands a chance against me.
A vow I kept. A promise I made to that broken boy. Until now. I built these walls, this life, to ensure I would never be that helpless child again. And in one moment, Evilin has brought that boy screaming back to the surface.
“Prince!” Vinnie shouts, pulling me from that hellish memory. My eyes snap to him.
“What?” I demand.
“Her eyes fluttered open a moment ago while you were off daydreaming,” he scowls.
Later, we’ll address his disrespect. I shake my head to clear the anger coursing through me. My hands slide up Wynter’s cheeks, silently begging for her beautiful brown eyes to look at me.
Her mouth opens as a whimper falls from her precious lips.
“I’m right here, snowflake. Do you hear me?” I plead, my voice tinged with a vulnerability that feels like acid on my tongue, but she is my weakness.
“Baby, please open your eyes,” I beg, the word a foreign, desperate sound. I press my face into her shoulder, inhaling her scent, trying to will my life force into her. The king is gone, the monster is gone. All that's left is a man on his knees.
“I will kill myself if you don’t wake up,” I promise. “There’s nothing here for me without you.” A tear slides down my face, landing on her soft shoulder.
“Kaden,” she rasps, and I think my heart beats out of my chest hearing her voice again. I jerk up, looking at her closed eyes. My stomach plummets, believing I hallucinated hearing her voice.
“Kade–”
“I’m here, snowflake. Shh, everything is going to be okay.” I look at Vinnie, who has a smile on his face.
“Is she–” I can’t finish the sentence, not knowing if I’m strong enough for the answer.
“I believe we got to her in time,” he sighs, suddenly looking weary.
“Thank fuck. Vinnie,” I begin, but he interrupts me.
“Don’t leave her side tonight. Try to get her to drink some water. I’m going to leave some medicine to combat the nasty side effects she’s bound to have.” I nod my head, but still not fully comprehending that she’s going to be alright.
“Are you sure?” My voice falters, but he doesn’t comment on my weakness. Wynter is my weakness. Something I never knew I’d have, being a heartless bastard but here I am depending on her like my next breath.
“She’s a fighter,” he vows.
“She is,” I agree, looking down at my whole world. I press my lips to her forehead then drape the furs from the chaise up tokeep her warm. I pull her back against my chest, further relaxing with every breath she takes.
Forty Seven
Kaden
Thefirstlightofdawn filters into the suite, casting a pale, grey glow over Wynter’s sleeping form. I haven’t slept. I’ve spent the entire night watching her, my hand resting on herchest, feeling the steady, miraculous rhythm of her breathing. Every rise and fall is a reassurance that the world hasn’t ended. The rage from last night has cooled into something harder, colder. A promise of methodical, absolute retribution.
I slip out of bed and dress in silence. Alrik is waiting for me downstairs in the living room, a tablet in his hand.
“Report,” I command, my voice low and gravelly from lack of use.
“She’s secure,” he says, not needing to ask who I mean. “Sub-level holding cell. Vinnie treated her injuries enough to ensure she doesn’t die on us. She’s conscious. And angry.”
“Good,” I growl. “I want her to be wide awake for what comes next. No one goes near that cell but me. Understood?”
“Understood, sir.”
