“No matter what happens, I need you to stay right here.” Desperation strains my voice, willing her to listen. To be selfish, to not worry about anything but her own safety. But she doesn’t respond, and I don’t have time to wait for her confirmation.
I turn around just as Paul lands a punch in my gut.
Eva
Whore.
Cunt.
I stare at the scene unfolding before me, but it looks strange. So far away. Like a thick sheet of glass separates me from Easton and the monster. Easton’s fist pummels into the monster’s already bloody face, knocking him against the wall. The movement is trapped underwater, a blur in slow motion.
You deserve to rot, rot, rot, just like your mother.
The weight ofhishand, cold and rough, still lingers on my cheek, presses my nose to the mattress. The feel ofhislegs locked around my back, keeping me on my stomach, as he cuts, carves, terrorizes. Hiswords won’t quiet; they drill into my ears, scratch my soul raw, and I wish I was underwater with them so it would stop.
Daughter of a whore.
I own you. Remember?
My chest hurts. I wish I could drown in numbness. I want to disappear.
You were sold, cunt.
You’re mine, mine, mine—
At the word, another voice stirs my consciousness. It’s low, gentle, a soothing caress around my heart.“If you’re mine ... that means I’m yours too.”
I inhale ... exhale.
Red blurs into view, and a cloud of confusion floods me. I tilt my head, trying to make sense of the chaotic picture. I know blood is onhisface, but it’s Easton’s back in front of me. I shouldn’t see red on Easton’s back. Except I do. So muchred... seeping through his shirt.
You’re damaged goods, little girl,tries to pull me back into the nightmare.
Defective, defective, defective—
Why is Easton bleeding?
“I remember the first night I saw you.You were unbreakable.”
My lungs constrict.
Unbreakable.
Unbreakable.
Unbreakable.
A hairy-knuckled fist collides with red, so muchred, and Easton doubles over. He stumbles backward, bumping into the mattress before he slowly rights himself.The monster closes in on him, and I see Easton waver. His stance is unsteady, a wobble in his step.
You’re nothing, nothing, nothing—
“You’re the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen.”
My heart thumps in my ears. My eyes sting with sadness and confusion.
Easton...
My gaze slides to the carpet, where rays of sun highlight the fallen knife just right. It glints silver beneath the red, so muchred. I reach up to touch the jagged edges carved into my skin.
