“We need to tell Tobias,” says Tweedle Dee.
To which Tweedle Dum replies, “Finish up with him, doc,” before looking at me. “You ain’t leaving here until you talk to the boss man.”
Oh. Shit.
Torren
I’m inside one of the vacant rooms on the top level. Non-descript white walls surround me, and there’s a bed pushed against the wall that I refuse to rest on. No, I sit in the corner, crying and scratching the walls like the lunatic I am.
This is where I belong—locked in a bedroom where I can’t hurt anyone ever again. No matter how many times I rub myeyes, I can’t get rid of the image of Felix’s blue face and bloody body.
I’m disgusting.
The door creaks open, and my brother walks in. “Torren.” His low, soft voice calms the storm raging inside. He was my confidante—my everything when we were trapped in that hell. Each night, we slept in the same bed, our fingers laced together, dreaming about a better life.
He’s sick like me, but we’re there for each other. Always.
“Tobias,” I croak as tears stain my cheeks. “I let it out. I hurt h—” A sob snatches the rest of my statement.
Tobias shushes as he sits on the floor beside me. He pulls me into his chest and runs his fingers through my hair. “You’re okay, Torren. You didn’t hurt him too badly. You stopped yourself and called for medical. Thatisrestraint.”
I shouldn’t have gone to the diner. I should have listened to Gabe and found a new place. It was the contact that strengthened my yearning and made me go wild when I saw him tonight.
“Why him?” Tobias asks. “There’ve been others, and you didn’t let it out. Why him?”
I wish I had an answer; maybe then I could figure this out, but I don’t. So, I just shrug and say, “I don’t know.”
Tobias sighs and adds, “He’s the Mayor’s son, Torren. This is a dangerous game you’re playing.”
Fuck me.“I know. I’m so sorry. I don’t think Felix would rat you out, and if he does, I’ll be the fall guy. I should be locked up anyway.”
Tobias hugs me tighter and whispers, “You should not be locked up. You lost control, and you stopped.” He’s wrong, but I don’t want to argue. It was more than just getting carriedaway. “I have to talk to him,” Tobias adds. “We need to make sure he won’t say anything.”
“He won’t. Please don’t hurt him, Tobias. He’s already hurt enough.”
Tobias rubs my shoulder. “I won’t hurt him.”
“I know he won’t say anything. I feel it in my bones.”
Tobias leans closer and whispers, “Come with me. Talk to him, Torren.”
“No,” I blurt out. “I can’t. I can never see him again, Tobias. I can’t face him.”
This time, Tobias kisses my temple. “What if he wants to see you?” he asks.
“He can’t. I’m leaving now. I don’t want to see him, but please tell him I’m so sorry.” The thought of facing Felix again is unbearable. What would I even say?
I start to get up, and Tobias helps me.
“Torren, look at me.” It’s hard. I don’t want to look at anyone, but I do. Tobias locks eyes with me and says, “What happened tonight is not the same. I know you think about it a lot, but it isn’t the same. Okay?”
It is.
I don’t want to have this conversation. I just want to go home and hide, so I nod and force my agreement.
“You sure you wanna go home?”
I nod. “Right now.”
