That one was complicated, but I forced myself to laugh. “My man would cut off his own hands before he ever harmed me with them. No, this—” I gestured to the bruise Dex had given me. “This was allyourman.”
His breathing picked up, panic increasing.
“You’re a Stray.”
Not really, but that didn’t matter right now. “Now you’ve got it. They call me—”
“Little Snake Prince,” he finished for me. A nickname only Dex had ever really called me.
I winked.
And he ran.
He didn’t even close the door behind him as he bolted to the car, started it up, and pulled out of the lot. Tires screeched as he drove off.
I pulled out my phone and called Dex, letting him know his rabbit was on the move, and that he was ready to be caught.
Then I was alone again.
forty-eight
Harper
SECRET DEALS IN SHADY ROOMS.
The hotel room was paid for two more days, and I had enough stolen food to last a couple of days as well.
Then I had no money, no place to go, and no way to get there. Jonah had taken the car with him.
I should have used my time until now trying everything I could to find a job. Instead, I was lying on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, and feeling every bit of the situation I’d put myself in.
I was alone.
I’d abandoned Benny, abandoned Matthew and my family, abandoned my snakes. All to keep them safe.
I’d sent Jonah away, and Dex along with him.
Now I had nothing, and no one.
Rock bottom.
It all piled on until the weight of it crushed me. I was so overwhelmed with everything that I felt nothing at all.
Ineededto do something.
I didn’t care.
Everything mattered, and nothing did.
All I wanted was Benny. I wanted him to do as he’d said, to hold me and keep me safe while I rested.
It was my fault. Everything. I deserved this.
The room grew darker, but I remained on the floor, staring up at the ceiling as silent tears dampened the sides of my face, dispersing into my hair.
What was I supposed to do?
I couldn’t fix this.
