My gaze snaps to her, brows knitted. “I don’t plan on letting any of them hurt me or anyone else ever again.” I seethe.
Her eyes widen with delight, a big toothy grin spreading across her face.
“It’s vengeance!” she squeals, far too loud, and I glance around quickly before hissing,
“Blush…”
“Oh, come on,” she pouts. “Let me come. I’m fucking bored here, and Iloveto watch a good revenge unravel.”
I growl under my breath, thoughts spiraling, rage simmering.
“I’ll stay out of it if you want me to,” Blush says, surprisingly calm. “Unless things get messy, of course. But I get it. I respect you wanting to do the dirty work yourself without help.”
I sigh as we reach my door, hand hesitating on the handle.
“Fine,” I breathe, knowing I don’t really have a choice.
“Yes!” she squeals, practically vibrating with glee. “So, do we need to dress up?” Her eyes sparkle like she’s already picturing it.
I glance around to make sure no one’s within earshot, then lean in close.
“It’s a gentleman’s club,” I whisper. “We’ll pose as workers in the private rooms. The women usually disguise their faces.”
“Cool. And how are we getting there?” she asks.
“I was just gonna catch a taxi or something.”
She shakes her head once.
“Nope. Billy will give us a ride,” she says, smacking her big tits with both hands. “All I have to do is shove these babies in his face and flutter my lashes.”
I grin, shaking my head as I pull the door open.
“Be here around eight-ish,” I say over my shoulder, and she gives a playful nod before I step inside.
Flashback– Arabella
I tear down the street barefoot, the cold biting into my skin, nightie clinging to my body. Every breath is sharp, ragged, and I keep glancing over my shoulder, convinced I’m being chased. The darkness swallows the world around me, the dim flicker of streetlights my only guide, my only hope.
Then I see it—a black van idling beneath the halo of a lamp post. It’s him. It has to be. My heartbeat pounds like a war drum, panic clawing its way up my throat as a silhouette steps into view, but I don’t slow down. I can’t.
When I finally see his face, calm beneath the light, a soft smile playing on his lips like this is all just part of the plan, my body gives out. I crash into him, and Gray catches me instantly, arms wrapping around me, steady and secure.
“I didn’t bring anything,” I say, breathless. “I just… I ran.”
He pulls back just enough, his hands warm on my shoulders as he scans me. His gaze lingers on my busted lip, then the dark bruise under my eye. He doesn’t say anything—he never does. His silence says enough. Zye’s marks are all over me, swarming my body and he’s been a lot rougher lately. Like he’s been punishing me more than unusual.
“It’s fine,” Gray declares, voice soft. “I have everything you need.”
A sob slips out before I can stop it, a sharp, helpless sound. Years of pain swell in my chest and it’s a tidal wave I can’t hold back. He pulls me in tighter, his arms wrapped around me like a shield.
“Everything’s going to be okay, Arabella.”
He guides me quickly around the side of the van, away from the street and possible watchful eyes. I wipe my tears with the back of my hand, but they keep coming.
“It’s just as we planned. I’ve got your passport, clothes, cash. When you land in Canada, I’ll follow. Just a few weeks. Once it’s quiet and everything’s settled, I’ll be right beside you.”
I nod, but my stomach churns. There’s still a weight sitting in me.
