Instinct takes over, and my leg kicks out, catching Reed in the balls. His body drops on top of me, his full weight making me gasp out what little air I was able to suck in.
“What the fuck, Gravenhurst?” he spits out, his words laced with venom as he sits up, cupping himself, anger flaring in his eyes.
Coughing, I try to catch my breath as tears spring to my eyes, threatening to roll down my cheeks.
“You wouldn't stop!” I shout through ragged breaths.
“Why the hell would I stop? You’re my girlfriend, Verena; it’s nothing we haven’t done before.”
I’m baffled by his audacity. Anger flickers through me, something akin to rolling thunder in a brutal storm.
“You don’t just get to take what you want, when you want it, Reed. I deserve better than that.”
He scoffs. “Don’t be so fucking pretentious, Gravenhurst. That name will only get you so far.”
“Take me home,” I demand, no longer wanting to spend another moment alone with him.
A wicked laugh ripples through him, fueling my anger further.
“I said, take me home,” I grit through my teeth.
“As you wish, princess.” His tone is malicious and cruel. He leaves the back seat, slamming the door behind him, and I jump at the sudden noise. I don’t know what the hell has gotten into him lately, but it’s left a sour taste on my tongue. He slides into the front seat and starts the engine. Adjusting my skirt, I stay seated in the back and buckle my seatbelt. Reed presses on the gas, and gravel kicks up from beneath the tires. We sit in silence, and I peer up at him in the rearview mirror. He doesn’t meet my gaze, doesn’t say a word, just stares ahead, his expression cold as he flexes his jaw. Folding in on myself, I tuck my knees into my chest, protecting what’s left of my faulty heart.You are Verena Gravenhurst. You’ll be home soon. You’ll be okay.
TWENTY-SEVEN
VERENA GRAVENHURST
Irritation gnaws at me like a parasite as I lie awake, staring at the ceiling. The room is quiet, save for the steady tick…tock…from the ancient grandfather clock down the hall, which only manages to deepen my vexation. The look of disappointment on Reed’s face when I returned to the vehicle empty-handed, and his rough hands and harsher words later that evening, eat away at my every thought. I’ve been rolling back and forth in my bed since climbing into it hours ago. Sleep never came, and my annoyance slowly morphed into an unrelenting anger.
On a huff, I ball the comforter in my fist and yank it from my body. A sharp, burning pain shoots through my shoulder as I roll from my bed and pad across my bedroom to the tall mirror leaning against the wall. Standing before it, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. Someone I no longer recognize stares back at me. My body has filled out more since I’ve arrived at the Gravenhurst Manor, and I’m far from the lost and malnourished girl I was months ago. I have a purpose and a sense of belonging now more than ever. I toss my hair over one shoulder and let thesleeve of my robe slide down my arm, just enough to glimpse the pattern that now marks my skin forever.
H-I-S. I gently run the pad of my finger over the marred flesh, tracing my fingers along the petals, and wince at the light touch. It’s been a little over a week, and the pain still hasn’t ebbed.
I catch a blur of movement behind me through the mirror and pull my sleeve back up with haste. I swallow as our eyes lock. Loxen leans lazily against the doorframe, staring at me through the reflection. His arms are crossed against his chest, the sleeves of his black t-shirt straining against his biceps. My heart hammers against my ribs. Did he see the mark?
His eyes narrow, suddenly suspicious, and I nervously break our gaze. “Are you going to say something, or just stand there and stare?”
“Haven’t decided yet.” He’s quick to reply, and I don’t have to turn around to know that annoying smirk is holding his lips hostage. I swipe two bobby pins from atop my dresser and stride towards the door with a newfound diligence, eager to pick the lock that bested me earlier today.
Loxen blocks my exit with his large frame, his body hard and unmoving, but his eyes soft and searching mine with a delicacy and fervour that’s never beheld me before. I tip my head up, ignoring the way my chest aches under his stare. “Is there a reason you’re standing in my doorway in the middle of the night, asshole?” I take a step towards him, our bodies nearly touching.
The muscle in his jaw tenses, and his gaze drops to my mouth for half a heartbeat.
“Do I need to have a reason?” His lips are inches away from mine, and I almost let myself get swept away in the hypnotic depth of his eyes when my mind is pulled back to the Society and my unfinished task. I take a step back, allowing the tension between our bodies to be replaced with some much-needed distance. Disappointment flashes across his face so quickly,it would have gone unnoticed had I not been studying every inch of his features.
“Shouldn’t you be lulled to sleep by now, dreaming about whatever rubbish yourboyfriendfills your head with?” I know he’s deflecting his true feelings from the sting of rejection. Mr. Mysterious is not as mysterious as he likes to think.
“Careful, Lox, you’re starting to sound jealous.” A smirk mirroring his own signature expression tugs at the corner of my mouth.
Loxen scoffs, rolling his eyes as if my words are completely preposterous.
I take this moment to swiftly slide past his body before he can cage me in or make an objection. My footsteps are light, not wanting to draw attention from Archie or other members of the household, but Loxen’s voice echoes in the silent corridors, oblivious of my attempt to be stealthy.
“Where are you going, anyway?” He follows closely behind, like a curious puppy tagging along for a walk.
“Will you be quiet! I don’t see how that is any of your business.” My frustration seems to amuse him, as it does not deter him from following suit.
“Youare my business, little crow.”
