Page 41 of Dark Notes, Volume Two

Jagger says, “The Lighthouse has a room waiting for you. This is your choice Jett. It’s your life, not mine. I hope you make the right decision because there are an awful lot of people that want you around. We can’t make you do this. This is your call.”

Without opening his eyes, he says, “I want to talk to Mia. Alone.”

The entire room turns to me like I have answers and I don’t. Shrugging my shoulders, I mouth, “No idea.”

“Fine.” Jagger says, “Don’t try to fucking manipulate her into taking the restraints off.”

He turns to me, “They stay on, Mia. No matter what.”

I agree, “I promise.”

As everyone leaves the room, my breath hitches as I tremble, terrified of what he’s going to say to me. Why couldn’t they stay?

15

Chapter Twenty-Four

JETT

Mia’s eyes dart around the room, looking everywhere but at me. She’s afraid of me. I’m restrained to a goddamn bed, so it can’t be about her physical safety. Probably emotional.

“Angel, look at me.”

Inhaling a deep breath, she releases it slowly before reluctantly meeting my gaze.

“Hi.” She says as she twists her fingers uncomfortably. “Do you feel different than before?” Her voice is sweet and timid.

The ache to touch her is fucking strong. Even if I weren’t restrained she probably wouldn’t allow it and I don’t blame her.

“Yeah, physically, I think I feel better. My bones don’t ache, which is really fucking nice. My mind is fucked though. I still want to use.”

Finally she turns to look at me and, fuck, it takes my breath away. She’s so fucking beautiful it hurts.

“Angel, please come closer.”

I fucked up and I can see it in her eyes. They’re filled with pain. Knowing I’m the one who put it there is gut-wrenching.

She hesitates and I say, “I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m asking anyway.”

Mia moves like a lamb walking into the lion’s den. As if I’m going to rip her to shreds.

”I’m tied to this fucking bed, baby. I couldn’t hurt you if I wanted to and I promise you, I don’t want to.”

Once she makes it to beside my bed, I stare up at her and, fuck, I see it. I was trying to push her away and I did. My words put a mountain between us and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to make her understand.

I didn’t want her to see me like this. But now, I can’t stomach the thought of her not being with me. I use rage to mask whatever I’m feeling. It’s always been that way.

”I’m not afraid of you, physically, Jett. I know you wouldn’t hit me. Your words are far more damaging than a physical blow. Bruises heal, words stay with you forever. I’d gladly take a punch to the gut over what you said to me.”

”You can sit on the bed,” I say as she shifts back and forth uncomfortably.

When she sits on the edge, my hand is close enough that I’m able to extend my fingers and touch her skin. She shuts her eyes tight like she’s in pain from fingers stroking hers but she doesn’t tell me to stop, so I don’t.

“You fucked her, right? I already know but I need to hear it.”

My heart races as my brain attempts to make sense of her words. The answer is yes, I’ve fucked her but I don’t think that’s what she means.

“You mean ever? Or a specific time?”