Page 84 of Mercy & Malice

“I’m in control. I won’t kill him. Yet.” I pull the dagger out again. Cain and my brother stand there, watching but not moving to stop me. They know a lot, but they don’t know everything. “I just need to know what his favorite time together was.”

Julian’s face pales as he barely struggles against the restraints. “You’re fucking crazy, dude.”

“Being locked in a cage can do that.” I place the blade against his skin, just letting the tip break the skin as I say, “Freedom is a luxury. And it’s the worst feeling when someone else is in complete control of yours. Don’t you agree?”

He sobs, “Yes. I’ll do anything. Just tell me.”

There’s only one thing I want from him. And it still won’t buy his freedom. “Do you know where the coward is hiding?”

Julian remains quiet for a few seconds before he confesses, “No, I’d tell you if I did. I swear. I’ll help you find him. Just let me make this right.”

This motherfucker is farther gone than I ever could’ve imagined. “You’re already making it right. All you have to do is suffer like the pathetic piece of shit you are until you die. Then suffer in Hell and get a place ready for my father to join you soon.”

Julian’s head lobs side to side as he begs, “Anything, I’ll do it. Please.”

I move the knife over his forearm, pressing it to his skin before I jam it in. “Keep begging. It won’t work. But I’m enjoying the fear in your voice.”

Moving in front of Blaine, I tell him, “Your turn,” then plunge the blade into his leg.

46

BROOKE

The back door opens as Ivy comes back out to the patio. We’ve been here for hours, and it all still seems surreal. She tosses me a blanket and drops into the chair beside me. “Do you need another ice pack?”

“No, it’s fine.” My cheek is throbbing. But it’s still not the most painful thing at the moment. “I just don’t know how I’m going to explain it to my mom.”

It reminds me of all the times she lied to cover up the injuries my father inflicted on her. And I did the same. Even lying to Ivy about the bruise she noticed on my lower back once. It was a way of life really. Hiding the truth and covering for the man who hated me.

“I should head home. We have school in a few hours.”

“We could skip,” Ivy offers.

“I can’t. I’m already behind, and I have a makeup quiz tomorrow.” Mr. LeBlanc offered to let me retake my failed AP Calculus quiz without having to ask, which was good because I’m not sure I would have.

“If you change your mind, let me know.” Ivy stands as I pass her the blanket, telling her thanks. I’m dreading going back to the house, but I want a shower and sleep more than anything.

Troy follows me to the driveway where he opens the passenger door of his truck. “No, I’ll walk. It’s not that far.”

“It’s dark and late.” He motions down the sidewalk. “If you walk, I am too. But it’ll make the morning smoother if I don’t have to come back over to get my vehicle.”

“True.” I settle into the passenger seat as he shuts the door behind me. He said Luca was having my car brought over from school since we left in such a hurry. “Have you heard from Luca yet?”

“No,” he responds.

“They’re going to kill them.”

Troy remains quiet because we both know it’s true. For a person who claimed to be over the violence, I feel a sense of relief that Julian will be gone and I won’t have to worry that he’s lurking around in the dark waiting to grab me again.

When I slide out of the seat, Troy says, “I’ll be around if you need anything.”

“Do you ever sleep?” I ask.

“Yep. Plenty enough,” he jokes.

Wish I could function on so little sleep. “I’m going to shower and go to bed. So, get some rest.”

He nods as I quietly make it to my room without running into Mom. The house staff is all in bed for the night, so I make it without having to face anyone. Once I’m in the bathroom, I peel off my uniform and step into the shower. As soon as the hot water hits my face, the sting spreads across my cheek, and my tears fall. Everything I bottled up since the terrifying moment Julian appeared releases as I cry. I’m still crying while I scrub my skin until it’s red and splotchy, then finally get out the shower.