Page 161 of Love Me

Cruel degenerate monsters. Through broken grunts, he took it all, but it was when his father made him see scenarios of me being raped, killed, and burned alive he finally denied me––because he would have endured all pain but not mine.

I thought it would be impossible to love him more, but I do.

The video ends with Felix saying, “I’m proud of you. Welcome to the Family.”

I shudder, thinking if Kaden ever held me and thought about these moments. I doubt you could forget three days full of torture in the name of love.

Gathering all my strength, and functioning on pure fury, I spit out. “You won’t break me.”

I smile in their stupid faces.

And the torture begins.

They simulate suffocating me, giving birth, cutting me open, beating me, and burning me. It’s astounding how the brain doesn’t dissociate between reality and fiction with the right impulses.

Teeth clattering, my body shivers and chills break out on my skin. There are moments when it’s too much, but I remind myself it’s not real.

I don’t scream.

I am stronger than this.

He had to be as well.

With the sweet taste of Celine’s lips on mine, I park the car in my designated space. My eyes travel up the skyscraper, the headquarters of the Family’s financial empire. I step inside through the sliding doors and nod in everyone’s direction.

In front of the bank of elevators, I press the button for the top level.

When Felix’s assistant sees me, she shoots up. “Mr. Astor awaits you.”

I dip my chin in acknowledgement and step inside his office. Behind his massive desk, there is floor-to-ceiling glass looking over downtown.

Felix’s eyes are on his phone, his entire posture buzzing.

“Kaden, my son.”

I cock my head to the side, trying to gauge the reason behind his good mood.

“I am proud of your involvement.”

“Thank you.”

His eyes lighten up when his phone rings.

“Is it done?”

The person on the phone must give him confirmation. He says, “Good. I am on my way.”

He pats my shoulder, and on his way out he says, “Tonight, we celebrate.”

He calls my mother next, informing her of the celebration. There’s nothing warm in his tone, or his eyes. He gives orders and we, mere soldiers, comply and swiftly execute them.

Through a clenched jaw, I force a smile on my face.

Soon, this will be all over.

Thinking of Celine, I take a fortifying breath. She’s the source of my strength, and I can do and achieve anything. Nothing is impossible as long as I have her. A life together is my greatest motivation.

He saunters out of the office, and I type a message to her.

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