Page 48 of Sin Like the Devil

“Did you fall?”

Stopping short when she sees us, I watch the concern melt from her lightly freckled features. It’s quickly replaced by my new favourite look on her. Rage. Hatred emanates from her that is so palpable, I’d be surprised if she can even think straight in our presence. I know I certainly can’t.

Hatred and obsession.

It’s a fine line.

“What the fuck did you do to him?” she snarls, venom practically dripping from her words.

“What did we do?” Lennox hisses back. “What the fuck did you do?”

“He was fine!” Ripley defends angrily. “Raine’s been practising in here while I paint every day this week.”

“Has he now?” I clip out.

Lennox looks equally as surprised. I don’t expect Raine to hate her the way we do; she didn’t ruin his life. But some damn loyalty wouldn’t go amiss after all we’ve done for him. My sick fascination aside, Ripley Bennet is bad news for us all.

Eyeing us warily, Ripley approaches then ducks to look at Raine’s slumped form. “I thought his fever had broken.”

“You knew he was like this?” Lennox glowers at her.

“You didn’t know that your friend was going through withdrawal?” she hits back. “Maybe he’d be better off without you.”

Moaning under his breath, I watch as Raine leans into her touch. She’s cupping his cheek, brushing sweat aside as she inspects him.

Last I’d heard, Raine stood by while Ripley and Lennox beat the shit out of each other. Seems I’m working on outdated information.

“Take your filthy fucking hands off him,” Lennox warns in a low voice.

Ripley straightens and steps back. “What has he been taking?”

“Raine isn’t your concern.”

“Because you’re taking such good care of him?” she replies dryly.

“He never went through this shit when we were in charge!”

Lennox is a hair’s breadth from choking her to death. I can see his palms twitching with the urge to close the kill while he has a chance. I’d enjoy seeing him try, but since he adopted Raine into our ranks, the kid is my responsibility.

“H,” I answer. “That’s his thing.”

“He shoots up?” Surprise pulls at her features.

“Used to. Now just pills.”

Rubbing her bottom lip, she seems to do some mental math. “Anything else?”

“How long have you got?” Lennox grumbles. “If it feels good, he’ll pop it or snort it.”

Enraged storm clouds invade her gaze. “You used to sell to him.”

“We were just doing our jobs,” Lennox combats. “I controlled his intake personally. We’re the only reason he hasn’t overdosed and killed himself already.”

Ripley shakes her head, setting loose several tight curls. “One day, you’re going to feel every ounce of pain you’ve inflicted. I’ll damn well make sure of it.”

“Who supplies Harrowdean’s drug market?” I point out.

Her brown and green eyes dart up to me, narrowed defensively. “I haven’t sold to Raine.”

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