Page 45 of Rayne

Stepping back, he lets me go. Instinctively, I rub my wrists. "Why would it be my favorite?" I ask gingerly.

"Because you like the unexpected," he replies simply. "It's a challenge for you. You're so caught up with always knowing everything and being in control, that it excites you that you can't predict us. It's a thrill."

I don't move, I don't roll my eyes… I just look at him.

"I don't like this," I finally answer.

Hawk's head tilts to the side as he observes me closely. "Really?"

I nod. "You terrify me. It's like you guys have made it your life mission to hurt me."

He frowns, surprising me. "Hurt you? We don't hurt you."

"Don't gaslight me," I sigh, exhausted. "You've tormented me ever since we met."

"This is true," he answers honestly. "But you've got us all wrong."

"How so?"

Hawk steps back, leaning on the basin. "We don't torment you to hurt you, Tempest. We do it to break you."

I scoff. "That's the same thing."

"It's not," he says casually. "Because sometimes things can only be fixed after they are broken."

My eyebrows furrow in confusion. "You've lost me."

"No, I haven't," Hawk replies, kicking off the basin. "You know exactly what I mean deep down. Anyway, I'll go tell Mom you're fine."

He leaves the bathroom, sending me into a raging pile of confusion.

"What?" I yelp, chasing after him, but he's already near the top of the stairs. He pauses briefly, looking over at me with a smirk. I stare at him in disbelief but he just nods before heading out of sight.

I want to scream after him but I can't. So, I just linger awkwardly in the hallway, trying desperately to process his words. I come up short, resigning myself to the fact that he's just playing mind games with me again.

After composing myself, I head back downstairs, apologizing to the table for my absence.

"Are you sure you're okay, sweetheart?" Mom asks, pushing her empty plate away.

I nod. "I'm fine, Mom. I promise. I'm just not feeling the best so I'm going to head home. Thank you for a lovely dinner."

Dad stands apprehensively. "Would you like me to walk you to the car?"

I wave him off, motioning to Hawk and Jett. "No, no. I'm fine. You stay and enjoy the rest of the evening with the guys. I'll talk to you later."

I can't get Hawk's words out of my head. I know I should take it at face value and dismiss it—it's mind games, another ploy to mess with me since I'm physically no longer fighting back. But still, there's a nagging feeling in my stomach that I can't figure out.

I don't need to be broken. There's nothing wrong with me. I sure as hell don't need to be fixed.

My life is near perfect—I have a great job, loving parents, and a stable career. I have more than some people have ever dreamed of. I worked hard to get here and I'm happy.

Aren't I?

It goes around in circles until finally, I reach the point of madness. I grab my cell, contemplating asking Margot to come over so I have someone to be with. But for a brief second, another thought pops into my mind.

Would Hawk and Jett come over if I asked?

Disgust rolls through me and I shake my head. What is wrong with me?

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