Page 76 of The Devil's Weakness

She nods her head in understanding.

“I honestly didn’t expect to drive so far or stay there for so long.”

The lies are coming way too easily, and she believes every one of them.

“And what about that biker? Where does he fit into this?”

Or maybe she doesn’t believe me.

“How do you—”

“Steve called me.”

“Jesus, I didn’t realize you guys talked as much as you do,” I snap at her.

I feel awful about it immediately. She’s done nothing wrong.

“I’m sorry, that wasn’t very nice of me.”

“Sasha, talk to me.” She places her hand over my injured one, inspecting it.

“I want to. Really, I do, but I can’t. All I can tell you is, I thought I was in trouble, but it turns out I wasn’t. And I’m fine now.”

Sort of.

Her forehead creases with worry as she places her hand on my chin. Her thumb traces over the cut on my lip where Stone slapped me.

She knows there’s more.

“I don’t believe you, but I respect the fact that you can’t or aren’t ready to talk about it. If you needanything—any help, guidance, a hitman—whatever it is, you come to me. Promise?” she asks.

“I promise.”

“Okay.” She leaves the conversation at that. “Now, I could really use you the next two days for the breakfast and lunch shifts if you’re up for it? No pressure if you’re not ready. Take as much time as you need.”

“No, I’m fine. Work sounds normal and boring, and that’s all that I can handle right now,” I say with a tight smile.

“Thank you, Sasha.”

She approaches my chair and wraps me in another hug. Another few minutes, and I’m out the door. I make a quick stop at the drugstore on my way home and pick up a dose of Plan B. Mr. Shepherd cocks a knowing eyebrow at me as he rings it up. I roll my eyes at him and hand over my debit card.

Blade owes me fifty bucks.

I’ll take him just leaving me alone and letting me get back to my normal life instead.

You’re remarkable, Sasha. Don’t ever strive to just be normal.

How can someone so dark and dangerous also say such sweet and beautiful things? Getting Blade out of my head isn’t going to be easy, but I owe it to myself to try. Mr. Shepherd hands me my card, along with my bag, and I begin the trek back to my house.

* * *

The walkhome didn’t take too long. I only live about a mile from the heart of town where the diner and drugstore are, but there is a bit of a shortcut down Westminster Street that I like to take when it’s still light out. That shaves off a little bit of time. When I get home, I kick my flip-flops off just inside the door. I’m surprised to see that Michael is awake and in the kitchen. Having just gotten high, I expected him to be out much longer than this.

“Hey,” I say softly, closing the door behind me.

Michael doesn’t acknowledge me. Maybe heisstill high? He probably doesn’t realize where he is.

I try turning the lock, but remember that it doesn’t work anymore.

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