Page 51 of Injustice and Absolution

“Yes, I’m still looking,” I finally answer Drew. “And I think it’s time I get serious about my search.”

“Well, what if I told you I know of a place that’s available for you to move in immediately?”

His question causes me to pause. Hashebeen looking for an apartment for me?

“Move in with me, pretty girl.”

Wow, that’s not what I was expecting. My surprise is met with a hopeful smile. I step out of his hold and tuck my hair behind my ears.

“Drew, I...”

But I don’t know what to say. The idea of living with himisexciting, but it’s too much too soon. I want to be honest with him, but I also don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Thankfully, another reason I shouldn’t move in with him yet comes to mind.

“I’m flattered, and I think I can picture us there at some point. But first, it’s important for me to prove to myself that I can stand on my own two feet.”

He reaches out, taking my hands in his and pulling me back against his body. I can see the disappointment in his eyes, but he remains silent and offers me a weak smile. I decide to share a sliver of my own family history with him to help explain my reasoning.

“My mom passed away when I was young. But before she did, I remember her telling me to find my own way in life. Not to rely on anyone who can use my needs or weaknesses against me.”

Like I let Royce do.

Fuck, why is this only occurring to me now?

I choose to leave out the part where she passed out, high as a kite, right after telling me this. She was referring to my father, of course. She wasn’t quite an addict when they met, but he used her penchant for recreational drugs to control her. Every time she threatened to take me and leave, he would get her high. Eventually, it turned her into the addict she was when she died.

“I would never do that, Delilah.” He looks offended like I’m accusing him of something.

“I know you wouldn’t.” I place my hands on either side of his face, making sure I have his full attention. “I didn’t tell you that because I thought it was something you’d do. But her words helped me realize that I’ve been letting others do it to me. And I need to break that habit now, before it gets out of control.”

When he purses his lips playfully, I know he understands what I’ve told him.

“Well, I suppose I can’t be upset by your incredibly mature decision. Especially since I’ll be allowed to come and go from your new apartment free of scrutiny from big bad Royce.”

I smile at his silliness, but he’s right.

So I’ll continue my search for an apartment starting tomorrow, and I won’t stop until I find one.

Then I can finally break free from the grip Royce has had around my heart for far too long and start living my life for me.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

ROYCE

Delilah hasn’t collected many belongings in the five years she’s lived here.

When she first moved in, I bought her a bedroom set which was comprised of a bed, a nightstand, and a dresser. At fifteen, she only had enough clothing to fully fill two drawers. The other drawers, as well as her closet, remained bare for a long time before Maggie started purchasing some new clothes on her behalf.

She refused to accept money from me and never asked for any the way Maggie would. The way any teenager would.

Once she began working in the office at the stone yard and making her own money, her worldly possessions began to increase, but she maintained her minimalist personality.

Which is why it doesn’t take her and …that boy …more than an hour to pack up his truck.

Drew.

I roll my eyes inwardly as I watch him finish tying down her furniture so it won’t fly out of the bed while they’re driving. I have no idea where they’re headed—Delilah has yet to offer up the location of her new residence—and I fight to keep my anger over the situation at bay.

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