Page 1 of Where He Ended

- Chapter 1 -

Dominic

Ihave fucked up royally.

I knew it when I saw Laiken in my doorway. No, even before that. The moment I saw her sister in the center of the ballroom, I was fucked.

I should have told her everything,I think, striding along the hallway.The chance was there. I could have done it, and then she wouldn't have to hear everything from Kara.Because I have no doubt Kara is telling her, right now, what I'd done.

There's no reason for Kara to stay quiet.

Whatever affection she'd had for me has snuffed out. Her heart has closed off.

Just like Laiken's is about to.

Shuddering, I crush my molars together. I pace further into the house, not sure where I'm going. But I have to move or I'll spin on my heel, rush back to my room, and beg Kara not to tell Laiken anything. If it's too late, can I subjugate myself enough to get Laiken to forgive me?

No, of course not.

None of the people who have heard about Bernard's death have forgiven me. She won't be the first.

Maybe that's good,I think, in a flood of black self-loathing.Let Laiken hate me. She should. It's safer if she does.That's what Kara was trying to explain to me. I'd selfishly told her she had no say in what I did with her sister.

I wish I could turn back time. I'd undo so many mistakes.

Taking a corner towards the front of the house, I listen to my shoes on the rug. The sound is deadened thanks to the rich fibers. Most of the lights are still on, keeping the long stretch of halls free of shadows. But as I pass close to a certain hallway, my palms begin to sweat. They always do. Even now, even though it's beenyears.

Swallowing the lump that refuses to budge, I stare down the hallway. The door set into the wall is the same mahogany brown as the others. The gold handle has a vague gloss to it. It doesn't move, but in my head, I can easily remember it turning as he'd cough and cough and cough while he forced me inside.

“This will make you tougher,” he growls, yanking me through the heavy door. It closes behind me and seals us inside. I know no one will hear me scream. They never have before. This time is no different.

“Please,” I whimper, hanging my head. I pray that if I don't look right at him, maybe he'll ignore me. I'll take being ignored over being harmed.

Then his fingers close on my upper arm, leaving five perfect indents. “Bend over the desk,” he snaps coldly. His belt jingles. I wonder if he'll hit me with the strap, or the metal buckle this time.

Fuck, my skull is splitting. I wipe at my forehead and go back the way I came. At the last second I detour, entering the kitchen. Two maids are loading a dishwasher in the corner. They don't see me; I catch their whispers.

“What room will she stay in?”

“Annie wants them separated for now. She'll probably be in this wing.”

The first maid lowers her voice. “I hate it. I didn't know working for these people would mean turning a blind eye to kidnapping.”

My shoe clicks down hard; they both jump, spinning to gawk at me. “M-M-Master Silas!” the second maid stutters, her short red hair bouncing. “We didn't—I didn't—did you need something?”

I look down my nose at the pair. “What were you saying a bit ago? Who's staying where?”

They share a nervous look. “Sir,” the red head begins to speak. “Your mother wants us to arrange a room for Kara.”

“What, why?”

“She'll be staying here now,” she says, blinking. “Didn't you know?”

I grab at my temples, grimacing.Fuck. What game are they playing with me?If Kara is being moved, without my knowledge, it means . . . what does it mean?

I know someone who can tell me.

Dizzy, I turn away, heading for the exit. I hear the girls chattering frantically behind me. They don't follow, they're probably happy I left. Wandering through the house, I let my legs guide me with muscle memory.

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