Page 16 of Vendetta

“Please, enlighten me.” I try for strong, unwavering, but my voice falters.

“Now I don't know if I want to tell you,” he says, suddenly staring out the window.

“What? So, you've come here to what exactly? To play with my head? 'Cause you can cut the crap. Either say it or don't. Your mind games don't work on me,” I lie, narrowing my eyes. He turns his head to me in a swift movement, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

“You’re lucky to be alive, princess. If it wasn’t for me you'd already be dead,” he says, his eyes searching my face.

“What do you want? A thank you for bringing me here, keeping me locked up? At least George would have gotten it over with already.” I tie up my hair in a messy ponytail. He watches my every movement intently. His eyes linger on the sheet around me for just a second too long.

I let it drop, liking the power I know I’m gaining.

“You think that’s going to work?” he asks in an even tone.

I shrug. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“You’re a piece of work, you know that? A little girl who thinks everything,” he says through clenched teeth, waving his hands around the room, “is a game.”

“Is my family safe?” I ask him, moving to the end of the bed. I ignore hislittle girljab. He’s only two years older than me. And I know it’s not a game. At this point, I’ve given up on my theorythat they want something in return for me. I’m pretty sure this goes way beyond extortion or blackmail.

“For now,” he confirms my suspicions, avoiding my gaze.

I get off the bed and walk over to him, adding more sway to my hips. His gaze locks onto them, and he swallows hard. “Don’t hurt them, Devon,” I say softly, hoping it will work. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to my family. There's nothing I wouldn’t do to protect them.

Devon narrows his eyes at me. “You aren’t in a position to ask for anything, Leighton. And if you think that—” he points his finger to my hips, “—will get you anywhere, you're even worse than I thought.”

I flinch, as if slapped. “Fuck you.”

“Well, you'd like that, wouldn’t you?” he snaps, standing up and twining his fingers behind his head. He pulls on his hair in frustration.

“You’re not going to get away with this,” I say, the vehemence in my voice surprising even me. "My dad?—”

His head snaps in my direction. “Your dad, what? Where is he, Leighton? You've been here for a week, and I haven't heard a word about anyone looking for you. I could just kill you, and no one would ever know what happened to you,” he says, sounding smug.

“If you’re going to kill me then just do it. Stop with all the fucking games!” I yell.

Devon punches the wall and I wince. That must have hurt. The enormity of the situation hits me, and I can’t help the sob that escapes my throat. Devon spins, taking in the look on my face. He squeezes his eyes shut, and exhales heavily.

“Don’t fucking cry, Leighton,” he says, trying to sound gentler, but I still hear the anger beneath it.

“I’m not,” I whisper, as the first tear drops down my cheek. Embarrassed at my show of weakness, I hide my face in myhands, my body shaking with silent sobs. When a hand rubs my back soothingly, I lean toward it, welcoming the comfort. I put my face into his chest and fist his shirt, sobbing loudly. Why is he comforting me? This whole thing is so messed up.

We are so messed up.

“This is so fucked up,” he mutters under his breath. I raise my head and our eyes connect, his gaze softening. I feel like it’s the first time he really looked at me since I’ve been here.

“Is your hand okay?” I ask, rubbing my thumb over his now red knuckles.

“I’m fine,” he says, obviously not wanting me to fuss over him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Devon?” I whisper. He lifts my chin up with his finger, and I search his face for a clue to my fate.

“I don’t know, Leighton. I don’t fucking know anymore,” he says, leaning down and placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

His lips burn my skin.

“You’re going to have to stay here,” he says, his eyebrows furrowing.

“I know. I know you won’t hurt me,” I tell him, letting my eyes show him that I truly believe that. He instantly freezes, stiffening, and taking a step back.

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