Page 29 of Vendetta

I don't know why I thought it. He hasn't really done anything to make me think that. But somewhere deep down, I thought he would make sure I was okay, at the end of the day.

Being in the arms of those slimy men, being taunted and leered at, I realized how stupid I've been. It's not just Devon in this house; it's not just him who makes final decisions.

Devon's uncle is cold and unfeeling. I have no idea how he grew up with that. He isnotlike him, at all.

My breath hitches when I remember the moment I thought Stevie was going to rape me.

My family killed his? I glance over at Devon, hoping that it isn't true, but knowing it probably is. This whole thing is so messed up. How can he even look at me? He must despise me. He's been putting up with my shit this whole time when he didn't have to, all the while knowing that my family destroyed his.

When I saw him in his uncle's office I could have cried in relief. But the Devon I saw at that moment was a person I've never seen before, not even when he brought me here first. I never want to see that Devon again. He was cold, distant and emotionless, the kind of man who could look someone in the eye and kill them without an ounce of remorse. It scared the shit out of me.

I lay my face on his warm chest, glad that the trembling has finally stopped. We hadn't said much to each other before falling asleep, but I appreciate him holding me, making me feel safe, even if it isn't real. It looks like I'm going to pay for the sins of my family with my own life.

I guess this is what my life is about, right? Has always been about; family, pride and loyalty. Although I haven't killed anyone, I bear the sins of my last name, and now I face the consequences.

I have been envied my whole life for my status, wealth and material possessions.

If only they could see me now. I stifle a sob, thinking no money on the world will save me out of this situation.

“Hey,” Devon says, pulling me closer.

“I'm sorry,” I tell him, not knowing how to make this better. He makes a sound deep in his throat, but doesn't reply. Really, what is there to say? It's not okay, nothing can be forgiven or overlooked, and it doesn't matter how I feel about him because it doesn't change anything.

Devon rubs soothing circles on my back, offering me what comfort he can. He may wear his mask so well, but underneath I know that he’s a good man. He didn't deserve to lose his family.

Will my death really give him peace?This is the last thing I think before falling asleep again.

“Morning,” I say, when I see Devon awake and watching me, propped on his elbow.

“You okay?” he asks, his voice thick with sleep.

I nod, because we both know I’m not, but that it doesn’t really matter.

“What’s your plan for today?” I ask him, my voice wavering slightly.

He stretches his arms over his head. “I have something to do, but I’ll try to get it done as soon as I can.”

“Okay,” I say, grateful that he wouldn’t be leaving me alone all day.

“Are we going to talk about what happened?” he asks, studying my expression.

Averting my gaze, I stare down at my hands. “There’s nothing to say.”

“Tell me what happened.”

“I ran. They caught me.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.

“Did they hurt you?”

My head lifts sharply. “You mean did they...”

“Touch you,” he says, his voice soft, almost breaking. He swallows hard, waiting for my answer.

“No, I mean. Stevie squeezed my...” I gesture at my chest nervously. He nods, understanding. “But that’s it. I think he wanted to... and the other one held me.”

“Fucking assholes,” Devon growls, his hands turning to fists.

“I struggled, so that’s when they were rough, but then your uncle came out, and they backed off. I was scared, Devon. The look they had in their eyes, it terrified me,” I admit, closing my eyes.

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