Page 63 of Depraved Truths

“Allie,” I shake her lightly. “Allie! Wake up!”

Her eyes pop open, and she shrinks away from me, scooting to the far side of the bed. “Please don’t hurt me. Don’t hurt me.”

“Allie, it’s me. It’s Eli.”

Recognition slowly dawns in her eyes. She looks around the room, realizing where she is.

“You were having a nightmare, cuz. It’s okay, I’m right here.”

She places a hand on her abdomen, and a sob rises in her throat before she throws herself toward me. I hold her tightly as tearsstream down her face. Tessa settles on the other side of the bed, wrapping her arms around Allie as we do our best to comfort her. She eventually falls asleep, and I ease myself away from her, careful not to wake her. Tess has also fallen asleep, so I cover them both and head downstairs.

I feel so helpless, and that’s a feeling I fucking hate. It’s like everything inside me is tied in knots, my pride, my control, all slipping away. If I could bring Dalton back to life and kill him all over again, I would. I was fine with letting Tess take control, but deep down I wish I’d gotten a few more licks in. A tremor runs through me, a low hum of barely contained fury, as my rage slowly builds.

Never again will I let anyone harm those I love.

Unable to sleep, I give up and put on a pot of coffee since it’s just after five in the morning. While I wait, I walk outside and call Jace, knowing he’s always awake this early.

“How is she?” Jace asks as he answers.

“She’s physically okay, but emotionally, not so much.” My tone is somber.

“Fuck,” he mutters.

I’ve known for a while that Jace might have feelings for my cousin. He’s never voiced it to me, but I’ve seen the way he looks at her, and the death glares he’s given Dalton.

“She’ll be okay. She just needs time.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Yeah, sort of. I need you to keep handling things with the business. Keep Trevor and the guys busy.”

We talk about some of the jobs and plans for the week before I end the call. Jace is nothing if not reliable. He’s always had my back. I’ve just started breakfast when Tess walks into the kitchen. Her hair is messy, but she looks amazing in my t-shirt, which falls to mid-thigh. After making herself a cup of coffee, she takes a seat at the island, crossing her legs and leaning back in the chair, grinning at me. It’s really nice seeing her like this—so relaxed and happy.

“A man cooking me breakfast is sexy as hell.”

“We have to keep you fed.” My lips curl up into a smug smile. “You burned a lot of calories yesterday.” She rolls her eyes. “Just another day for me. I need to go for a run. I’ve been slacking the last few days.”

We banter lightly as I finish cooking the eggs and plate our food. I set aside a third plate, hoping we can get Allie to eat something this morning.

“Oh my god… this is so good,” Tess moans.

“You’re going to have to stop making those sounds unless you want me to fuck you on this table right now.” My dick twitches, and I groan. Her eyes widen in desire, and she tangles her legs with mine under the table.

Tessa picks up another bite, grinning wickedly at me. She takes a slow bite, moans again, then licks the fork clean.

“That’s it!” I pull her out of the chair, tickling her stomach. She giggles and tries to escape, but I corner her against the island. My hands slide up her thighs as a loud thump pulls my attention away.

A suitcase lands at the bottom of the stairs, and Allie is glaring at us from the top.

“Can you two keep your hands off each other for more than five minutes?” Her irritation is evident in her tone.

Tess startles, her face flushes as I slowly pull away, kissing her forehead. “Allie, what’s going on?”

“I’m leaving.”

“What?” Tess straightens. “Why?”

“I can’t be here anymore. I just can’t.”

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