Page 32 of Blood & Honey
His gaze snaps to me, cold and hardened, the deep green of his irises dark as storm clouds.“I won’t promise you that, honey,” he says, his voice grave.
I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat.I understand his position, although my heart is splintering in two.I want to be with Blood, but I also want Shelby to have a life worth living.
“The second I know Ash is safe, I’m ending that cunt’s life.”His words are as brutal and ugly as they are simple.
Blood means what he says.
I know what he must do, and I shouldn’t want to condemn him for being exactly who he says he is, but she’s still my sister.Part of me will always love her and want to fight for her no matter what, even if it severs my relationship with the man I love.
“If you don’t let me see her, I’ll never forgive you.”My voice breaks, weakening my statement.
“Ashley.”He grabs my hand, and I jerk away, going to my feet.
“I need some air.”
I don’t wait for his permission.I march out the back entrance of the clubhouse, the cool night air a welcome shock against my skin as I storm past the pool, my course set on the beach.
I trudge through the sand as waves crash on the shore, sounding as violent as my mood.As unforgiving as Blood’s vow to end Shelby’s life.
I fall to my knees, staring out at the dark water, part of me wanting to walk into it and just let go of everything.I’m numb even though tears sting my cheeks along with the spray of the ocean.
I mourn my sister all over again just as I did a year ago when she left without so much as a goodbye.But this time the ache carved into my chest is deeper.This time I know I’m losing her forever.
I fall forward on my hands and knees, begging God to hear my plea and somehow make all of this right, even if it means I have to give Blood up.I’ll trade my life with him for her to live hers.
I’d do that for her.
As much as I’ve hated her or been jealous of her at times, she’s flesh of my flesh.Blood of my blood.We’re connected in a way that he doesn’t quite understand yet, but it’s that same drive and need he feels to protect Ash as his brother.
I love you is the greatest lie he’s ever told me.Because how can he love me and be the cause of my greatest pain?My biggest loss.
I snort and realize that this must have been how he felt the moment he found out she had betrayed him.
This is what heartbreak feels like.
As though the person you love most is reaching inside the cavity of your chest and ripping every shred of what makes you whole away.Holding your heart in a blender.Destroying your faith in anything good.
Blood’s words, and Shelby’s actions have me turned inside out.
Someone’s shadow falls over me.Part of me needs it to be Blood.The other half of me wishes for it to be someone else.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
I glance up over my shoulder at the voice of Momma Tee.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’ve got a message for Blood.”She grabs my chin, forcing my head to stay cocked at an awkward angle.“You tell that prick I have what he wants.If he wants his brother back, he’d better bring me my money.”She spits in my face then kicks me in the stomach with her pointy steel-toed boot.“Tell him I’ll be in touch.”
I roll to my side, clutching my stomach as she saunters off, her laughter ringing in the distance.
“Where’s Shelby?”I scream after her, but she’s already gone.An icy chill fans up and down my spine, and I get this awful sinking feeling that Shelby is already dead.
Chapter Twelve
I’vegivenAshleyenoughtime to herself.The guys are all talking strategy and different methods of torture for when they get their hands on Shelby.
I find her hunched over on the beach, silent sobs wracking her body.The sight is enough to break me, especially knowing I’m the one causing her pain.But nothing will change my resolve.I’m going to kill Shelby.No amount of tears or begging from Ashley will stop me, no matter how deeply I love her and wish I could give in.
