Page 10 of Buried in Blood
Brooke’s short blonde hair was matted in the back. I couldn’t tell you the last time she had probably brushed it.
“You won’t hurt me. No one can,” she says cheerfully.
I pinch my brows together, confused by her enthusiasm. I guess being homeless and then sold into sex trafficking makes normal problems seem like nothing.
I brush out her hair as she tells me about her life.
“You know, my mom gave me away as a baby. She told my adoptive parents that her husband would be angry if he found out she had twin girls. So she kept my sister and gave me away.”
I stay quiet, just listening to her raspy voice.
“I wonder what my life would’ve been like if they didn’t give me up. My parents were good, but they both committed suicide when I was sixteen. I’ve been homeless ever since…”
I feel pressure building behind my eyes. I know the feeling too well. Being disowned from the perfect life. The only difference is that my parents are still alive. They just don’t want me.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
“Don’t be. I think everything happens for a reason.”
I let her words weigh heavily on my bones. If everything happens for a reason, then why did Damien survive?
Feeling overwhelmed, I stand and excuse myself. I need some water.
“I’m going to grab some water. Can I get you anything?” I ask.
“No. I’m okay. Thanks, though.”
I nod, exiting the room. Should I leave her alone? Probably not, but I don’t care at this moment. The room felt suffocating.
I walk down the hallway and enter the kitchen. Reese leans against the counter, scrolling on his phone.
I ignore him and walk over to the fridge, pulling out a cold bottle of water.
“You good?” He asks me mid-drink.
I swallow the cool liquid, glancing in his direction. He never asks if I’m “good”.
“Y-yeah. Why?”
He shrugs.
“You look different, Harmony…”
I nod.
“I am different.”
He closes the distance between us slightly.
“I know Damien can be…. a lot…”
I roll my eyes. Of course, he is a lot. He is fucking Damien. I turn to leave, and he places a soft hand on my shoulder, stopping me.
“Just listen… if you ever need help… just say the word.”
I look into his pleading eyes. He must really trust me, because if Damien found out about this, he would cut off his hand and shove it down his throat. And then burn him alive.
I nod.
