Page 39 of Fright Night
I hate almost every word from her mouth. She’s lived under their thumb for years and though arguing that point again is tempting, ruining the night with talk of our parents isn’t how it’ll be spent.
“That’s it,” she finishes, tilting her head to see me. Another moment passes and she inches closer, resting her head on my chest.
And she’s officially broken me.
My fingers stroke through strands of her hair, massaging her scalp on every rotation. She releases a little sigh and grips my shirt—as if I’d dare leave her.
“Why is Julian still hanging around?”
My question ices over any contentment and she stiffens in my arms. “Doesn’t matter.”
That brush-off isn’t doing it for me anymore. “Tell me.”
“Knox—”
With her hair, I force her head back so she can see for herself how I’mreallynot kidding. “Tell. Me.”
And then she does, and every word from her mouth entices my rage to a level never before felt.
Thatmotherfucker.
At the crux of it is my father yet a-fucking-gain. Her entire life has been based around this family for no actual good reason other than her own fucked-up morals and ethics.
“One day, I’ll figure it out.” She yawns, her body slumping heavier with the weight of sleep. “Tomorrow, I’ll send another payment.”
Don’t.But if I tell her that, it’ll hint at my forming plan. No, she can send the money, but he’ll be refunding her.
After she falls asleep on my chest, I reach for my phone, typing out a quick text to the group chat.
Me
Shine your masks. I need help with something tomorrow.
Because if only I go, he’ll think he has a chance. Three of us makes a statement.
Blaze
Fuck yeah! A duplicate of today?
Me
We’re protecting her.
Cody
Ooooh. Who we hurting?
Me
We’re gonna make a very loud statement to someone who once ignored my threats. I told him back then, I told him today. The asshole keeps finding ways to hurt her. Fucking done with this shit.
There are no second chances when it comes to Oakley.
EIGHTEEN
OAKLEY
There’s beenno sign of Knox all day, and admittingly, it feels weird.
