Page 14 of Break Me
My mouth drops open. What? How the fuck does she know? I feel like the prescription bottle is burning a hole in my pocket right now.
“That’s not really your business, Little Girl, now is it?” I make to walk past her, but she blocks my way.
I laugh, shaking my head. “You really wanna do this?” I ask her. She’s inches from me, looking up at me with defiance. I step closer, until our bodies are nearly touching.
Nearly.
I hear her breath catch and watch her throat bob as she swallows.
“Benji.” Her voice doesn’t shake even though I know she’s nervous. But she doesn’t even take a step back. “How many do you take a day?” she asks me again.
I lean down, press my brow to hers, and she stills, holding her breath. “Little Girl,” I say softly, “I’m looking out for you. Not the other way around.” I close my fingers around her upper arms. “Don’t worry about me, babe. I got this.”
She breathes in. Out. She chews on her bottom lip and I think she’s going to argue with me, but then we both hear a knock at the door, and it makes her jump. I let her go and she steps back.
“Looks like your booty call is here,” she mutters under her breath and then turns around and walks down the hall, heading for the door.
I don’t go after her for a moment, I just watch her until she disappears through the living room. Then I hear her greeting Ava and asking what she wants to drink. She doesn’t waste time, that one.
I wonder if this was a stupid idea. I’m careful with my pills, because I have to be. My doctor isn’t an idiot. I could buy them elsewhere, of course, but it makes me feel grimy. Grimier than I already am. But I’ve never taken them in front of Riley.
I barely even drink in front of Riley.
She knows I smoke weed, but damn…she’s been paying attention.
I run a hand through my hair, smooth down my shirt, and go to find Ava Culwen, daughter of the mayor of Briar. Another thing she thinks I don’t know about.
