Page 110 of A Lesson in Obedience
He laughed, holding his stomach. “He couldn’t just sit back and let things be as they should. He’s bold, I’ll give him that, but clearly not smart enough to not get caught. He just had to tend to that girl, didn’t he? Clearly, your brother is going to have to learn things the hard way. And no I don’t mean that little mind game that happened at the university.”
I ran in front of him, confused and thrown off guard. “What are you going to do?!”
“Iwon’tdoanything.”
He shoved me to the side, heading out the front door and towards his car.
“Dad, just leave him alone. I’ll talk to him, okay?”
He huffed, unimpressed. “Like youtalkedto him before? I should reprimand you for lying to me, but you’ll take on your brother’s pain just like you’ve always done.”
He opened up his car door and I slammed it closed before he could climb inside. “Dad, I’ve never asked you for anything. Just please, stop.”
He grabbed my shirt and tugged me closer to him. “Pleading is for the weak. Get out of my way or I’ll make sure Erik takes his frustrations out on everyone you’ve grown to like or care for. Your girl will end up with only you and you know what happens when there is no one left, Asher. Resentment. Is that what you want?”
My mouth dropped open and for the first time, my bravado was gone. My mouth was dry and all I wanted to do was call Grayson to check on Riley and find my fucking brother.
He slapped my cheek and got into his car, slamming the door and getting out of our driveway so quickly that I’d only blinked before he was gone. I went into my head, searching for my brother, but every time I tried to talk to him…I was kicked out.
I looked up towards our house and saw my mom peeking out through the curtains of their bedroom. She loved us but she was a coward. I kept trying and trying to get mentally get to River. I’d worked with him, but it wasn’t enough. Dad was too pissed off and River was so vulnerable when it came to Riley.
I tried again and my head hurt from the resounding hit that connected with it, like something was kicking me out and making it count. Sweat percolated at the back of my neck and I raced to my car, every breath getting harder to take in. I fumbled around for my keys, finally getting my car started and racing down the street.
I swerved around a car, practically running a red light. My phone lit up with a text from Grayson. I picked up my phone with one hand, keeping an eye on the road as best I could.
GRAYSON
Riley SOS. I brought her to the house. Ike is here but River isn’t. He doesn’t know where he went.
I got another text from Mateo, having to slam on my brakes when I realized the car in front of me had stopped.
MATEO
Corrin wants me to take her to your house, but I don’t know if I should. Is Riley okay? What the hell happened out there?
I wish I fucking knew. I slammed my hand against the steering wheel. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
41
Riley
Iwas shaking so hard my bones hurt from how tense I felt. I was cold and wet, a wave of vertigo threatening to wash over me. I didn’t regret standing up for myself, but I instantly regretted how I went about it. Bones cracking, flesh burning, it was all so intense in my mind and I couldn’t get it out. Every time I blinked, the moment my eyes would close, I would be back there. It was almost like this took the place of my haunted memories of Marianne and Chancellor Fowler’s mother, yet those were there too, just lurking in the background.
“Riley, where is your ring?” I heard Grayson ask when I finally was able to focus.
“What?”
“Your ring, baby, where is your ring?” He brought his fingers to my cheek and asked in a softer tone.
“P-pocket,” I stuttered out, trying to collect my bearings. I realized I was on the couch and laid back against the cushions, a blanket thrown over my body.
Grayson dug his fingers in my front pocket, pulling out the metal ring and placing it on my finger. He moved my braids out of my face and kissed the side of my head. “Just relax, okay?”
I nodded, starting to look around, feeling a furry presence next to me. I reached my hand out to pet my familiar, who snuggled his face into my palm. His tongue licked me, shuffling his way into my lap.
“Where the hell is he?” Grayson exclaimed, throwing his hands up.
Ike groaned. “I don’t know! He was having a whole moment in the kitchen and then when I tried to help, he came at me and then he left. He took his keys.”
