Page 119 of Forged in Rain

“Oh um, graduation stuff. I was failing, and the guidance counselor wanted to talk to me.” The lies taste like ash on my tongue, but they flow like butter.

I guess I’m learning to be a good liar. I’m not, apparently, good at making a man disappear, though.

“Okay,” he says, and I smile, although it’s a painful rendition that hurts my fucking face.

“What’s going on?” he growls, grabbing my chin.

Maybe it would be better to let Cyn go. I don’t want to see him hurt, and his sister is safe as long as I keep my distance, but the thought leaves me cold.

Knowing Cyn is trying on his end gives me comfort, and now I’m lost once more.

“It’s fine. Could you just hold me?” I whisper, and his eyes soften.

Gathering me up, he rocks me gently until the bell rings. And although no words are spoken, I soak up his warmth and feel stronger for it.

Chapter Twenty-Four

After school, I rush home. I have to figure out a plan that doesn’t include giving up Iris in exchange for my mom and Joey.

“Hey, you’re here,” Iris says, and I jump, spinning around.

“Yeah, what are you up to?” I ask faintly, my pulse pounding in my head.

Iris or Joey? Iris. Joey.

“I’m heading out,” she says, rushing up the stairs.

Absently, I watch her go, my head spinning at the horrible thoughts I can’t help but entertain.

I’m still staring into space when Iris appears at the top of the stairs. She slows to a stop at the bottom and cocks her head to the side. “What’s up?”

“Nothing. Can I come?” I ask, widening my eyes to keep the tears at bay.

Am I really contemplating this?

“Well,” she shifts on her feet, and I narrow my focus. Why is she acting so suspicious?

“C’mon, I’m bored,” I say, giving her no chance to refuse as I step out the door and wait at the car.

She eyes me with a frown but doesn’t comment, and we drive away quietly. She’s so closed off, I can physically feel the back-off vibes she’s emanating, and glancing at her hands on the wheel, I contemplate binding them, holding her down—delivering her to John.

Holy shit.

With a shudder, I look away. I’m losing my damn mind. “Where are we going?” I ask.

“We’re almost out of time,” Iris says.

“John?” I whisper.

She passes me an are-you-stupid-look, and I just shrug. Forgive me for not knowing which shit storm she’s referring to. Uncle John or Aunt psycho-bitch.

“Mother’s plan.”

“Oh.” Shifting in my seat, I turn to the window. On that front, it’s all out of my control now. I’ve done what I can, but it’s not going to matter if I don’t fucking deliver to John.

I rub my forehead as she pulls onto the freeway, closing my eyes against the headache throbbing at the base of my skull. No matter the circumstance, I know I can’t trade Iris like she doesn’t matter because she does. Besides, whatever sanity is left in her sick, and clearly shifty, soul would shatter if I did.

Slumping in the seat, I ignore my aching belly. I’m screwed, or I guess Joey and my mom are screwed. Fuck. I wish I could get a hold of my dad. I wish . . .

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