Page 122 of Forged in Rain

Studying her for a moment, I slowly back away, the image of her clutching a damn teddy bear seared into my brain.

I can’t forsake Iris. I have to find another way.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It’s the last day of school—for us. Graduation is scheduled for next week, and now that we’ve taken our finals as seniors, we get to skip out on the remainder.

I passed my finals, thank god, but truthfully I wasn’t exactly inspired. It sounds macabre, but I’m not sure I’ll live to see my graduation, which makes this whole thing pale in comparison to the rest of my life.

When I exit out the doors, I find Iris waiting by her car, but I pause when Cyn blocks my path.

Grabbing my arm, he leads me around the side of the building, and tired, I lean against the brick, hiding a yawn behind my hand.

“Beauty? What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” I ask, meeting his stare. It’s on the tip of my tongue to admit the shit storm I’m stuck in but knowing how crazy John truly is keeps me from confessing it all.

“You didn’t return my texts,” he says, brushing a stray hair out of my face.

Leaning into his warm touch, I soak him in before saying quietly, “I’m sorry. I’ve been studying.”

He cocks his head to the side, and I bite my lip to suppress the wobble, willing away the pathetic tears pushing at my lids.

“What is it?” he demands, and I sigh, searching for something to soothe his suspicions that won’t end in him being dead. I can’t bear the thought.

“Iris and I found a place where we thought John might have gone.”

His chin dips, his eyes turning icy and he growls, “And? Please tell me you didn’t go?”

Nodding my head, I flinch when he punches the brick wall by my head. “What the fuck? Why didn’t you tell me? He could’ve been there, Rain.”

School was the greater danger, but I can’t exactly admit that. And with an ironic smile, I say, “I know. I’m sorry.”

“You need to stay away from Iris,” he growls.

I’m only admitting this much because he needs to know before shit hits the fan. If something happens, at least he might be able to find me. Although he’d have to dig to get the address, still it’s better than nothing.

I know it’s foolish, but I don’t want anyone to die. I’m already hanging on by a thread at the thought of Joey and my mom. For all I know, he’s already killed them, which does nothing to calm my broiling hysteria.

“I was helping her find John.”

He chuffs, running his hand through his hair. “I don’t give a fuck. That dick is crazy.”

Silently I agree, before murmuring, “I know, but—”

“No, buts, he’s fucking dangerous, beauty.”

Touching his chest, I lay my palm against his heart, my fingers tingling, and smile. “I know.”

Cyn covers my hand and says, “No more. She wants to play detective. You tell her no.”

“Okay.”

“I mean it,” he says, squeezing my hand.

Curling my fingers through his, I lean against his chest and lie. “Don’t worry, I’m done.”

He exhales and I close my eyes, wishing there were no more lies between us. What if this is the last conversation he remembers? Tipping my head back, I watch as he smirks, and my heart jumps in my chest.

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