Page 111 of The Addict

“Obviously not,” I retorted, slowly simmering down.

Damian rolled his eyes from my sarcasm. “That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, Thorne. He was with you last.”

I watched in delight as his nostrils flared, knowing he was recalling a certain phone call.

I shrugged. “Unfortunately, I was forced to leave him in the middle of our–”

“Don’t push it,” Damian warned, cutting in.

“Discussion,” I pronounced delicately, a smirk inevitably tugging at the corners of my mouth.

Damian scowled, rubbing the back of his head. I was impressed that he didn’t snap back at me for that one.

“It was not right of me to put my hands on you,” he spoke quietly and with a careful tone. “I apologize for my outburst.”

My face must have appeared puzzled. I was unable to determine if he was being sincere or not.

“But I do not apologize for this warning,” He locked his eyes with mine. “Stay away from my brother,” he said sternly.

I scoffed. Like hell. “I can’t make any promises.”

Damian’s jaw tightened. “Just know that if I ever catch you around our mansion, I’m throwing your ass in jail.”

“If you ever catch me,” I repeated with a smirk.

Chapter twenty-nine

Trenches

NOAH

“You’re sick.” Delane spat at me.

I knew it.

“My god, you’re just so...ruined. Tainted.”

She spoke the truth.

“I don’t even want to get to know you, because I already do,” She scowled and continued to gaze upon me with disgust. “You’re a freak.”

I was on my knees. Pleading. I didn’t know why.

Her piercing eyes cut me. “You’re fucking disgusting.”

“Daddy’s little bitch...”

I shot awake, sputtering. Grasping the sides of the tub I hauled myself from the water, choking, gasping for air. My eyes darted from each side of the small bathroom, trying to remember how I got there, and why.

I wished I hadn’t.

I stared down into the dark cardinal waters beneath me, feeling the tired, sore ache that radiated through my entire body. I was completely worn out. The inspiring ruby hue surrounding me made me wonder how much I had bled and how long my unprotected body had been hemorrhaging. I shook off the thought quickly, realizing I didn’t really care, although I felt a twinge of disappointment that I hadn’t bled to death while I was sleeping.

Then I wouldn’t have had to wake up.

And face what I was.

A tool.