Page 54 of Shattered Souls

Confession for a confession?

I perk up. I’m desperate to learn more about the twins. If I had access to the internet at all, that’s all I’d do all day—research. I bite the inside of my cheek as I ponder his proposition. I can start off small, reveal stupid things until my final secret is all that’s left, if we get that far.

“Okay, you first.” He looks to the ceiling, thinking.

I’ve killed more than 15 people.

I pale. This is where we’re starting?

“Hayze! You can’t just start there.” He laughs, the sound deep and foreign. I stare at him, lip between my teeth at the feeling brewing in the pit of my stomach.

FINE

He signs, rolling his eyes, but ultimately picks his pen back up and scribbles something on the paper. I watch his hand, my mind drifting to what my name would sound like coming from his voice. Would his voice sound like his brother’s? Deeper? Gruffer? Raspier?

Oh, I bet he has a groggy sounding voice—raspy and gruff with just the right amount of sex mixed in.

He hooks a finger under my chin, bringing me back to the moment and not my fucked up fantasies. A devious look is plastered on his face, like he knows just where my mind was.

“Sorry.” I laugh, finally looking at the paper.

You’re the first woman I’ve slept with.

“No way.” I laugh again. That’s quite literally impossible. He fucked me like he was getting paid to make me cum. Then again, he looked nervous when I offered to go down on him.

Well, not technically. But I don’t count my first few times.

Ha. If only he knew.

“I get that.” I press my back to the wall, finally feeling relaxed. “If that’s the case, then we’re in the same boat.” I never even thought not counting all of my unwilling sessions with my father was an option. But if it is—then I was wholly a virgin when I fucked Hayze.

He nods for me to spill a confession.

“Uhh, I’m from Kissimmee, Florida.” I offer. A lame confession, I’m aware. He shakes his head no, it’s not enough. The words I killed my father sit heavy on my tongue. The confession burning my insides suddenly.

“I liked when you fucked me the other night, specifically the leash.” My cheeks heat with embarrassment. The feeling only intensifies when he looks down and writes something, an obvious bulge in his pants.

Tell me, did you like Synn watching?

Wow! Forward much? I can’t deny it, though.

“Yes,” My throat tightens, the image of him throwing a punch at his brother flashing in my mind. Will my answer piss him off? Something flashes in his eye, panic settling in.

LET’S GO TO BED

He holds out a hand for me. I take it, and rise from the bed. The living room is barren of the man that caused me to retreat into the isolation pod. We make our way towards Hayze’s room, trepidation filling my lungs with each inhale.

“Are you mad at me?” I tug on his hand, trying to stop him. He spins, looking at me with a look I can’t quite place.

ARE YOU GOING TO STAY?

It takes me too long to put together the question. But once I do, I stare at him, letting the question brew in my mind.

“With the two of you?” He nods. “Forever?” Another nod.

How can I answer a question like that? Currently, I have no intention of leaving. Too scared of the cops and what it might mean if I get taken into custody. But at the same time, I can’t let these two keep me a prisoner this whole time.

“I’m growing used to this life. But, I don’t want to be somewhere as a prisoner. If things were different, if I wasn’t forced to be here, then probably yes. I’ve never been in one place for more than six months. And it’s something I want, desperately.”