Page 42 of Vengeful Devotion
There it is. Something. Definitely something bad. Horrendous, if I’m being honest.
“You did?” My mouth feels as dry as the desert sand.
“I was outside. Y’all look so cute together.”
“Oh. We’re not together.”
She gives me a funny look. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah?”
“Then why are you not with that man? He’s literally the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.”
Anger rises in me like a flare shooting into the sky. “Don’t talk about him like that.”
Daisy smiles. “Oh, you two are so together.”
“No. We’re not. We can’t be.”
“Why not?”
“I just can’t.” I pause, swallowing down the urge to tell the truth. I learned a long time ago that telling the truth would get me nowhere. No one was ever listening. No one. Plenty of people pretended to hear, only to report it all back to my uncle. Tutors, the maid Lonny sent in to feed me, and the guards. They all acted like I was crazy. So much so that pieces of me believe I am crazy.
Daisy puts her hand on my knee. The chill of her hands seeping through my jeans. “Gemma, whatever you’re going through. It doesn’t render you unlovable. If anything, it qualifies you for more love.”
I have no idea how to respond to that. I want to scoff and get defensive. But I also want to breakdown and hug her. Because I know that if Francine found her and took her to Warrior Dove, she’s been through a hell of her own. I’m saved when Francine opens the bathroom door, cutting off our conversation.
“Daisy. What a sight you are.”
Francine opens both her arms a little too quickly, causing her to sway on her feet a little. I jump up, ready to help, but she waves me off.
“I’m fine, Gem. Calm down.”
“Right. Sorry.”
“You look good, Fran,” Daisy says, pulling Francine into a hug.
“Giant bruise and cut included?”
“You are the only woman on the planet that can pull this look off.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, sweet girl.”
Daisy steps back, giving Francine the pictures Rex drew. “I brought presents too.”
“Oh. Wow. Tell Rex thank you for me.”
“I will.”
“What were you two talking about?” Francine swings her gaze between Daisy and me.
“Nothing. We were just getting to know each other.”
“Yeah,” Daisy says.
“Mm-hmm.” Francine puckers her lips in mock disapproval.
“Okay. Okay.” Daisy raises her hands. “You got us. We were talking about how the brick broke because you’re so hardheaded.”
