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Now I'm not.

- Chapter 12 -

Laiken

I'm taken to my bedroomby the guards. The lock on the door 'clicks' on the outside; the first time I've heard that sound. I'm reeling with the events. Pacing the room, I squeeze my arms into a pretzel.How could this happen?It's a catchall sentence for everything: my dad's escape without me, and Dominic's reveal as my enemy.

Remembering his scalding glare makes me shiver. I slide my hands up my arms, touching my shoulders where his hard fingers were. I can't believe how wrong I was to assume he'd help.

When we were young, I hadn't asked him to be part of any escape plan. He hadn't offered, either. Back then I'd been sure my release was just weeks away. Hell, I'd thought I'd be gone before Dominic's first holiday break from school.

He hadn't even come home. He's here now, though. But he's nothing like I expected him to be.Something has changed him,I tell myself. That's the only explanation. My memories about him aren't wrong—they can't be. He was kind. He was myfriend.He's something else entirely now.

I traverse the room from one side to the next. I pivot, fingers drumming on my forearms.If I can't hold still, I'll stay busy.Opening my bathroom door I head to the sink. My skin is tight all over, like I'm an overheated grape. I could split apart any second. Running cold water I splash my face. My braid flips over my shoulder, the end getting soaked in the basin. I leave it.

Why did he come back?The question catches me by surprise. Not because I didn't wonder earlier when I saw him by his car, but because it shouldn't be at the forefront of my mind now. I should focus on my situation; what I'll do now that Dad is gone.

The bedroom door slaps open. It hits the wall stopper, bouncing back, and Dominic catches it. I lock up by the sink with the water still running. We can see each other through the doorframe. “Did you know?” he growls, his massive form advancing, blocking me in the bathroom.

I arch my head high, my braid falling back behind my shoulder. It rains water down my legs. “Know what?” I match his angry tone.

“That your father was going to escape tonight?”

Don't react,I tell myself. I continue glaring up at him. I wonder if I can win this contest. I don't know what's at stake if I lose, but it can't be good. “No, I didn't.”

Dominic leans closer. Our noses are an inch apart. He's quiet, hoping I'll breakdown under his intensity.He's done this before,I realize. It comes natural for him. He's an inked beast, ready to dominate anyone who challenges him. I'm almost done counting his eyelashes before he turns away. “If you didn't know, then why did you try to break out at the same time?”

I consider not responding.Give him something; he might go easier on you.“I overheard the code orange stuff.”

“And that, what, motivated you?”

“It was...” I flex my hands, too tired to fight my actual bitterness. “I saw a chance and took it. Can you blame me?” My chuckle is humorless. “I waited here all this time like a good little prisoner, and in the end, he runs off without me.”

“Do you know where he is?”

“Not even a little bit.”