Page 73 of Crave

Penn.

My chest tightened. I glanced at Gabe as my cheeks burned. She’s a liability. Those words still howled. The worst thing was, Jude was right. They couldn’t trust me. Hell, I couldn’t even trust myself. Because I wasn’t me…I was someone else. Someone who was still trapped in that place with a faceless man who used me.

My body tightened as my cell chimed again.

Penn:If you don’t answer me back right now, I’m coming over.

Gabe bent down, snatching my cell from the comforter in front of me. He pressed the button and read the message. “Coming over, huh?” The corner of his lip tugged, baring his teeth for a second before handing it out. “Text him back, tell him everything’s fine.”

But it wasn’t fine, was it?

And now Gabe seemed okay on invading my privacy, forcing me to do things I…I didn’t want to do.

Only that’s not true, was it?

You wanted to do anything they asked.

Especially if it meant you being naked or on your knees.

I flinched with the words. “No,” I whispered. “That’s not me.”

“It is if you don’t want him to meet a very pissed off Silas at the front door. You do know my brother carries a gun, right? There’s no telling what he’d do.”

That burn ignited in my cheeks once more. Silas would hurt Penn. In fact, I think he’d enjoy it. Just like he enjoys hurtingme. I lifted my gaze to Gabe, to the sweet brother who had changed in the weeks since our parents' deaths. Who now looked at me like…like…that’s the way, Angelica…do exactly as you’re told. You’re to listen and obey, then when we see each other again, you’re to tell me everything. Do you understand? That faceless man commanded in my head. Do. You. Understand?

“Yes.” I whispered and reached for my phone as Gabe held it out. “I understand.”

I punched in the numbers, then replied to Penn telling him exactly what they wanted. I was fine. I didn’t want him to come. We were still grieving as a family and he needed to respect that.

He would.

I knew he would.

“Good.” Gabe reached out, brushing the hair from my face with hands that were far too big. “That’s good, Angel.”

Angel.

My body quivered with the name. Only mom called me Angel…her Angel. Now as I stared up at Gabe that name took on a whole new emotion.

“You’re okay if I call you that, right?” He murmured, his voice deep and husky. Those big fingers brushed my cheek once more. “My Angel.”

I swallowed hard and slowly nodded.

“Gabe.” Silas called from the doorway. I glanced toward the sound. Silas stood there, watching his brother caress my face. “You’re needed.”

One nod and Gabe turned around and walked out, leaving me sitting there on the bed. Silas just watched, then glanced at the cell in my hands. I knew what he was going to do before he even moved. My hand clenched around the cell, then slowly lifted it in the air as he crossed the room and took it from me.

“You won’t be needing this.”

I could only nod. “Whatever you want.”

Then without another word he turned and left, closing the door behind him. I was alone once more with that faceless monster in my head. A monster that programmed me to do whatever they wanted with barely a fight.

“I hate you.” I whispered. “Almost as much as I hate myself.”

I lay back down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, my thoughts a muddled blur. But I remembered the doctor and the things he said to me. I was programmed and none of this was my fault. So if this wasn’t of my own doing, then whose was it?

Promise me.Mom’s desperate words resounded. I remember that moment clearly. Tires squealed as we tore out of the gate at that place, the Order. The look of desperation was terrifying on her face.On your life, Angel. I need you to promise me. They can never know about this.