Page 31 of Falling for A Lie
The only thought that breaks through my downward spiral is the urgent need to seek protection from Scarlett's boys. If I want to prevent the life I have built for myself from falling into the hands of my psychotic ex, I must take action. They have protected me from him before, and even though I am stronger now than I was back then, I still need someone to watch my back while I keep an eye on everyone else.
Who could be better for the job than the devil, I know?
The devil's who are only a stone's toss away from my new front door. I'll give them whatever they ask for as long as they agree to protect me and the ones I love.
Strong hands lift me from the stool I was slumped on, as the panic attack stole the only strength I had left. I cradle my head into the crook of Finn's neck, my hands loosely thrown over his shoulders. The aftereffects of my panic attack make my body and mind more tired than they already are. Miles followsbehind me, folder in hand,, as they make their way to my room on the far side of the second floor.
Once we are in I'm lowered to my bed with such delicacy as if I'm fine china, one chip away from breaking. Both men opt into crawling on either side of me, engulfing me in their strong arms as I doze off to sleep with visions of the night Jace tried to kill me and the stuff I've done since out of necessity and because I was told to.
I'm not sure how long I sleep, but when I open my eyes, I'm still sandwiched between a snoring Miles and Finn. Their strong arms hold me hostage like they’re scared of me being snatched away in my sleep if they don't keep me close.
At that moment, I knew that my decision to seek the guy's help was the only way to keep my family safe. I couldn't let what happened to Ben happen to these two or my sisters. I needed to find out who betrayed Ben, fulfill every order The Ladies demanded of me, and lead my group down the right path. But through it all I knew in my soul, I'd burn the fucking order and the world down over these four, the only family I have left.
I need to devise a plan for approaching the men I left behind five months ago and asking for their help. In exchange, I'd sacrifice whatever they demanded of me.
If they wanted my soul, they could have the tethered pieces.
They wanted my body, they could have it as well.
I needed to submit to them fully, I would.
I only want my family to be kept safe,
I don't matter as long as they live and the monsters haunting my every waking breath are wiped from the face of the fucking earth.
Chapter twenty-two
Radley
Present Day
Iam spending another weekend at the gym preparing for my fight. My personal trainer, Henderson, is helping me refine my technique and identify my weaknesses before my debut match, which also signifies the end for someone who pissed off the wrong people in The Lords Of Ash.
I’m not sure what the sad sack of shit did to deserve being placed in the ring with me, facing his demise at my hands, but I’m relieved it’s not me on the receiving end. Nonetheless, I find myself in the ring, preparing to deliver the punishment deemed fitting for his misdeeds. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts and bring myself back to the present moment, I focus all my attention on the man in front of me. I watch closely as Henderson steps forward, forcing me to sidestep his advances on my right, which leaves my left open for the jab he delivers in rapid succession. The air is momentarily knocked from my lungs, causing me to double over and giving him the advantage he needs to land a knee strike to my temple, leaving me temporarily immobile. “Guard yourself better, boy. You get so lost in that thick skull of yours that you forget where you are,” he taunts as I struggle to regain my composure, willing myself back from the brink of unconsciousness.
Blinking away the slight fog of stars that has clouded my mind, I push myself up from the mat to start again. “Yes, sir. I’ll make sure to have a clear mind in two weeks,” I grumble back at the old bastard.
He laughs at my sour mood and retreats to his corner again, waiting for me like a predator stalking its prey, slow and meticulously observing me to catch my mistakes before I even make them. Bastard.
“Hurry up, Tiny Tim! I have a date with a girl who is coming in to train with me as well. She has a fight scheduled for thesame night as yours; hopefully, it’s not against you, because you’d be fucked. That little girl can pack a punch where it hurts.” He chuckles, as if he can envision the impending ass-whooping taking place right before him.
“Oh, I bet you only say that because she's a pretty girl, and you're usually surrounded by sweaty men and boys trying to figure out how to fight their way through a paper bag.” I shift my weight back and forth, swaying slightly to regain my fighting stance, mindful of the mistakes that had landed me on my ass just ten seconds ago.
“Nah, she's a true-born killer. You know the type that doesn't conceal their thirst for blood but embraces it.” He rambles on like a proud father, and I nearly gag. Softness looks weird on him; I've never seen him so animated with joy about someone coming in for his training.
“I’ll have to see this so-called true-born killer who has you so smitten. What time is her fight?” I tilt my head in his direction as he remains grounded, not rising to take up arms against me again.
“She is scheduled to fight before you, my boy, so you'll have the opportunity to witness a true fighter before going toe-to-toe with that treacherous bastard, Delvin.” He waves his hand dismissively, but now I’m slightly curious about the identity of this mysterious fighter. “I should also warn you that she is the new leader of that group that appeared recently. Hmm, what was their name again? Oh yes, The Valkyries.”
That captures my attention, and I quickly turn my gaze to him. "What's her name?”
“Now, my boy, even I wasn't blessed with that knowledge. But she goes by her call sign, Nightingale.” He says with a pout, his lips fuller than I have seen before, as he finally stands to join me on the mat to complete this training session.
“Nightingale? Hm. It's interesting to finally put a name to the leader of the Valkyries.” I let the words slip from my tongue and roll my shoulders to loosen up a bit more. “Now, enough about that. Let's get this training done; I don't want to end up with my head on the chopping block next.”
“Well, let’s see if you have what it takes to bring me to my knees, my boy.” He taunts me with a wink as he enters his fighting stance. We exchange blows, kicks, and takedowns, each move culminating in full submission. Before I realize it, my time is up, and I am sent home to conclude my day while Henderson prepares for his next training session.
I head to the showers at the back of the gym to wash the sweat and blood from my skin before heading home. The odor from my body would only seep into the fabric of my car seat, making the cleaning process more trouble than it is worth.