Page 102 of Marks of Rebellion

18

Hunter

When I walkinto the kitchen, Vanessa and Julieta are making breakfast. The radio is on, and they're singing and swaying to the music while cooking.

I almost walk behind Vanessa and spin her around and dance, but I remind myself that I ruined that option.

I've got to get her back.

Don't make her uncomfortable. I don't want her to try and tap into her bank accounts.

Tinker's been my friend for a long time, but I'm angry at him for what he did.

He was right from the start about Ava and can make as many comments about her that he wants. I never felt about her the way I feel about Vanessa. But he put Vanessa into the same box as Ava.

Vanessa doesn't belong there.

And now, she's worried about being perceived as a gold digger. I'm afraid she might go behind my back and try to access her money to avoid dealing with me.

Just don't make her uncomfortable.

Keep it light and easy so she doesn't try to do something where Carlos can easily find her.

God, I want her back.

Why did I have to screw up so badly?

The pain I feel from the beating Ryker gave me doesn't compare to how my heart feels right now. I'd take ten of his beatings if it meant I could have Vanessa back.

"Want some coffee?" Julieta asks.

"Sure."

Vanessa turns and winces when she looks at my face. She walks over to the freezer, rearranges some items, and pulls out a bag. "Sit down."

I obey her. The delicious scent of her skin flares in my nostrils, torturing me since I can't have her anymore.

"Put your head back."

I tilt it back.

She stands over me and places a towel and then the bag on my face. "Does that hurt?"

I wince under the towel, but she can't see. "No, I'm good."

"Okay."

It feels like forever that she makes me sit with the bag of vegetables on my face, but she finally comes and removes it. "You should get some ice on your torso."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not."

"No, really—"

"I've had bruises on that area before. You're not. You need ice."

Rage that Carlos ever laid a finger on her races through every cell of my body. I vow once again to kill him someday.