Page 38 of Not Her Day to Die

“Nothing special. I’ve done less for far prettier women. But you will work as an excellent lesson. A tool to break my bastard son. Because hecaresabout you. I wonder how that will go when you despise him.” The fingers on my face retreat.

I hear the sound of heavy footsteps receding, followed by the distinct noise of a door opening and then closing.

Stuck. I am stuck in place, at the mercy of whatever there is to come.

My body hurts, my head throbbing, and my skin entirely too hot.

My bravery has long since left me, and a thousandwhat ifstake hold as time passes painfully.

It is just my thoughts to keep me company and a memory of Axel springs forward.

What ifs are the most painful part of life.

17

October 4th

Axel rubs his bloodied fists, the anger he felt at not being able to stop Rick from taking Sunday. Of watching her fall into the disgusting man’s arms.

Of the betrayal from having someone that evil so close to them.

It was nearly unbearable.

He didn’t want to believe it. Hoped the plan would fall apart because of it.

But then he had watched Rick wait for Sunday.

And Axel knew. Knew that she was right.

It was only Grayson holding him physically back that stopped Axel from jumping out and beating Rick to death.

Axel sits at the end of Sunday’s bed, tapping his foot and staring at the TV.

“She’s going to be okay.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Axel wants to jump up, wants to beat his brother to a bloody pulp, but he refrains.

His heart is a pulverized mess of longing, regret, andliquid rage.

But he isn’t mad at Grayson. Only at himself.

That he wasn’t able to stop Sunday and this half-cocked plan.

“Does she look okay?!” Axel screams.

He gesticulates, throwing his hands up and jumping to his feet.

Her face takes up most of the screen. This is her second interview she has been a part of. A united front with the Thornes. Except it is just her up there with Sterling.

Darius isn’t anywhere in sight.

“We hope one day soon that she will join our family, but of course she needs to recover both mentally and physically from her unfortunate trauma caused by my eldest son’s declining mental health.”Sterling has an arm wrapped around Sunday as he speaks.

She hasn’t said anything other than yes or no, but even still, the camera stays focused on her as Sterling continues to speak.

Most wouldn’t notice, but Axel can see the way she flinches as Sterling squeezes her shoulder. Her injured shoulder.

The way her face is pale, her eyes lifeless, her lips chapped under the ridiculous makeup they put on her.