Page 45 of Pretty Lies (Watch Me Burn #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY

RORY

I let myself breakdown in the privacy of my bedroom for a few minutes, then I pulled myself together and put my mask back in place as I got up from the floor and sat on the edge of my bed.

It felt ridiculous crying over the guys, but I was so tired of fighting battles alone and being used in someone’s game.

I’d do anything to have Skeeter show up and say he’d changed his mind, that he wanted me to stay with him again, and that told me that I’d gotten too close.

Relying on people always got me burned, and now I was alone again.

I scowled, raking a hand through my hair and cursing myself out in my head for being so stupid. Had Skeeter just been playing me too? Being sent packing kind of felt like he was done with me, no matter what he’d said.

Slash wanted me gone, so I guess he got his wish.

A door slammed, and my eyes jerked to my door that was still closed, footsteps thumping along the hallway until my door handle rattled.

“Open this door, Aurora!” Max snapped, the door banging as he hit it. He sounded more pissed off than normal, so there was no way in hell I’d let him in. “Aurora!”

“Get away from her!” Josie demanded, my back going straight. She sounded furious too.

“She’s my daughter!”

“You’re not a father, you’re sick. I told you to get out, so leave!”

My heart dropped, my stomach twisting with the knowledge that we’d have nowhere to go, and Max would blame me for it. He had no money, so if we needed to find some fast, he’d use me again to get it.

I slipped my knife from my pocket and clutched it tightly, trying to keep my panic at bay. If I ran, he’d only find me again. He always did.

“Hear that, Aurora? You fucked it up for us again! Pack your fucking bags, we’re going!” Max bellowed through the door, but my panic turned to confusion when Josie spoke.

“She’s not going anywhere with you. If you don’t grab your shit and go right now, I’m calling the cops.”

“Call them! I’ll tell them how you’re kidnapping my child!”

“Fine, but I’m telling them everything, Max.

Mark my words, you’ll be tossed in a cell and never see the light of day again.

This is your only chance to walk out of here without handcuffs.

Who do you think the cops would believe, huh?

You, who’s apparently piled up with debt and a bad history, or me, the woman who has lunch with the Chief of Police’s wife and who attended their wedding? ”

I smiled a little at that. Josie was a bit of a badass.

“This isn’t over. I’ll be back for you later, you useless little whore!

” Max roared, smacking the door before stalking off, slamming doors as he went.

I heard Josie take a deep breath before she walked off too, and they continued arguing more quietly in their bedroom for over an hour while Max packed his things.

He kicked my door on the way past as he left, but he didn’t say anything, and I hesitated before walking towards my window, watching him get into his car and leave me behind.

Uncertainty filled me as I watched his taillights vanish into the distance, my chest tightening. I wasn’t Josie’s problem, but she’d stood up for me.

Would she still call the cops and place me in the foster system? Would she let me leave since my birthday was soon?

A soft knock on the door drew my attention, and I tensed.

“Rory? Can I come in?” Josie asked gently, not trying the handle once. She was giving me the choice, not wanting to invade my space without permission.

I walked towards the door and unlocked it, opening it to find her worried eyes on mine instantly. “Come in.”

She walked past me, and I shut and locked the door again, not wanting the guys to barge in. I couldn’t handle that right now.

We sat on the edge of my bed, and Josie blew out a breath. “I’m so sorry you had to hear that.”

“I’m used to his tantrums,” I snorted, crossing my legs and eyeing her with confusion. “Why didn’t you let him take me? You don’t even know me.”

“The vile things that man has done to you,” she choked out, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze as I let her. “No child should go through that. I wasn’t about to let him hurt you again. I’m so sorry about Tristan, I had no idea.”

“So, what now? Should I pack a bag and organize somewhere to stay? I don’t think the foster system would find something for me since I’m almost eighteen.”

“When I told him you were staying, I meant it. I know I’m not your mother, but you need one right now. I’ll always be here when you need to talk or if you need a mom hug,” she said softly. Tears burned my eyes, but I didn’t let them fall.

“I can’t ask you to just let me live here.”

“You’ve been hurt so many times, and this will always be home for you if you need it.

I don’t care if you’re forty, you’re always welcome to knock on my door and stay.

You’re a bright young woman with a good future ahead of you.

I don’t give a shit what Max claims, you’re only disrespectful to him because he deserves it.

The anger and resentment you feel is warranted, and I don’t blame you for lashing out at the world when it’s been so cruel to you.

I know you probably don’t want to stay because of my idiot son and his friends, but please think about it. ”

“What happens if I want to leave?” I croaked, my throat tight with emotion.

“I’d never force you to stay, but I’d expect regular calls and messages so I know you’re alright.

You’re so close to finishing school, so I hope you’ll at least stay here until you graduate.

Set yourself up for success, and maybe you’ll be the one running your own business one day,” she smiled, not letting go of my hand.

“Just because you came from the Heights, doesn’t mean you’re doomed to fail in life.

You can do whatever you want if you work hard enough.

You’re a smart girl, Rory. Although your taste in men sucks, like mine. ”

I chuckled, wiping my eyes as a tear tried to escape. “It really does. I’m sorry about Max. I’m glad you kicked him out before he could spend all of your money though.”

“He could’ve left with every dollar I have if it meant he’d leave you behind,” she said warmly, reaching out to cup my cheek. “I’d give everything up for my boys, and you’re no different. You’re family, and I’d go to the ends of the earth to keep you all safe.”

“Don’t make me fucking cry, you’ll ruin my street rep,” I laughed as I choked on a sob, but she just laughed too.

“I promise, I won’t tell anyone. Let me know if Max gives you any trouble. I’ll handle it.”

“What if he finds a lawyer somehow? He has dodgy friends everywhere.”

“He might know people, but I know people too. Jensen’s father’s law firm is the best in the country, and I’d make sure Max was eaten alive and run out of town,” she promised, getting to her feet.

“No more running, okay? You’re safe here.

If I have to take Max to court over guardianship the day before you turn eighteen, I’ll do it.

Even if the whole world is against you, I’ll always be in your corner.

Get some sleep. Take a few days off school if you need it, and we can discuss your options again later if you don’t want to stay here, okay? ”

This woman was pulling way too many emotions out of me. She was so much like my own mother, sweet and compassionate. I felt like I was a little girl again, and that broke something inside of me.

“Can I have one of your mom hugs?” I practically whispered, her face softening.

“Of course, honey.”

I got to my feet and hesitated before letting her pull me against her, and I closed my eyes to fight off the rush of emotion that hit me. Her hug was firm but mindful of my battered body, her perfume filling my senses.

She smelled like my mom too.

I wasn’t sure how long we stood like that, but she waited until I was the one to pull away.

“Thank you,” I mumbled, slightly embarrassed now that I’d gotten control of my emotions again, but she just patted my shoulder with a knowing smile.

“Any time. I’m right down the hall if you need me.”

She left, and I stared at the closed door for a few minutes, not knowing how to process what had just happened.

Jensen

“Should we check on her?” I mumbled three hours after we’d shut ourselves in Caden’s room, and Caden glanced up from the game he was playing, Tyler not taking his eyes off the screen as he happily took Caden out while he was distracted.

They were sprawled out on the floor, leaving Lukas and I to sit against the headboard of his bed.

“That will only piss her off more, and as much as Mom’s never laid a hand on me, I think she’s close to beating me with a wooden spoon. I think we should leave Rory alone tonight and avoid Mom at all costs. I’ve never seen her so mad at me before.”

“Maybe you should check on your mom. I know she stood her ground, but your father messed her up bad. She probably had flashbacks while fighting with Max,” I stated, making him shake his head.

“She wants to be left alone, trust me. She won’t accept comfort from me tonight, not after what I did to Rory,” he answered with a sigh, shame filling his eyes.

Caden never felt bad about anything, but this was tearing him apart.

Tyler finally gave me his attention, flicking his gaze between us all. “Should we hang out at my place or something? Maybe they both need space.”

We all looked at Caden, his jaw clenched. “We need to stay here in case Max comes back. I won't leave either of them here. I know we have good security, but Max is a snake. Who knows what kind of connections he has.”

“We’ll all stay,” I agreed, my eyes flicking to the door with hope as someone knocked, but I deflated a little bit when Josie opened the door instead of Rory.

“I’m heading to bed. Don’t bother Rory,” she warned, and Caden got to his feet.

“Is she okay? Are you okay?”