Page 14 of Scarred in Silence

“No.”

Evelyn’s expression changes from joy to question. I can’t let them see her. She isn’t ready yet. She needs to understand that I am the only one who can save her from herself.

“Why?” Harmony asks.

“She’s not ready. She needs time.”

“Time for what? She left us, she needs to know that people care about her!” Harmony walks into the room, crossing her arms over her chest.

I stand and tower over her.

“No. What she needs is me.”

Harmony backs up slightly, and Evelyn stays quiet. She knows not to get in between us, unlike Harmony.

I step closer to Harmony, letting her feel my presence as a threat.

“If you try to see her, I will fucking destroy you.”

She nods, swallowing the lump lodged in her throat. I back away and nod to Dante.

“We’ll talk soon,” he calls out.

I walk down the hallway with determination. I will destroy anyone who interferes with my perfect plan.

* * *

The stale air hits my nostrils as I carry Astra’s lunch to her. She needs to eat. I checked the cameras, and she dumped all of her soup into the toilet. Fucking bitch.

All I do is try to provide for her. She’s ungrateful. That’s probably why her parents hate her. She would rather have fucking drugs than food. Pathetic.

I open the door and drop down the ladder. Slowly, I climb down into the cell.

“Go away.”

I smirk to myself. She will have to try a lot harder to get rid of me.

“Mmm—No.” I spin around and see her sitting on the bed, rolling her eyes at me. I place the bag in the same spot I did before, and I sit on the other side of her bed. She stares at me, studying my every movement.

“I talked to Gideon.” My tone is dry.

She snarls at me.

“He doesn’t want you.”

She traces a cut on the inside of her thigh. She used to cut herself in high school, and now, when she is stressed, she traces over the scars.

“Why are you telling me this…”

“Because.” I stand and make my way over to where she is settled on the mattress. I place one hand on either side of her, looking deep into the depths of her soul.

“I do want you.”

Her breathing hitches at my admission. Her chest rises and falls evenly, but quicker than before.

“Do you remember who you belong to… my little Siren?”

I move my hand onto her leg, and she swallows thickly. I guide my hand up between her legs and press against the bare skin. Fuck. I forgot she can’t wear any underwear with the chainsI placed around her ankles.