Page 46 of Scarred Sins

“What’s that?”

“I stopped by my parent’s house. Mama’s cooking is the best. Are you hungry?”

As if on cue, my stomach makes the grossest, loudest noise I’ve ever heard it make. My cheeks heat up, and I glance away, embarrassed to meet his eyes. From the corner of my eye, I spot his shoulders trembling as he tries to contain his laughter.

“I’ll heat up the food.’’ Arlo’s teasing voice makes my ears burn. “Wait for me here.’’

Without asking anything, I listen and wait as per his instructions. Soon enough, a delicious aroma fills his apartment, my mouth watering at the scent. It smells great, and by now, I’m starving beyond words.

I wait for him to return and eat with me.

Why?

I don’t know, but I can’t eat alone.

“This one’s for you,’’ he pushes a plate on the enormous coffee table in front of me. Just like everything else in his home, the simplest piece of furniture is also unnecessarily gigantic.

“Your portion is way smaller.’’

He shrugs. “I already ate.’’

With a sharp nod, I dig into the meal, the homemade lasagna melting on my tongue. It’s a satisfaction my taste buds haven’t experienced in quite a while, and the food tastes so good that I can’t get enough of it.

Realistically, the amount on my plate was enough for two adults and a child, yet I inhaled all of it on my own. It took me less than ten minutes to finish everything, and of course, since I barely bothered to chew, it made me sick.

“Drink this.’’ Arlo extends his hand, holding out a bottle of water for me. I accept it, closing my eyes as I drink the entire thing in one go.

“Thank y–’’ I stop myself once I see the look of disapproval on his face. I clear my throat slightly, putting the empty bottle next to the plate. “Anywho, how was your outing?”

“I went to see Zoe.’’

My body freezes. “Who is that?”

“Nelson Adam’s wife.’’

My eyes briefly close when I remember the banquet and the girl on the man’s arm, which I can only assume is Zoe. The same girl who was terrified of even standing next to her husband. She’s young, too. Probably at least a couple of years younger than me.

“Why would you go to see her?”

“She’s someone I need to pay close attention to now.’’ His honesty cuts through my chest like a sharp knife.Why is my body reacting like this?“She knows about Adams’ and Simmons’ criminal activities involving young women.’’

“Did you ask her for help?”

Arlo nods. “Yes, but she didn’t give me an answer. I’ll meet her again soon to hear what she’s decided.’’

My hands are fisted by my sides as I tear my gaze away from him. My heartbeat reverberates in the room, and he pauses, staring at me, trying to read me. I’m not allowing him to.

Gloomy thoughts pop into my head right as a thunderstorm hits, and the power goes out. Rain pours outside like the sky is mourning; the flashing lightning luminesces through the tall windows.

“I’m glad to hear that,’’ I responded, my tone flat.

Involuntarily, I start doing it again – detaching myself from reality. His voice fades into the distance, and all I can hear is the raging pounding against my ribcage. My ears start buzzing at strange intervals. For a moment there, I forgot what this felt like.

The utter sense of hopelessness, the sheer fear of abandonment, and the immense need to beg for his affection, approval, and love.

My body trembles, eyes glued to the storm outside. I can’t move, can’t think,can’t breathe.My throat goes dry, and I can’t do anything about it. I’m caged in the personal hell of my mind, and the key seems too far out of my reach.

“Blair!”