Page 39 of The Tenth Circle

Walls that were once white, shiny, and pristine, are now splitting wide enough to allow the darkness to creep through.

My eyes squeeze closed, and behind every new image is another crack.

The three of them naked.

Crack.

Her moaning.

Crack.

Their hands all over her.

Crack.Crack.

When I manage to pry my eyelids open, I find both guys facing me, dread taking over every inch of their faces.

Motherfuckers may not understand why, but it’s clear they know they’re as good as dead.

I drag my gaze between them, where the center of my world is sitting with her back frozen straight, looking at me over her shoulder.

My sister, Theory.

Eyes wide with terror.

Regret.

But still eager to get to me as always.

I haven’t seen her since she came for the holidays and our birthdays, and although she seemed different it was nothing like this.

A defiant sixteen year old…allowing two JV assholes to swallow her tongue and grope her.

Defile her.

Corrupt her innocence.

Theory has only ever been my baby girl—who I love more than fucking breathing. Who I cherished, raised, and sworn every allegiance to.

It’s why, in spite of my doctor’s instructions, I lose all control over what happens next.

5

HENDRIX

“Don’t do anything stupid, Hen,” Archer demands as we wait impatiently for EMS to arrive.

“I’m not gonna stand by and allow him to get away with this!” I yell back at him, with a finger pointed behind me where I can feel Saint watching.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him react this harshly, and a lot has happened in our friend group that forced a toxic yet cordial relationship between us.

After our best friends got together, a silent vow took place between Saint and I, neither wanting to risk fucking up friendships or Bex and Crayton’s relationship.

But they’re no longer here.

And their relationship is as solid as my anger toward Saint.

Okay, fine I crossed a line and rubbed the win in his face, but he crossed a border of no return.