Inhale. Hold. Slow breath out. Remain calm. He’ll only retaliate if you react. It’s almost over.
“Of course. I’ll head there now.”
“Oh, and if you could just store it at your place, that would be wonderful.”
I grind my teeth. My eyes close.It’s ok. If he thinks I have it, I can hand it over to Darren without them knowing. Maybe it’ll speed this whole thing up and I can avoid the next drop.
“Sure.”
“Thank you, son. You’re truly a faithful servant.”
I don’t know about faithful, but I’m definitely a servant.
When the call disconnects, I forward the recording to Darren and immediately text Cade.
Hey baby, sorry for taking so long. There’s just one last thing I gotta take care of and I’ll be home.
Just one last thing.
Sixty-Five
ANDREA
I should leave.
Run. Run far the fuck away, then hide from them— from myself. Everything is too much and I want to scream. Scream until my lungs collapse and my voice rips from my throat. But my delusion won’t break under his rambling, which hasn’t stopped since he let me in.
“Are you even listening to anything I’m saying?” Cade snaps.
Every word. My brain just refuses to acknowledge the probability of it all being fact. I was so close to making up an excuse to continue soaking in self-loathing. But the idea of hurting Cade sent me into a spiral. So I threw on an oversized tee and hauled my flighty ass to Sebastian’s apartment.
I’ve driven past it but never turned into the complex. It’s nice. Way nicer than my single. Has to cost a lot since it’s not considered student living. I muted him on social media— not that he ever posts anything— so I don’t know if he works for anyone other than my father.
“Rewind. I’ve got a raging flare-up chewing my nerves like jerky.”
He tries— and fails— to hide an amused smirk. “I offered to kiss yourpussy better.”
This flirt. As if the fresh bites and hickies aren’t enough to confirm he’s been freshly fucked, I can smell it on him— citrus and sex. It’s coursing through my veins and cranking up my body temperature.
Suddenly, Cade curses at the laptop and bangs on the keyboard. “I’m locked out again.”
“How many passwordsarethere?”
“Not sure.”
“And how many have you done already?”
“Six.”
“Are you fucking serious?”
“Deadass.”
I slap my forehead, muttering, “The fuck,” as I slump into the cushions and wipe my palm down my face. “I don’t understand why all of this is necessary.”
His eyes slide to me. “For the millionth time, Sebastian is part of an ongoing investigation of your corrupt-ass dad, who will probably stone him to death Old-Testament style in front of the entire cult if he finds out he’s been narcing to the authorities for years.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My brain glitches. Flashbacks of a crooked finger in my face,“Never question me, stupid girl!”Backhanded threats,“The Lord leads me. I don’t question the plans of the divine, see, because that’s not my place. My place is to lead his people and do his will. The Lord won’t welcome you into his kingdom if you ignore his will.”Brainwashing, “Our God is all-knowing. He can see your thoughts and intentions. To have impure thoughts is a sin. You don’t want to end up in hell, do you?”Guilt-tripping, “I’ve just been trying to save you, but I guess you’ve made your bed with Satan.”
