Page 74 of Make You Beg

“That monster?”

“I’m not asking for you to understand, Kayden. But he’s not bad all the time.”

“I guess it’s only me who gets the worst version of him.”

She finishes cleaning up my wound and wets another gauze, pressing it against my burning skin, making me bite my tongue.

“Not really.”

“Does he hurt you, too?”

I stare at her over my shoulder; she’s the definition of a trophy wife. Well put with her short blonde hair and bright lipstick. Her dress covers all the right spots, long-sleeved and hits right above her knees. Looking for bruises or signs of any physical abuse is almost impossible. Wherever they are, she’s good at hiding them. Just like I am.

“Sometimes.”

“Then, why? I’m his son, I have no fucking choice. But you can leave.”

Miranda stops what she’s doing and her lips part.

“Mom? Are you here?”

FUCK.

Miranda stands up and rushes to Maddy.

“Kayden?” My dirty little sinner peeks into the room. Her cheeks flush red at my exposed skin.

I do my best to mask my pained expression, presenting her with a poker face.

“Mom, have you seen my laptop? I can’t find it, and I have to do this presentation for school.”

Miranda switches her whole attention to her daughter, pretending nothing happened between us.

Saved by the bell.

Or by the little intruder that’s always sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.

Deep down, I have a feeling I know why Miranda’s still here. My father’s got a way to make everyone feel small. And well—he’s got a lot of cash to cover up his mishaps.

“I haven’t seen it, sweetie. But I can look for it.” She hands over the gauze to Madelyn. “Would you do me a favor and patch up your brother while I take a look around the house?”

“Patch up? What happened?”

Her big brown eyes scan my body. From where she is, she can’t see my scars.

I pick up my shirt and put it on again because I’m not fucking doing this.

“He…” Miranda stares at me, her eyes wide with panic.

“I fell on my back when I was playing hockey.” I get up, taking the package of gauze from Maddy’s hands and walking between them. “And I’m fine.”

“Kayden! Wait,” Miranda calls out.

I leave the room, heading upstairs instead of my bedroom for some peace of mind. It’s probably not the best idea to climb up to the attic in my current state, but I don’t give a fuck.

This is exactly what I didn’t want. For Maddy to find out.

A poor attempt at climbing the ladder sends a burst of pain through my muscles and forces me to give up. I throw myself on the floor and sit down in the middle of the corridor.