Page 38 of Vicious Titan

Asher surges forward, his hands ramming against my chest. I shove my best friend back, and his fist comes up, striking my jaw. I maintain my balance, glaring at him as he stills, but I don’t make a move to retaliate.

He rears back, swinging his fist, and I take another blow. I’ve endured many from my father, just as Asher has from his. I might beat the piss out of dipshits like Grant, but I won’t fight my best friend. I won’t inflict the same pain on my best friend that I’m trying to keep his sister safe from.

Asher grips my shirt, getting in my face as his rage fumes. “Fight back, you weak son of a bitch.”

“No,” I say, flatly. I need her, but I can’t lose my best friend either. There has to be a way for us to get past this. “I’m sorry. I crossed the line. I betrayed your trust. But, I’m not Victor Hastings. I won’t fight my family.”

Releasing his hold on my shirt, he slowly steps back, hands hanging limply at his sides. He looks as exhausted as I feel, but I have a feeling his struggle is just beginning.

“I’m still your best friend, and I’m here if you need anything,” I say. He remains silent, turning to walk out of the room without another word. I don’t follow him because I do know that the worst demons Asher faces are the ones inside his mind, the ones deeply implanted by his father’s abuse, and he has to sort through those on his own.

Hurrying upstairs, I reach Victoria’s bedroom to find I’m locked out. Again. Banging on the door, I yell, “Open up.”

After a few minutes, I attempt again, hollering, “I’m not leaving until you open the door.”

She has to know. I was relentless before, now I sure as hell won’t take an easy dismissal from her. And I know she’s in pain, which makes me want to get to her even more.

Retrieving my phone, I type her a quick message.

Me: Not leaving, so just unlock the door.

I cram the phone back in my pocket, and my back hits the door as I slide down until my ass hits the floor. My head falls back, thumping against the barrier preventing me from getting to her, and I let out a defeated laugh. I’ve sat here plenty of nights when she’s locked me out. Glad to know some things will never change.

About ten minutes later, I hear someone clear their throat, and I open one eye to peek out. Quinn stands there, looking at me curiously.

“Quinnster.” I wave a friendly greeting, before closing my eyelid, resuming my position.

“Um, Nathan told me about her dad. Is she okay?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” I open my eyes, watching Quinn as she takes a seat beside me on the floor.

“Is Asher here?”

“I think so, but my best friend is not a fan of mine right now, so I have no clue how he is.”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have been sneaking around with his sister.” Quinn gives me a knowing look. “I’m actually surprised he didn’t find out sooner because neither of you were very good at hiding it.”

“He looked at me like he hates me … like my father looks at me.”

“Asher doesn’t hate you. He just has a weird way of expressing himself.”

“Don’t we all?” I laugh, but there’s no humor behind it.

“Yes, we do. Just give him a chance to adjust.”

I hope he does, and sooner rather than later. “So, how was your day?”

“Don’t ask.” She lets out a sigh, pulling her legs to her chest as she tucks her chin on her knees.

I pat her on the arm, closing my eyes, and we sit in silence. I’ve lost track of time when all of a sudden, I’m falling backwards, my back hitting the floor as I look up to see Victoria towering over me. “It’s about damn time. My ass is numb.”

“Elliot,” Quinn scolds, slapping me on the leg as she stands. Speaking to Victoria, she says, “I just came by to check on you.”

“I’m fine,” Victoria says lowly.

“I’ve heard—and told—that lie a few times.” My eyes remain fixated on the redness on her cheek where Monica’s hand had slapped her as Victoria stares daggers at me.

She looks to Quinn. “Really. I’m fine. Thanks for coming by. I’d rather just be alone though.”