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“You really want to stay?” she asks softly.
“I do. But things have to change. These bruises have to tell you that some of my story was true when you put me into the mental institution. You can’t blame the victim here. I didn’t give myself these bruises. I didn’t put myself into a coma!” My voice is raising, which means the stupid machine monitoring my blood pressure and heart rate is complaining too.
Glancing at it nervously, my grandmother nods. Taking gulping breaths, my throat hurts and I cough. The nurse had given me some water earlier, but my grandmother quickly grabs the glass for me, pressing the straw to my lips.
“We’re just talking, child. You can’t let yourself get so worked up,” she murmurs.
Swallowing the cool liquid, I struggle not to react to her comment. Something is changing inside of me, and I’m struggling to understand it. This last beating may have broken me more than I thought.
“I know, Grandmother, but I need to ensure you hear me. I will not go back to the drugs and the darkness,” I say firmly.
“Drugs? Darkness? What the hell are you saying to her?” Father Levi asks, closing the door behind him. The man is a ninja, and I never heard the door open.
Staring openly, I drink him in. He’s still as beautiful as ever, but there are shadows under his eyes that weren’t there before. Did I worry him?
Striding into the room, he sits on the other side of my bed. “You’re not sending her away, Mother Cross. You can’t,” he says firmly.
My grandmother looks as if she’s going to lose it, but Levi shakes his head. “You gave me a medical proxy, and I have to relinquish it willingly. I will refuse to do that now that I know your thoughts on what is in Chastity’s best interests,” he contributes. “You can’t begrudge me this, because you play hard ball yourself. She is not exhibiting suicidal ideation, either. Your granddaughter will return to Holy Cross once she’s medically cleared."
Grandmother looks as if she is going to explode, instead she shakes her head. “I will agree to this because I have no other choice, but heed my warning. I don’t believe I can protect you, child, and I worry for your safety.”
Before I can say another word, she stands and leaves the room. Dropping my head back, I whimper as it starts to hurt.
“Shh, darling girl. I’ve got you. I’ll make sure you’re safe. Can you trust me for a little bit?” he asks.
Rolling my head to the side, I stare at him. “Please don’t take offense, but I don’t think it’s in my best interest to trust anyone. Everyone has secrets, and at the right price, I believe I’m expendable.”
Levi leans forward and kisses my cheek. Whispering in my ear, he says, “You aren’t expendable, because you’re everything. You are our future, our true Eve, and I swear to make this right.”
I don’t want to cry again. Despite my best efforts, tears begin to well in my eyes. “I don’t know if you can,” I whisper.
Sighing, Levi shakes his head. “I can’t explain everything, but I will burn down the world for what happened to you, baby girl. I wish I could have stopped it.”
Closing my eyes, I hold that promise close to my heart, still not at all sure I should trust him.
LEVI
She’s alive. Chastity is awake, and is going to be okay. Glaring at her grandmother, I decide I’m not as inclined to play by her rules as I once was.
The worst has happened, and we almost lost our Eve.
“Mother Cross, I think it’s time we let Chastity rest, don’t you?” I ask, my voice barely more than a growl. I was trying to get Chastity to open up to me when her grandmother returned. I can tell that my Little Sinner doesn’t trust her.
“Levi,” Chastity snaps. I don’t think I have ever heard her speak to me like this. She’s always been so meek and sweet.
Blinking, I’m unsure how to respond. “What do you need, Chas?” I ask gently.
Chest heaving, she wheezes. “I’m not going back. My baby needs me. I can’t go back to being forgotten.”
Ignoring her grandmother, I lean over and cup Chastity’s face, whispering so what I say stays between us. “Never again. You’re our Eve. You’re important, both in and out of that role. Do you understand? The Society will protect you now.”
The machines around her are going crazy as Chastity leans back against her pillows. Her heart is beating wildly as she struggles against her panic and anger.
The nurse rushes in and shoos us out, but Chastity nods at me. Even if she doesn’t trust my words yet, she believes me in this moment.
Mother Cross looks tired as she moves away, staring over her shoulder at Chastity. Grabbing her arm carefully, I escort her out.
“Quit handling me,” she mutters, pulling away from me as soon as we’re in the hallway.
