Page 86 of Touch of Hate
On the surface, my goal is to get that information from him. Codes to open the gates and the schedule kept by the guards. We’ll know what to expect once it comes time to drive to Reno and pay a visit to New Haven.
That is, once I get what I came for. A grim smile tugs at the corners of my mouth, and my blood starts pumping harder. I’ll end him tonight and watch as his life leaves his eyes.
With that in mind, the eagerness to reacquaint myself with my tormentor, I hurry through getting dressed. Scarlet laughs gently as I hustle her out the door, my anticipation growing with every passing minute.
Do you know your heartbeats are limited, Christian?
I see his smug face in my mind’s eye, the big, dark eyes he could soften or harden at will. I can’t imagine him having changed much over the years. If anything, he’s probably worse. He knows what he can get away with after having used innocent kids like me for practice.
She’s unaware, innocent as always, too busy taking in our surroundings to notice my distant attitude as we set off.
“Are there any other towns nearby, or is the one we’re visiting the only one?” Her question stirs me out of my dark reverie. I’m not ready to share any geographical information with her. I’m not sure if I can fully trust her yet.
“There are bigger ones farther away,” I tell her, reaching across the seat to squeeze her knee. “But don’t worry. Once everything’s settled, we won’t have to stay at the cabin anymore. We can go anywhere.”
“I was only curious. Not complaining.”
Still, there’s a strain in her voice—and when I look over at her, the concern written in the lines between her brows speaks volumes.
“You’re worried, aren’t you?”
She practically deflates on her exhale, as if she was only waiting for me to ask that question. Am I asking too much of her?
What if I am? What then? There’s no turning back now. River wouldn’t allow it even if I wanted to.
“Yes, I’m worried.” She covers my hand with hers, stroking the backs of my fingers. “But only because I don’t quite understand what you plan to do. I don’t know how dangerous this will be for you or us.”
“I can handle a little danger. I’ve been handling danger my entire life.”
“Yeah, but you weren’t mine then.”
Is it possible for a heart to burst from pride? If so, we’re both in trouble since I’m the one behind the wheel. Now is not the time for my heart to explode. “I’ve always been yours. Believe me, I won’t take any unnecessary risks. I have a reason to watch my ass now.”
“Are we going to Reno?”
“Not right away.” I don’t have anything concrete to share, so I’ll leave it there rather than confuse her any further. The less she knows, the better.
“But you’re going to want to confront those awful people.”
“For starters, yes.” I don’t want to plant ugly images in her head, so I’ll also keep that to myself. When I wasn’t obsessing over my need for her, I’d pass the time coming up with new and inventive ways to inflict pain and encourage regret.
The very thought of making them bleed and pay for all their wrongs gets my pulse racing.
“Okay.” She’s shaky. Concerned.
I can’t have that. As much as I wish she would go along without asking questions, I’d rather she bring up her concerns if it means allowing me to reassure her so she doesn’t suffer in silence.
“Hey. You don’t ever have to worry about yourself. If you remember nothing else, remember that. I’d rather die than let anyone hurt you.”
“I know that.” Her smile is much more relaxed and sincere now, easing my tension somewhat. All I have to worry about now is keeping her by my side once we arrive in town.
As I park the Jeep in front of the Walmart, I warn, “Stay close to me. No wandering off. I don’t want to have to kick someone’s ass.”
“Where would I go?” She looks around, grinning while she shrugs. “I don’t even know how to get back to the cabin.”
I’d prefer she say she wouldn’t know what to do without me, but I’ll let it go. It’s not worth getting into an argument over.
Is this what it means to be in a relationship? I’m sort of proud of myself.