Silent Sins ✓ ( book 1) Editing in Progress

Chapter 31

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The dark clouds move quickly in the night. It's quiet enough to hear the sway of trees in the distance. Other than the few cars rushing by at late hours, the world is void of noise back home. Here, it's alive and serene.

I scratch the back of my neck and gaze up at Romero, "I'm sorry for attacking you and smashing your car."

His lips twitch with bemusement. "And I'm sorry for destroying your life."

I roll my eyes. He didn't destroy it. I know that now. But his mockery might last a lifetime.

Mum had her reasons for leaving. Alcohol consumed Ethan. My life is in danger and it's all because dad has enemies. To be frank, the worst Romero has done to me was tie me to my bed and threaten my career.

I know it's bad in a lot of ways, but it doesn't compare to what I thought he had done. I convinced myself that this man took everything from me. Every piece of my happiness.

Life fell apart by itself.

"So you never hated me?"

He makes a face to act like he's thinking meaningfully, then smiles. "Hate you?" He muses, leaning against the door. His muscles press up against the door frame and it juts out his chest ever so slightly.

I glance away quickly, flicking a piece of dust off my cast. Pure thoughts.

"Perhaps I just react to the way you speak to me."

I scrunch up my nose. Supposedly.

He sighs "I don't hate you, Amara. I envy you."

My eyes meet his. Those bold, static blues that adorn his features. That liven his wealthy skin. Those eyes that carry so much weight, like the ocean flows through it, leaving behind sediments and rocks that fabricate an empire, ruled by none other than the midnight tales of his life.

"Why?" I breathe.

"Because they waited until you were ready for the truth." He looks off into the distance. "The rest of us grew up exposed to the flames of the adult world."

"What do you mean?" I don't move in case I draw him out of the moment, but it's not enough.

He stands to his full height, and the softness of his expression grows solid under the harsh lights. "Do you need help to get ready for bed?"

I purse my lips. "Don't do that. Don't act like you're going to tell me and then keep quiet. If you won't tell me, then stop taunting me with the truth."

He nods regretfully. "Sorry."

I sigh and run my hands down my face. This is getting stupid. If someone doesn't tell me what's going on soon, I might implode. I'm expecting something big. If I waited this long to hear some flimsy truth like crowned enterprise doesn't exist, I will be super dissatisfied.

When I look up, he's still standing there, then I remember he asked me a question.

"I'll be fine."

He nods, "Get some rest." then shuts the door.

The lights go off, and I lay back against the cold sheets, not bothering to get changed. My clothes are comfortable home wear, anyway.

I rest my eyes, feeling the weeks of exhaustion rubbing against my skin. Nope, never mind. My cast is just itchy. My chest deflates, and I sit up, peering out the window. The moon bounces off the walls. A pale grey.