Sin For Me

Chapter 22 ☑️

Megan

The mind worked in bizarre ways, and this fact alone misled me into a world where I perceived life so perfectly, void of lies and secrets. But I was deceived, and forced into this spiraling trickery of hell, back to where I began. Back to a world I recalled as menacing and perilous. Back to him.

Everything was crystal clear now. Mason was certainly familiar. I had indeed met him in my past life. This must've been why he was so protective of me. But his attempt of shielding me from my past mistakes had proven a failure. And shamefully, the glare from my former spouse was all it took to shake me from this fantasy world I had gotten caught up in.

The piercing array from Max's eyes into mine unlocked a lifetime of secrets—secrets I realized that would have proved beneficial forgotten. He was a sleaze, a liar, and a vicious murderer.

I had no regrets for perusing Mason. After all, it was he that had liberated me from the former hell I had dwelled in for so long. But where was he now? Did Max rid of him like he had done without mercy many times before? I silently pleaded for his safety.

The events of the last night I spent with Max resurfaced as my breathe faltered and the air from my lungs dissipated into the oppressive space between him and I.

How was even he here? Was I seeing ghosts now? Was I delusional? I was sure we had ridden of him! I internally screamed. This couldn't be possible. Surely I was going mad.

"Darling, it's been so long. I've missed you terribly, can't you tell? It's me babe, your loving husband. Surely you haven't forgotten me so quickly.

Why don't you climb on out from there and we'll talk. Civilly, of course. Unless you decide to disobey me once more, and we both know what happens when you do..." he grimaced.

I glanced about the compact closet I was confined to. I was trapped. There was no way out. But how would I escape this hell unscathed? I replayed the familiar words I had asked myself before— the night my planned escape turned gruesome.

This time was different, however, Max had a lien over me. I had attempted to murder him, and he was here to seek out revenge. Perhaps he had taken care of Mason already, and I was next on his list of victims. The thought of Mason's lifeless body jolted my heart. I couldn't and I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of harming another hair on my head.

Not anymore. I was stronger than the innocent red haired woman he once tyrannized. I would fight back this time, and then I would seek out Mason. I would keep safe.

Despite Mason's lies, they were simply lies of omission, for my safety. He merely tried to protect me from this tyrant that stood before me. I owed it to him to hear him out. That is, if he was still alive. My feelings towards Mason hadn't changed, and I wanted him to know he was it for me. He was endgame for me. I wouldn't give Max the satisfaction of taking yet another innocent life—especially one that I cared so immensely for. And I never got to see what lay beyond the doors of Mason's mysterious room...

Time stood a standstill as memories of Mason in my former life flashed before my eyes. Him cradling me in his arms as I cried ugly tears each time Max went away on "business trips." Him wiping said tears from my eyes, and kissing my temples as I fell into a blissful sleep on the nights Max abused me. Those nights had proved to be the only sanctuary I had during those trying times. All the promises he made to get me out of the hell I lived in— away from the endless abuse and terror. And he never pressed for anything more. He was always just there, when Max wasn't. He would have made the perfect husband. He obviously cared for me then. How had I been so blind not to see it?

And what had I given Mason in return? Possibly a death sentence. I was selfish. Tears fought their way to the surface, threatening my false bravery. Would I even stand a chance against the devil himself? I had been a victim of his wrath for years, but could I outsmart him this time? And rescue Mason and myself unscathed?

Two could play at this game, I realized. I had devised a plot, a master of plans perhaps. I only prayed it would prove successful.

"Max, darling. I thought I'd never see you again. I've missed you terribly! I've been prisoner in this place—thank you so much for seeking me out! Allow me to explain, if you will." I climbed gracefully out of the closeted area that I had spinelessly hidden in minutes prior. I had to be brave this time. Not only for myself, but for Mason. He had risked so much just to keep me safe. I now saw things so crystal clear. I had to return the favor. But first I needed to ensure he was still alive.

"Whatever have you done with my captor, Max? I must know that I am safe now, with you. Is he...dead?" I choked as I spat out more and more lies and the word dead lingered on my tongue like a bit longer than expected.

"Meg, oh Meg. Now what kind of person would I be if I murdered someone in cold blood?" He grimaced and laughter exploded from his lungs.

"Well is he or not?" I nervously pressed.

"Darling, of course not. What kind of brother would I be to murder my own blood?"

Brother? Surely he couldn't be referring to Mason as his brother.

"Brother? What do you mean?" I asked. Now I was truly stunned.

"Darling don't tell me you didn't know. Mason Jacobs. My own flesh and blood. My brother." His laughter grew hysterical.

I was in a state of disbelief. How did I not see it before? They were similar in appearance, but I was naive.

"Whatever is the matter my love? I wouldn't dare harm a hair on my little brother's head, even if he did fuck my wife and steal my money and my life. I've got better plans for him."

He grasped my hand, dragging my frail body down the corridor and into the main living space. And then I saw him. Bloodied and bruised up on the hardwood floor. His back heaved slowly up and down—and he was alive! Yes! I silently thanked a God I was certain that did in fact exist now. I'm not too late!