𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥'𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝟐 | 𝟏𝟖+

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ Tᴡᴇɴᴛʏ Oɴᴇ: Tᴏʀɴ ⵊɴ Tᴡᴏ

My head is pounding with the remnants of last night's overindulgence. The sun is far too bright, the road is far too bumpy, and every sound is like a jackhammer drilling into my skull. But worse than the physical discomfort is the shame and regret that sits heavy in my gut, a weight that drags me down with every passing mile.

I can't believe I let myself fall back into Damien's arms. I can't believe I was so weak, so stupid to give in to the temptation. How could I be so foolish, and so reckless with my own heart?

"Mommy, where are we going?" Faith's voice pipes up from the backseat, cutting through my self-recrimination like a knife through butter.

I glance at her in the rearview mirror, my voice flat and emotionless as I reply. "We're going to Grandpa's other house."

"Why?" she asks, her face scrunched up in confusion.

"Because."

"Because what?" Faith persists, undeterred by my lack of enthusiasm.

I sigh, rubbing my temples with one hand as I try to push down the irritation that bubbles up inside me. "How about we play the quiet game, Faith?" I suggest, forcing a note of cheerfulness into my voice.

"Okay, Mama!" she agrees eagerly, her eyes sparkling with competitive glee. "I'll beat you!"

I nod slowly, turning my attention back to the road as silence settles over the car. As I stare straight ahead, my mind begins to drift. I find myself drawn to thoughts of Gia, to the questions that have haunted me for years.

Did Damien say the same things that he said to me when he fucked her? Those sweet, honeyed words that made me feel like I was the only woman in the world, the only one who could ever truly understand him? Did he whisper them in her ear as he held her close? Was she better at sex than I was? Did she know how to touch him, how to please him in ways that I never could? Did he crave her body, her lips, her hands, with the same desperate hunger that he once claimed to feel for me? Did he prefer her, in the end? Was she the one he really wanted, the one he would have chosen if fate hadn't fucking intervened? Was I just a fucking consolation prize, a fucking second choice that he settled for when he couldn't have his fucking heart's true desire? Did he tell her the same fucking lies? Did he tell her he fucking loved her? And did she believe him, the way I once did, with all the stupid, naive trust of a woman in love?

Fuck, him–

"Mommy?"

I blink, snapping out of my trance as I glance back at her, a fake smile plastered on my face. "Yes, Faith?" I say, my voice falsely bright.

"Are we there yet?" she asks, bouncing in her seat with impatience.

︻デ═一

We all approach Luis' compound in New Mexico, the convoy in front of and behind me. The perimeter is lined with high walls topped with surveillance cameras. I pass through a series of checkpoints manned by armed guards, their faces stern and alert as they wave us through. The final barrier is a massive iron gate that swings open slowly, revealing the grandeur of the property within. The main house is a multi-level mansion. The grounds are meticulously maintained, with lush, manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds. The compound itself is situated on top of a hill, offering a view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

I pull my car into the garage, the rumble of the engine echoing off the concrete walls as I shift into park. I take my keys out of the ignition and step out of the car. My movements are sluggish and uncoordinated as I reach for my bags in the front seat.

Ramos appears at my side, "Here, let me take those for you, " he says, gently prying the bags from my hands. "Amell's got Mateo, he's taking him down to the safe room now."