Twisted - Tangled Limbs Sequel (Shannon Leto Fanfiction)

Chapter 53

(Trigger Warnings:  Language and Sexual Content)

(Shannon's POV)

I was livid as I left the hotel. I waved off the concierge and took off on foot. I didn't want to wait around, I just wanted to get away from there as quickly as possible. When my anger started dissipating I realized I was walking around LA at night, which was never a good idea. I took shelter in a storefront doorway and called an Uber.

I puffed away on one cigarette after another as I tried getting a grip on myself. Even though I blamed Jared and Jeannie, I was the one who ultimately carried through. The contempt I felt for Jared was intense, even after all the years of disagreements we'd had. The master had taken great care planning my downfall, but I wondered if it had something to do with his own shortcomings. I'd done what he couldn't by committing myself to one woman, unlike he was willing to do with Brittany. I knew how spiteful he could be when something was eating away at him. Then again, maybe it had something to do with Missi and I being almost as close as he and I were.

I stomped out my smoke when the Uber arrived. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go home and face Missi. Other options had certainly crossed my mind, but I didn't want to complicate the situation by leaning on any crutches. I'd done that with Missi once, and it ended very badly. I owed it to myself and her to be truthful, and it was time to man up and hope for the best.

I noticed there were only a few lights on in the house as the driver pulled up. I took a deep breath and entered as quietly as possible. Maggie didn't hear me until I entered the living room and I told her to be quiet. I tossed my jacket on the chair and went upstairs.

It appeared Missi had fallen asleep waiting for me to come home and only managed to cover part of herself before doing so. As I got closer I saw that she'd carried through on something I never expected. Normally I would have been excited to find heart-shaped pasties adorning her breasts, but now it was guilt and all I wanted from her was forgiveness. There was no urgency to disturb her and drop my bombshell on her, so I covered her up completely and went downstairs.

I let Maggie out of her cage and we went outside. I sat there looking around my property, thinking of my home and all my prized possessions, yet the one thing most treasured of all I held in my heart. If Missi left, then none of that would matter as much as it once had. Hopefully she'd be swayed by the unconditional part of her love and wouldn't run away again.

In just one evening I felt like I'd lost the ones I held nearest and dearest. I didn't even want to look at Jared but wondered what motivated him to do what he did. Then again, maybe knowing wouldn't make any difference in how I felt. It struck me as I watched Maggie that I'd lose her too if Missi left. At that point the tears I'd held back came with a vengeance.

'Why?' I yelled into the darkness and started sobbing.

'Shannon, what's wrong?' Missi asked from behind me and when she saw my face she wrapped her arms around me.

'We need to talk.' I said solemnly as I wiped my face and stood up.

'Okay' She said hesitantly and backed up.

She pulled her robe closed and crossed her arms as if sensing she needed to brace herself.

'Let's go inside.' I said walking past her.

I wanted to hold her in my arms, protect her from harm, but I couldn't because I was the one at fault.

'Shannon you're scaring me. What's wrong? Did something happen to Jared, or your mom?' She asked.

'No babe.' I said as I sat down on the couch.

'Then what happened that's upset you so badly?'

'Sit down Miss, over there, and I'll explain.' I said motioning to the other couch. 'Something happened tonight that we need to discuss.'