A Thousand Lies

Chapter 5

Chapter name: hideaway

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Temperance

I'm falling. Waiting for someone I barely know to catch me. To my surprise, he does with a grunt from impact.

"We need to l-leave," I tell him. I get out of his arms, ignoring my dad's screams. I open the passenger door, placing myself in the seat as he runs around to the driver's seat.

"What was that?" He asks, concerned about the new wounds covering my face. I sigh and lean my head back in the seat. "Just drive," I respond.

He starts driving down the road, and I relax.

"You better start talking before I take you back there." He threatens, bringing himself back to an asshole.

I look at him in fear. ‭He wouldn't... would he?‬

I don't know what to tell him.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm abused and raped a lot. But that's okay.

No, I can't tell him that. So I make up a lie.

"See... I was about to get grounded. So I ran out of the window. Because I didn't want to be grounded." I know my lie didn't sound believable. It is obvious it is far from true.

"Totally." Sarcasm drips from his words.

Then it is silent. Again.

We pulled up to his house. It is big. It is definitely bigger than mine.

"Do you want to stay here for a while?" He asks. I ponder on it for a few seconds.

I am too weak to go back. My body won't be able to handle the beatings. I am too weak.

I can stay here for a little bit. Then eventually go back after a few days. Alec has more than enough room.

"If that's ok. I don't want to be a burden." I respond in almost a whisper.

"You won't be." He puts his hand on mine for reassurance.

I look at him as he parks. "I have three guys living with me. And several other people come in and out throughout the day." He gives me a heads up, even though I already ran past the guys only an hour
or two ago.

"Because you're in a gang." I bring my attention to my legs. He looks at me and then back at his house.

"Yes. That's why my house is never empty. If any of the guys give you any trouble. Tell me." He scans the outside of his house.

"Are there any girls?" I ask, a wave of jealousy rushing over me. I don't even know why I'm jealous.

I shouldn't be. I don't care about this guy.

"My maid Ella. And there are a few girls in the gang. They don't stop by a lot. They are mostly at the warehouse or just frolicking around somewhere."

I nod at his answer and unbuckle myself.

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Alec

After I get her into an extra room, I go straight for the guys.

"Zander, go get the report on Temperance Andrews. Now."

Something is up. I've known for a while. But when I went to get her. She seemed so weak. And whoever that was in her window. He looked mad. Furious. Dangerous.