10. Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Easton
Relief swam in my chest when I saw Dylan’s cutlass parked at her house. I woke up in my car after they knocked me out, still sitting at the academy. When I decided I was coherent enough to drive, I flew by The Den to see if her car was there, which it wasn't. I tried to track her phone but it was dead. I actually fucking prayed as I drove home, that her car would be in the driveway, and for once, luck was on my side.
My mom texted me earlier in the night to let me know she was working late on a case and wouldn’t be home, which wasn’t unusual for her, but she still likes to check in. It’s been her and I since I could remember. My father was murdered right before I was born, which sent my mother on a wild goose chase to find his killer which still to this day, is unknown. So she chose to join the force alongside Eleana. After going through the academy together, they became partners in the homicide unit.
I went up to my room, took a shower and changed my clothes. All I could smell was mold and fire, and I didn’t want to tip her off by that. There was no way I wasn’t going to go to her. I had to make sure she was okay. The guilt of what I was forced to do is eating me alive, but why hasn’t she called her mother, Bentley, or the cops? I thought for sure her mom would have came home guns blazing after finding out her daughter was raped. But nothing happened. I tried her window, but it was locked. It hurt my heart a bit that she didn’t want me near her tonight. I get it, but it didn’t change the pain filling my chest.
I lay here next to her, holding her hand, my thumb stroking her soft skin as I listen to her heavy breathing. The sun is starting to rise and I should really go home and rest. I’m not sure I’m ready for her to see how fucked my face is. Plus, my head is pounding and I could really use some sleep. I’m afraid if I rest my eyes we will get caught together, and that's the last thing we need right now. But I can’t help but stare at her as she sleeps peacefully, safely in her own bed. I look up at the ceiling and thank god that she’s here and breathing. I look down at her and run my finger lightly down her nose and over her lips.
She’s utterly gorgeous and even more stunning with tears running down her face. I wish I could stay here with her, wake her up with a sweet kiss to her lips and get lost for hours within one another. But it’s not in the cards for us. She’s my best friend's sister. Untouchable. Fuck.
Shaking my head, I slowly free my hand from her grip, and she groans in her sleep. I kiss her forehead lightly before putting my jeans and boots on and leave her room. Thank god it's the weekend and we both don’t have to worry about classes.
After leaving her house, I look up at her window one more time before entering my own. Climbing the stairs, I enter my room, taking my boots and jeans off. I slide into my cold bed and sleep takes over almost immediately.
Hours later, the sun is shining bright through my window and the annoying sound of my phone keeps going off. Reaching for my discarded jeans, I pull out my cell from the pocket and see it’s Ace.
“I’m fucking sleeping. What do you want?” I rasp.
“Just making sure you’re good. You walked out last night and never returned.” He says, a hint of concern in his tone.
“Yeah, I uhh dipped out. I was fucking exhausted man.” I say wiping a hand over my face. I fucking hate lying to my friends. I need to figure out a way to tell them but I need to check on Dylan first.
“If you say so. Well, we are heading into the city to watch a race. We should be back tonight.” He says.
“Alright, I’ll meet you guys at The Den later. Stay safe.” I say.
“Same, E, same.” He says, and the line goes dead.
Sliding out of bed, I go take a piss and get dressed. Looking out the window, I see just Dylan’s car in the driveway. Grabbing my phone from my bed I shoot a text over to her as I stand by the window.
Me: You up Hellcat?
I look over at her room and see her moving around the room. My phone pings and I head down the stairs as I look at the text.
Dylan: Leave me alone Eas.
Nope, we aren’t doing this shit today. I walk out of the house and into her yard, opening the gate and walking up the back steps. I key in the code and open the door, slamming it shut behind me.
“Go home, Easton!” she yells down the stairs and I laugh.
“Not a chance in hell, D. Either you come down here or I’m coming up. The choice is yours.” I yell from the kitchen and I hear her huff as she stomps down the stairs. She finally comes into view wearing sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. But I can see the fucking handprints around her throat and she will not meet my eyes. Her entire demeanor has changed rapidly overnight.
“What do you want?” She says, putting her hand on her hip. I laugh because this girl is always filled with so much sass that I’d love to just fuck right out of her. But instead, I quirk a brow at her.
“Have you eaten today?” I ask and she rolls her eyes.
“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” I smirk but she doesn’t take the bait.
“Yes, I’m more than capable of caring for myself when no one is home. I’m not a fucking child Eas.” She says, getting mad at me for being concerned about her. Oh, the fucking audacity of me.
“Why are you throwing such hostility at me? I came over here to make sure you are okay.” I say folding my arms over my chest, leaning against the counter.
“I’m not throwing anything at you,” she says, wincing as she folds her arms over her chest.
“Why are you wincing? What the fuck is going on?” I step closer to her and she takes a step back. I hold my hands up in surrender but she takes another step.
“I’m fine, Eas. Let it fucking go.” She sneers. I take another step towards her and tears start to fill her eyes.
“Tell me what is wrong?” I demand and she shakes her head no profusely. I step into her space again, caging her in against the wall. Her eyes are cast down and I don’t fucking like it. My pointer finger grazes her jaw and she whips her face away.
“Please talk to me.” I whisper, pulling her face back to me. Her ocean blue eyes finally meet mine and I can see all the hurt deep within them.
“What is going on, D?” I breathe, trying to keep my tone soft, not wanting to scare her away.
“I can’t Eas. Just please go. I want to be alone.” She begs.
“I can’t do that D. I need you to tell me so I can fix this.” I protest.
“You can’t fix this.” She whispers but I don’t give up.
“Did Carter hurt you? Is that what this is about? Are you afraid of what I will do to him?” I question, grabbing her face with both of my hands and she pushes me away.
“No, that’s not what this is. Stop making it worse than it needs to be. Just fucking go!” she yells and I take a step back.
“One way or another, I’m going to find out what the fuck is going on.” I yell back. But she gets in my face this time.
“I said to fucking drop it Easton. I swear to god just let it fucking go or else.” She spits. She moves to try pushing me again, but I grab her hands and she screams. I immediately let go and take another step back into the kitchen.
“See, that right there tells me all I need to know. You either fucking tell me what is fucking going on or I’ll go gut the prick.” I growl.
“Why do you even fucking care? Why are you pushing this so hard?” She questions. Fuck. I can’t exactly tell her that I know everything, that I was fucking there. Fuck.
“Because you’re my best friend’s sister, and when I see bruises on your neck, that makes me fucking concerned.” I yell and she immediately covers her neck with the hood.
“Because I’m Bentley’s sister? That’s why you care?” She laughs in my face.
“Get out, just get the fuck out!” She laughs again pointing to the door.
“And if I don’t?” I challenge. She throws her hands up and stomps off.
“That’s what I thought. Get your shit together. You’re coming to The Den tonight. You obviously can’t be left alone.” I yell down the hall. I turn my back for one second and she comes running down the hall and shoves me into the back door.
“Fuck you. I’m not going anywhere. If all I am is Benny’s little sister to you, then fuck right the fuck off ,get the fuck out of my house and stay out of my fucking window. You ain’t shit.” She yells, shoving me again. She spins and runs back down the hallway and up the stairs, slamming her bedroom door shut, nearly shaking the whole house.
Fuck. I open the back door and slam it shut as I walk out, pounding my feet down the wood steps and out of the yard. Looking up at her window, I see her standing there and I blow her a kiss, she returns it with a middle finger and twisting the lock to her window.
Well, fuck. How am I supposed to tell her that I was one of her rapists? How can I explain it to her without losing her completely? It’s a battle that I’m terrified to lose. Because not only will I lose her, but I’ll lose Fatal and probably my life, for it all. I need a fucking drink. Taking out my phone I text the guys to see where they are at.
Me: Everyone at the Den?
Bentley: I’m not. Had to make a pit stop on the way back from the city.
Me: Tell Amy I said hi. Lol
Ace: I’ll be there in a few. Why? What's up? Tell Amy to come tonight.
Bentley: Both of you can fuck off.
Me: lol guess that’s a no. You feel like drinking Ace?
Ace: Stupid question.
Antonio: I got J’s for days. It’s time to get high, my friends.
Me: LMAO, when are you not high?
Antonio: Good question.
Bentley: Never.
Ace: Stone Pony 24-7.
Kingston: I just got here. We having a party?
Me: A small one. I need to let loose a bit.
Kingston: Done
Ace: See you soon.
Me: I’ll be there in twenty.
Later that night, I’m drunk, sitting on the couch at The Den, while half-naked girls dance around and my boys shoot some pool. I can’t even stand up. I took way too many shots to make myself feel better. It didn’t work. I can’t get her off my mind. I can’t get last night out of my head. I take out my phone and check in with her.
Me: Hellcaatttt, you good baby?
Dylan: Didn’t I tell you to leave me the fuck alone?
Me: Do I everrr listennnn baby?
Dylan: Jesus Christ . I’m fine Easton.
Me: I don’t believe you, Hellcat. And stop calling me Easton. That’s not my name to you.
Dylan: What the fuck? Your name is Easton. Is it not?
Me: Not to you, baby. It’s Eas or daddy, or maybe...I don’t know.
Dylan: ??Daddy? I think the real question here is, are you okay Easton?
Me: Mmm yes Daddy??. I like that Hellcat. I’m better now that I’m talking to you.
Dylan: Are you drunk?
Me: Nooooo. What are you wearing? Send me a pic.
Dylan: Oh, you are sooo drunk.
Me: Am not. Now give me what I want or I will get in the car and come to see for myself.
Dylan: Don’t you dare drive here.
Me: Why? Carter with you? Not making you cum as usual.??
Dylan: Where are you? I’ll come get you.
Me: I’m fine. At Den. Partying without you??
Dylan: You don’t sound okay.
Me: I want to tell you something but if I tell you, you will hate me forever and I don’t want that. I want so much more D.
Dylan: Who did you fuck? Which one of my girls?
Me: I know, D. Just know that I know, and I will take care of it. I’m sorry.
Dylan: I don’t know what you are talking about. Where’s Benny? I’m worried about you.
Me: Just know I wasn’t left with a choice. And I’m sorry.
Dylan: You’re scaring me Eas.
Me: Don’t be. I’ll never fucking hurt you, baby.
Dylan: I know Eas. Never have and never will.
Me: My ride or die girl.
Dylan: I’m coming to get you. I don’t like how you sound.
Me: How do I sound? You can’t hear me through a text.
Dylan: Jesus. I’m on my way.
Me: No Hellcat. I’m finnne. It’s ok. I deserve it.
Dylan: Deserve what?
The room starts to spin and my phone continues to vibrate. I close my eyes to ease the spins but it only makes it worse. Laying my head back, I try to relax my eyes and let sleep take over me. Right now, dreamland is better than reality. In dreamland, the girl I want, but can’t have, was never hurt. Never forced to succumb to the pain and trauma of last night. In my dreams, she’s perfectly perfect.