Chapter 50
Fifty
ANDREA
I keep blinking, expecting the hallucination to disappear. But… it doesn't. He doesn't. He’s still standing there. Just… smiling at me.
Synapses that haven't fired in ages go off, flooding me with memories. But memories don’t do Cade Warren justice. His beauty isn’t just physical— it’s in his madness. His cunning. His creativity. Every facet of him glitters like a kaleidoscope.
I can’t look away.
“Is this a sick joke?”
My voice sounds miles away.
The psycho’s grin widens. “I ask myself that every day, six inches from the mirror.”
Holy shit. This isn't a dream.
Suddenly, I’m lightheaded.
“W-what are you doing here?” I stammer.
He shrugs, examining his bitten cuticles. “Getting a manicure. Lord knows I need it.”
My eyes narrow. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Ohhh, you mean here, in Fort Manor.” He snaps his fingers. “That’s right, no one told you. I just got back from an extended stay in the loony bin.”
He can’t be serious.
An uncomfortable beat passes.
“Don’t lie to me,” I croak.
His smile turns grim. “I wish I were.”
Words elude me. Emotions I’ve suppressed for years bubble to the surface. All this time… he’s been in treatment?
His gaze softens. He tips his chin toward the staff exit. “Step out with me for a sec?”
Being alone with him is a terrible idea.
“Five minutes tops, I’m on the clock.” What the hell am I doing?
That damn smile again. “I can work with that.”
For the love of all things unholy.
Taking the lead, I march out the back door. I don’t need to check if he’s following— I can feel him behind me. Hugging myself, I huddle in the sliver of shade, squinting into the afternoon sun. If I’m blind, I won’t have to stare my past in the face.
His shadow envelopes me. “Freedom looks good on you, little sinner.”
The ache in my chest echoes behind my eyes. I frown up at him. “You promised not to disappear.”
Knuckles skate across my cheek. “It wasn’t up to me. They took my phone and by the time I got your texts, you already said goodbye.”
I swallow shards of glass. His thumb swipes away the first tear. “None of that,” he murmurs. “Be mad. Claw my eyes out. Punch me in the dick. Anger, I can handle. Your tears? Hate them almost as much as I hate your sperm donor of a dad.”
I choke out a laugh.
His glassy eyes sparkle as something presses into my chest. I look down to see a tattered composition book covered in blue scribbles. I still can’t manage to speak around the agony spreading like an infection through me.
“The doctors had us journal every day.” He blushes. Cade Warren is fucking embarrassed. “I know it’s not an excuse, but I figured it’s only fair.”
He steps back. The loss of his proximity leaves me hollow. With a sad smile, he nods at the journal now clutched tight over my heart. “Warning, it’s kind of scary in there, but if you make it out alive and don’t hate me… I’m staying with my Dad.”
Then he disappears around the side of the building. I stare into the vacuum of his absence long after he’s gone.
Hinges squeal, jolting me back to myself.
Mae’s head pokes out from around the door.
My bottom lip quivers.
For once, the endless burning isn’t the loudest pain in my body. It’s too much to process. I don’t even know where to begin.
She rushes over, her arms circling me in a surprisingly tight embrace. Sniffling, I accept the comfort she’s offering because I’m not that strong. Not against this.
“Go home,” she murmurs. I think of my drained bank account. She huffs as if reading my mind. “You are family. We take care of family.”
Family.
I haven’t had one of those in a long time.