Chapter 33
KADENCE
Two weeks passed since the cliffside confessions and mind-blowing sex with Blaize.
I’ve been staying with her at the club, enjoying my time with her and learning more about her.
Forgiveness was a funny thing. I thought I would be angry with her for a long time for what she did to me, and a part of me was still bitter, but anger took a lot of work, just like any other emotion.
And I didn’t want to be bitter. I understood both points of view now.
I kept who I was a secret because I was scared—I was still scared of my past coming to attack me if anyone found out who I was.
Blaize immediately hated me the moment she found me in her town, but it didn’t give her an excuse to be a raging bitch like she was.
She still was, but it was directed towards everyone else now while she treated me like a princess.
I couldn’t say I wouldn’t react the same if someone I loved was killed and there was a stranger hiding in the shadows.
Besides, she was protecting me from whoever was trying to kill me.
There hadn’t been another attack on my life yet, so I guess we’re making progress.
I sighed, stretching my arms in Blaize’s California king bed.
I haven’t been this well rested in months.
My demons weren’t screaming as loud as they had before.
There were still times when I woke up screaming from a nightmare, but Blaize was there to bring me back to Earth with kind praises.
I really was in love with her, and it felt like the kind of love people wrote songs about.
Blaize’s home had turned into mine since I didn’t leave for the last two weeks.
And don’t even get me started on the sex. I never knew I could have as many mind-blowing orgasms or that sex could be so passionate and sweet. She made me feel beautiful when every other partner made me feel disgusted.
Blaize wrapped her arm around my waist, pulling me into her as she buried her head into my neck. God, this woman was my weakness and my strength.
“Good morning,” I cooed, and she grumbled.
“That makes it worth it,” she said, kissing my neck. “I have to make the finishing arrangements for Layla’s funeral.”
I nodded. “I’m going to go see Annika. She’s been pestering me about everything and wanting to make sure you don’t trap me here.”
“Don’t tempt me. Let’s go shower.”
As per usual, our shower turned into much more than just a shower, but morning sex was better than coffee. I’d never get tired of the way Blaize made me feel. I dressed in a pair of jeans and a distressed, grey cropped t-shirt with some loose strands at the seam, and Blaize's leather jacket.
Blaize dropped me off at Annika’s apartment, and I kissed her before watching her drive off. My heart hurt seeing the pain in her eyes when someone mentioned Layla or Fallon, but I was happy that she finally lowered her walls to let me in, even with the tragedy.
I walked into Annika’s apartment, hoping she remembered I was coming over today and I wasn’t walking into an orgy or on her riding someone’s dick.
Instead, I found Annika pacing in the room, clutching her phone.
She looked at me, and disappointment flashed through her eyes for the briefest second before she gave me a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
“Damn, the disappointed eye.”
“I’m sorry. I haven't heard from Drew, and I’m scared.” Her voice broke, and I walked to her, pulling her to me and wrapping my arms around her.
“Do you know where he went?”
She shook her head. “No, but he’s been investigating a church in Bellevue. I think that’s where he went, but I haven’t heard from him in four days. Theo and Noah keep telling me he is fine, but I don’t think he is.”
I furrowed my brows. “Why is he investigating a church?”
She sighed. “It’s not my story to tell, but Drew and his sister grew up in Bellevue.
There’s an area there that’s like a cult.
Very strict policies. Women can only leave for certain things on certain days of the week, and everyone listens because it’s how they were raised,” she explained, and somehow, I had a hard time picturing Drew being a holy roller.
“Drew and his sister had it rough. Because Drew was the man of the house, he was treated better than his sister.
She had to be obedient and obey the men.
Disobedience meant being punished, and there were lots of different variations of punishment.
“All in all, after Drew and his sister escaped, he burned it down. A lot of people died, but they rebuilt. They created their own territory where they listen to only the word of God. Drew heard stories of what they do to the women there, and he wants to stop it.”
“W-why?” I knew the answer even as the word slipped from my lips.
“He doesn’t want the same thing that happened to his sister to happen to another innocent woman. He’ll do anything, but I can’t lose him. These people use God’s name as a cover up. They are radicals and only listen to the congregation—the priest.”
“Take a deep breath. If he doesn’t come home tonight, I’ll march my unholy ass to the gates and say I want penance for my sins to get him back for you.”
“You’re the greatest friend I could have ever asked for. I’m not feeling very people-y today. Can we just stay in and watch movies?”
I told Blaize I was going to stay with Annika tonight.
It’s been too long since we had a girls’ night, and something told me we need one now.
Besides, it'd been a while since I updated her about what happened that night. Annika handed me a bowl of popcorn and a box of M besides, she can’t touch them. This is my battle, Kadence, but thank you.”
I nodded. “I’ll leave you two for a moment.”