My answer repeatedly replays in my head, the entire meeting with Travis does. Everything feels like a fever dream, like an out of body experience and I'm struggling to grasp ahold of reality. That seems like the story of my life lately.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK0GAxUpu6
The drugs are aiding and abetting. I'm happy to still have some left from the bag Malachi had given me. Being that Maverick is still giving me a regular re-up, I've got plenty to get me through the rest of this weekend.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ymsB4Uxh
What's bothering me the most is not knowing if the buzzing beneath my skin is because I'm anxious about the choice I made...or if I'm, dare I admit, thrilled by it.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbONxiFWn9
There's been this little voice in my head, one that sounds like mine, telling me to give in. I've been arguing with it, telling it that it sounds insane, that I'm not crazy like them. Then the voice confirms their insanity, but validates it by explaining that Malachi and Maverick could have everything they could ever want. The voice tells me that any fear of getting caught is easy washed away by the fact that we desire suicide, our end forever being when we decide it's so.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5UfK4Xrva
The voice is convincing...like Malachi, Maverick, and Travis are.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOECchYP7sz
My bedroom door suddenly swings open, open far enough for Malachi to take a couple steps inside using a foot to kick it closed.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDYKNBAPp3
"Knocking really isn't that difficult." I comment.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOFv0ZLw92
My eyes following his movements as he enters farther. He stops in front of the dresser, leaning back against it with his hands hanging loosely in his pockets.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTLjjjzjvE
"Leaving a room isn't that difficult either..." His amused gaze stays on me. "But here you are, unmoving after hours."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIelTBtg4D
"This-"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xFS6QvAxI
Malachi cuts me off. "We've given you time to calm your nerves down. The longer you stay in here, the more inclined I am to believe your mind is elsewhere."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPOpajKYkt
He doesn't try to hide his mischievous expression.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt3kWgZDDT
"You're an asshole." I scoff, knowing he's referring to the drama with Maverick and Brittany...not that I needed that reminder.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIstmciKlT
"I can't say that I blame you." He shrugs, turning around to mindlessly inspect at a few items on the dresser. "You've got yourself in some pretty fucked up situations in a very short amount of time. I'm sure even the drugs aren't doing a good job at muffling your thoughts."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpoV3MK4Em
Amusement is laced in his tone, like he might even find it funny how jumbled my brain is right now.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXY6pTvlyG
"I haven't put myself in any situation." I point a finger into my own chest even though he's not paying attention. "Everyone else is doing that for me."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oL5kFUBZP
"That sounds about right;" He nods, still facing away. "You taking no responsibility. Do you recall finding out about Brittany and Maverick's relationship prior to your kiss? Or were you too lovestruck to remember?" He asks in a mocking tone.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBWE9dIvRi
I begin to get annoyed. Somehow, Malachi is always a part of whatever chaos is erupting, adding fuel to the fire any chance he gets.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjDkxg2tjN
Realistically...if Malachi wasn't involved...every bit of drama would be minimalistic, like it was before he put himself in the picture. When Malachi wasn't around, Maverick I never fought, our lives had order...and I wasn't making decisions that change the course of my life...permanently.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbqUminC6
"You're instigating shit, Malachi." I huff, closing my book and tossing it to the side. I scoot to sit on the edge of the bed, glaring in his direction.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOJ50Ir8Fl
He slides open one of the jewelry box's drawers, peeking side.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAfe2lnZCI
"When's the last time you think Maverick and Brittany have been..." He pauses, taking out a necklace and holding it up to see it better. "Intimate?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCOJuI8cnH
It wasn't a thought I had dove too deep into yet...making me sit there, unresponsive. Letting myself consider the possibility of them hooking up after our kiss could lead me to getting the truth.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRVpV9buf2
And right now...I don't know if I can bare hearing it.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahTb1nqgI1
"That would be a shame...to have finally taken the next step with your best friend, to find only that he was playing you." He chuckles softly to himself, shutting the drawer after the necklace is back in its place.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Q0KTEKIu
I stand, anger rising as he continues to taunt me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCTgOcwFGH
"Why are you acting like you don't give a shit rather or not I'm hurt by this?" I ask in the most demanding voice I can. "You're being a dick for what reason exactly?!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4plPOC4Lb8
Malachi glances back over his shoulder at me. "Because I don't give a shit if you're hurt by this." He states facing his head towards the dresser again. "Like I said; you knew about Brittany and Maverick. You asked for some shit like this to happen. So yes...I do find your self pity in this scenario to be humorous."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoZnFlT7ZA
My eyes narrow in on the back of his head.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nXZIu0cre
"You should talk to him, Lilliana. The longer you wait, the worse it'll get." He suggests, but it's not in a helpful tone, it's in more of a mocking or amused one.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXYW5VWApv
"You want the drama, the chaos." She observes. "You're making sure that you piss me off and then tell me to go talk to him so our conversation doesn't go good!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlbWlJwHT5
His eyes brighten when I call him out, unbothered by being accused of this.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZL6bXwjDP
"Now what would make you think I would do such a thing?" He grins.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHloxR1jztN
"I don't know and that's the problem." I cross my arms over my chest. "Since recently, I was under the impression that you wanted to help me."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdv9cjJwA4
Malachi chuckles lowly but it's genuine. "Just because I come over to help you one time, doesn't mean I want to help you all the time."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbEKwdoKWw
I wave my arms around the room. "Then why did you do all of this?!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YMEf3FyHm
His gaze doesn't leave mine. "The room?" He asks. "You can thank Maverick for that, not me."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN8WqNTyLi
My eyebrow raises in an accusatory way. "Is that why Malory told me you came to her about it? That you were the one who told her what would make me comfortable?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ki5sFhO4F
Malachi's eyes that were once bright, darken just enough to notice. "Malory must have gotten confused. She juggles a lot, our names both start with 'M'. It was an honest mistake." His shrug is joined with a nod.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYBh9mwoxu
"You don't actually think I'll believe that right?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFnDD6mvJr
I don't understand why he would go so far as to lie about something nice he did for me. Just a short number of days ago he was making sure I ate after not doing so all day. Why not just say it was you?
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ0G2aL4Id
"Oh I see what this is." He says with a low chuckle. "You think I actually care about you, don't you, Lilliana?" The amusement in his voice makes his words sound so convincing.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg4WZOMUP8
But I'm still not buying it.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR0MXSqti3
Malachi extends an arm out, his hand in a stopping motion. "I told Maverick I was afraid this would happen." His arms falls back down to his side. "As detached and numb you make yourself every day, you are far more emotionally driven than you lead on."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe18QYJYk3L
Malachi is frustrating for a number of reasons. To me, the biggest one is how I can't tell if he's being one hundred percent truthful or not.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmpWeXyYio
He's the only person I've ever met that I don't feel like is bullshitting me half the time. He always seems to tell facts, never sugar coating much of anything and always making sure he relays how he feels about a situation.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl8P28Add5
Right now, it feels like only half of what he's saying can be the truth. I get the whole thing about me being emotionally driven; I wouldn't mention it out loud or rarely ever to myself but it's not completely wrong. The part about him implying he doesn't care...? That's a lie...it has to be.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGqxDWugGR
"So what?" I ask. "What does me being emotionally driven have to do with rather you care or not?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADu0it6c08
There's no expression on his face when he answers. "I knew you'd eventually begin to think I'm someone I'm not...and I was right. You're confused."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqDNtK00Gy
"But you can't do nice things for me and then claim you're indifferent." I make a point, folding my arms over my chest.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp5MF2VNhK
His face doesn't change as he states; "Lilliana...it seems you need a refresher."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2oICemwuU
His demeaning words and collected composure only continue to make me the opposite. It's like I can feel the blood in my veins getting warmer and warmer as my temper gets shorter.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF4qsbLdcd
"I'm only doing my job."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHInMxSylf
We hold each other's stare, his without emotion.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM32UfjEQo
His words don't hurt me...I simply don't believe them.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAhlcYpT82
"You knew Maverick instructed me to keep tabs on you, to watch you." He explains.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouiUM0JStm
"But you-"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB15ma2gJB
"Make sure you're comfortable, that you've eaten?" Malachi interrupts. "I do as I was instructed, Lilliana." He clarifies. "Maverick is the one worried about your happiness, not me."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B3XeF8s2q
I shake my head at him, steps coming closer to stand in front of my bed, facing his direction.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8iMgHzDGe
He watches my heavy footed advance, amusement settling in his eyes again.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw166zX36zL
"Maverick telling you to still wouldn't be a valid reason!" I tell him. "You told me you were the one who came up with the idea to get me involved in all of this insane shit! You said it was because you thought it would give me a purpose!" I shake my head with a scoff. "What is the big deal? Why can't you just admit that you give a shit about someone?!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6edc8nOEOt
Malachi watches me, head titling to the side. He pauses, then it tilts to the other side.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAxb8EXTbz
"I'd like you to consider something."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75qSi4bdUC
I stare blandly at him, anticipating something ridiculous to leave his mouth. "What?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczeP1a4miV
"The idea of me being a liar." He answers, monotone. He then parks up slightly when he says, "Not about it all being my idea; I do take full credit for that." He clarifies as if it's the most gratifying thing. "Is it possible that my motives aren't what I've lead you to believe?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDNOuUSW5K
Malachi doesn't give me a chance to respond, leaving me to stand here and listen with parted lips and dull eyes.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswzHppLS5U
"Consider me, a serial killer, truthfully wanting to help someone who is somewhat of a stranger. Out of the kindness of my heart...I chose to make a decision for your life that would help." An eerie grin plays on his lips. "Now that just doesn't sound realistic, does it, Lilliana?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI676LDvsfj
Part of me feels dumb; why would I have possibly taken anything he said seriously before? Why think positively instead of realistically? Malachi has been a red flag from the moment I met him. Now that he's saying these things; it should've been plain as day to me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxoHhUZia3
"Of course all of this would still be a solution for your life. But that wasn't my motivation. I wanted to see if I could pull off the ultimate manipulation scheme." He says contently. "It began with convincing Maverick that you would benefit from our lifestyle. He persuaded you and I aided that. Being as drug addicted and depressed as you both are, it was light work. Now here you stand..." he spreads his arms out to either side of him. "Having sold your soul all because the story was a good price too."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoqv0s8o2C
I can't possibly manage to relax my facial features no matter how much I try right now. "Fuck you." I say through gritted teeth.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeRTAydz4T
"Now consider this..." Malachi holds up his index finger as if to tell me to wait. His arm slowly lowers. "How good of a guy do you really think Maverick is?" Then he just has to add; "Given he killed your friend in cold blood."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcTZWj3HdW
Brainwashed.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9WcIgq4oX
Naive.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkBIjNsbOA
Impressionable.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4DW19n8Qk
"You know what, Malachi?!" I yell, sure that the door isn't able to muffle the sound at its volume. I take another confident step closer, hoping to appear more intimidating. "You're a lonesome fucking loser! This...?!" I motion around us. "This is all you have! The only people you have! You don't have anyone in your life that keeps your company by choice!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIx2zeHIQO
Malachi's eyes darken. His head bows but his gaze stays locked in on mine, forming a skin crawling death glare.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAHZfq91Z0
Seeing that I'm getting a rise out of him like he had me, it encourages me further.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBF5RlzmJF
"You burn every bridge before you've even began forming a relationship with anyone! You walk around and school everyone on their sadness like you aren't saddest and loneliest man on the planet!" My hands ball into fists at my sides. "You-!"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6Al9QJg70
"Watch your mouth, Lilliana." He warns, his voice so murky that my lips shut. "Forever keep in mind that I could and would kill you. I'm not like Maverick..." He leans down a little, getting closer. "The idea of your death has always sounded tasteful."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0e2UjkcJp
Although I'm timid, I challenge him anyway. "If that was the case, you would've killed me a long time ago, I wouldn't be here, agreeing to work along side you until I fucking die." I say the last part through gritted teeth.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2L0WxehG5
Malachi looks like he really does want to kill me. It's like the whites of his eyes are painted black. They're glossy, like he's physically here but mentally not.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBMp00bjsK
We stand like that for what feels like an extra long few moments. I expected Malachi to argue back like he has been, but he doesn't.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI5qjyaJ3c
"Dinner is in thirty minutes." He says abruptly. He doesn't pay me another glance on his way out the door.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4c9NaBoXt
___________________________
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcywBnkrGMC
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gorW8dr6R
Thirty minutes was enough time to recollect myself, pop another pill and have it kick in before the dinner. Getting high is going to be the only way to endure having a meal with the serial killer who just hired me, the one who is messing with my emotions, and the one who just threatened to kill me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ84ZSfHcxm
The lack of details I've been given about the dinner is also off putting. What if Brittany is there? Just the mere thought of having to sit and eat with her is making me have even less of an appetite.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGfklt1piZ
I probably shouldn't have waited to talk to Maverick. Maybe discussing him, Brittany, and I would have made the evening less awkward; under the circumstances that she is present.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBMIyDPq0k
Forgetting about all the drama...right now I need my best friend more than ever.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl3KHTwpcC
My life has officially changed in a way so drastic that I feel completely lost, out of touch, and somehow even more empty than I was prior to my meeting with Travis. Reassurance and guidance from him would make a huge difference.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf7YY7NErn
As if Maverick knew I needed him, I find him waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs as I descend them.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg5xMIF34M
Maverick's hands are clasped together in front of his waist, concentrated on me. He scans the length of the deep v, spaghetti strapped, red dress I'm wearing.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeqqYoUjTd
Malory had organized the closest in my room accordingly. She sectioned off and labeled the entire space by occasion. As many options as she gave in each category, choosing which dress I liked the most wasn't easy.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgak7I3N8qd
"You're stunning, Lilliana." He compliments as I reach the bottom of the stairs.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0Y8GJnS8b
The warmth that rises to my cheeks is instant at his words of praise.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrd1yFXFx2
Maverick's hands detach from themselves, the left one finding his pocket as the other comes to rest on the small of my back. His touch is so light, yet it's like it's covering me with a blanket of comfort and vanity.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOULqUwU6K
He guides me down the foyer. Chatter grows louder as we get closer to the dining room, or dining hall; that would be a more appropriate name for it. The volume and numerous tones lets me know that there's far more people in there than I had expecting in the first place.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHjhfoYjKE
The chatter immediately softens as we round the corner, stepping into the entryway.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDskncGsg2
"Ladies and gentlemen." Travis says from across the room, arms held high in the air to get the attention of what has to be at least sixty people.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYExgmGTaO
Theres three long oak tables, lined parallel to each other in the middle of the large room. Most people are sitting already while others are standing around. Their ages vary; I notice that almost immediately. They're anywhere from teenagers to adults in their early forties. Some of them look the part, sending intense lonely killer energy. Others appear normal, like you'd never pick them in a lineup if having to choose who looks guilty.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpaUSA4yTT
"Lilliana." He drops one arm, the other one aimed right at me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0zlRDlNyl
The nice high I'm having is making it easier to face all of the stares, so much so that I'm able to hold my head a little higher. I'd be lying if I said it's not flattering, being doting on, accommodated to. I've never in my seventeen years wanted a room full of people's attention on me...but right now it's kind of making me feel...powerful.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0n53xo9Nh
"I'd tell you to say a few facts about yourself but they already know everything about you." Travis chuckles before waving an enthusiastic hand for us to enter. "Everyone have a seat and treat our newest member accordingly. Dinner will be out in a few short moments."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm2NE1VlUH
"Follow." Maverick instructs, stepping in front of me as he lead the way through the hall.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwLyR9SvDQ
It's nice to see mainly everyone's disinterested attitudes after taking their seats, awaiting their meal that is far more important than me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE7rGlfoaa
I was worried for nothing. They're all aloof, my presence insignificant to almost every sitting person in the room.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq5E0eS5H7
They've probably seen tons of people, far greater than I, come and go. To them, I must be appear weak, unskilled, knowledgeable of nothing as of yet. They're unimpressed, and quite frankly...I would be too.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8b6bUgDiz
Travis lowers himself into the chair at the he'd of the middle dining table as Maverick and I step through the isle towards him. There's two open chairs on the left side of the table he sits at.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGeIMAVNYQ
I spot Malachi sitting on the opposite side of the table, across from the empty seats. Ignoring him will be effortless since I have absolutely nothing to say to him anyway. By the way his eyes are glued to his phone resting lazily in his lap as he scrolls, it's evident he has no intention of speaking to me either.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyutiBo9isL
"I like to get everyone together, no matter their location, once a month." Travis announces to me as Maverick and I finally reach our spots. "It reminds everyone that despite the various, separate roles they play, they're all working together at the same time."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjW8jMA9KX
Maverick pulls my chair out, allowing me to sit before taking his own next to me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DPzWM045C
The tension in our extraordinary small group compared to the rest of the room is thick. Glancing over at Maverick who's leaning forward on the table, his forearms holding him up, he is studying Malachi.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrwNOOWTnX
It would be impossible for Malachi to not feel Maverick's eyes boring into him; he's choosing to ignore it. Plus, he's not doing the best job at pretending like everything is 'normal'.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaHZrHkhmu
"Everyone has a job." Travis explains to me, leaning forward on the table, closer to me as if to emphasis the importance of his words. "I've got the most tech savvy kids, never breaking a sweat behind a computer screen." I make sure to make eye contact, proving I'm listening. "I've got people who can make a body disappear without a trace, within mere hours. I've got killers so so bloodthirsty that they stay locked in the basement, only able to leave when there's some to be shed. There's planners, the creative minds that orchestrate plans down to the very second, never leaving room for error."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV82mMPE4yR
Impulsively, I look around the room at their faces, finding that I wouldn't be able to tell who does what by just a glance. It's like everyone is cloaked in different skin, different personalities, forever masked as they fool the world.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3MS2KKFV5
"Do they learn it here?" I ask, curiously as I make eye contact with Travis again.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zTMq2aqbF
"Some do." He answers with one single nod. "Some have a passion, eager to learn more and master a skill. That's when we provide training. Others have already perfected their skill, 'natural borns' as I call them." His eyes seem to zone in while already looking at me. "You on the other hand, have come here after long persuasion and manipulation. Though you killed Cody...is killing the role you'd like to play here?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1sSaymrez
Double doors in the back of the dining hall open to reveal numerous staff exiting with gold carts holding trays of food. They're all in unison, as if practiced a thousand times in order to never step out of sync. Malory stands to the side, a natural smile on her face as she observes the room.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjETxe0bxwd
Travis leans back, keeping his arms out of the way as the trays are set down in front of us. Steak, potatoes, corn, rolls...do they always eat like this?
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh5NT5hPuZ
"I wasn't prepared to be given an option..."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmITzCzote2
Travis laughs at my response, tossing his head back. "Well I'm not going to force you to do something you don't want to do." He says in a 'duh' tone, like I should've known. "Don't get me wrong; you still work for me so you'll have to pick something." He shrugs as if it's no big deal, tearing his eyes away as he sits straighter over his food.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCITiZxONME
I tense up, the reminder of being controlled for the rest of my life causing me to be unsettled.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJoAekqy8j
Maverick could sense my emotions, like he always does. From under the table, his large hand comes to rest on my leg. His touch sends a shiver down my spine and a calmness over me.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R3gKjp8oX
"What do you like, Lilliana?" Travis asks me, picking up his fork and knife. I can't help but to feel a little off, sitting right next to a man who runs a gang full of killers, as he holds a knife. "What are you good at?"
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy6egfwYR7
Malachi's phone dropping onto the table gets all of our attention. "Respectfully, Travis..." he begins, making Maverick's hand on my leg tighten as he watches Malachi closely, as if mentally telling him to choose his words wisely. "She needs to be killing. That's why we had her kill Cody."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqLcampevL
Travis isn't given a chance to respond as Maverick says, "We had her kill Cody so we had something to hold over her head." He says in a dark tone, as if him saying in that way will make it true.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fUpAxJfj0
"That's why you wanted her to kill Cody. At was a way to make sure she could be with you forever." Malachi retorts, pointing a finger at Maverick. "From our first true conversation about her, I was telling you that this girl" he points to me without looking at me. "Is moments away from killing herself if you didn't do something about it!" He hisses, doing his best not to yell and draw attention.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGPPIoW0Vk
Maverick must not realize his fingers are now digging into my thigh. I can feel the anger radiating off of him.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFlH0pdFDT
"Take a fucking moment, Maverick..." Malachi continues. "When's the last time you've seen her pick up a fucking book?" There's a very brief silence. "She doesn't need to when her life has become far more interesting." He explains, making me swallow. Although I've seen them darker, his eyes darken a few shades. "Face it, Maverick...you wanting her by your side forever isn't what's distracting her from her sadness; it's the simple fact that she killed someone."
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33P5NNlFcC
I place my hand over Maverick's, immediately causing it to relax its grip.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHIxvZP2L8
Travis gives a warm smile as he sighs and looks between the three of us. "So a murderer it is then?"
ns160.79.111.101da2
