Page 13 of Sick Little Devotion

My head falls to my hands, and I try to breathe, stifling the sobs in my chest. The pain of seven years ago feels so fresh. He was supposed to save me from this life, and I sometimes wonder if he had, would Will and my mom have ever gotten the girls?

Sure, I keep them safe, but Aiden could’ve helped me get them out. He was stronger than me. He wasn’t afraid to fight for what he cared about—at least that’s what I thought. Maybe he was more of a coward than I knew.

Maybe he ran because he feared what would happen if he stayed. But no matter how I justify it to myself, he still lied to me and broke the promise he made. He never came back.

He never saved me.

Chapter Six

AIDEN

Ifind myself drawn back to Sara’s room again and again, caught in a nightly ritual of obsession. She is my addiction. Her presence is a drug I can't resist. And the hunger to possess her, the urge to take her is only growing stronger.

How I longed for her light.

I can hear her crying above me. I want to crawl out from under this bed and wrap her in my arms. I knew that a few people around town had recognized me. I still had that rugged, rebellious look, albeit a little more cleaned up. I make good money. Better than anyone else in this fucking town.

And I was here to collect Sara. I just had to make sure she was ready.

Now, I know she is. She came like such a good girl for me last night, her pussy squeezing down on my fingers. I came not long after she did, and placed my cum again where it belongs—inside of her. She found it this morning but didn’t understand. If she had, I know she wouldn’t have simply tossed them into the hamper.

I don’t think she’s all that experienced, otherwise, I think she would’ve recognized what was there between her legs. It was a good test, and she passed it. I think she’s waited for me, which is great. Because I’ve fucking waited for her. And it would be a damned shame if she’d been off with someone else…

Nope. Don’t even think about it.

Holding my breath, I listen to her sob for a few more minutes before collecting herself. Luckily, Will didn’t try to put his hands on her. That would’ve ended badly for him. However, the fact that she’s crying the way she is… Did she really think I wouldn’t come back for her?

She cries as if she thinks I broke my promise. I’d never do that. Not to her. She’s my entire fucking world. She’s the reason I exist on this earth, and I’ll show that to her. I will. But not today.

I tilt my head to catch sight of my watch. I need to get out of this room. Because while I want to spend all my time with Sara, I also have to keep my business running, and I have a meeting in thirty fucking minutes. I can’t stay under this bed.

A deep, ragged sigh comes from above me. “It’ll be fine.”

I furrow my brow. Of course, it’ll be fine. I’m right here, and I can keep her safe again. Nothing will happen to her. Besides, in the time I’ve been gone, I’ve gotten really good at dirty work—and I know it’s time to solve this problem once and for all.

My gaze stays fixed on Sara’s feet. If I had a foot fetish, I’d be in heaven, staring at the back of her heels. All I’d have to do is blow out a big breath, and I’d tickle her skin. My head plays with the idea, thinking of grabbing her ankles and bringing her down to my level. I’d crawl out and take what’s mine…

"Fuck," I exhale in a whispered hiss as my shaft strains against my pants. I’m getting hard again. I grit my teeth and do my best to adjust in the small space that I have. It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic, because I can barely lift my head from the floor.

Finally, with one more choppy breath, Sara gets to her feet. I can’t see much of her, but it doesn’t matter all that much. She slips out of the room and shuts the door, giving me my shot at freedom.

I scoot quickly to my left, choosing the side closest to the window. As I crawl out, I roll my shoulders. My muscles are taut and tense from having crammed my body under there for hours. I had no intention of staying under there for the night, but when I had ducked out of her view as she woke up, I found my place under her bed.

And stayed.

But now, I need to get out of here. I head for the window and, with a grunt, slide it upward. I heard the lecture about the open window and the fact that Will knows I’m back in town.

I like that, and as I crawl out through the open space, I smile. I don’t want to get Sara in trouble though, so I close the window behind me. My mind replays what I heard from Will and Sara as I slink back to my car, which is parked a couple streets over. Will sounded concerned—and he should be.

He still sees me as a threat.

And fucking rightfully so.

I’m coming for them.

I unlock the door of my car and slide in. My cell phone starts to vibrate, buzzing obnoxiously in my pocket. I’m glad it didn’t do that when I was under her bed. She would’ve heard it. As I answer, I make a mental note to silence it completely next time.

“Hey Carlos.”