Page 102 of Torment
“You should have left me buried,” I say, my voice cold.
Melissa looks at me, a flicker of panic flashing in her eyes before it disappears behind anger.
“What are you talking about, Ashlynn? This is ridiculous.”
I lower myself to my haunches, leveling her with a glare.
“Did you think you could have my mother murdered, father institutionalized, keep me in foster care until you were ready for me…use me for your personal gain…” I glance down at Andy, who lays there listening silently. “Arrange for me to marryhim…”
A detached laugh slips from my lips, echoing off the walls.
“Then have my father killed, and I’d never find out?”
My head tilts slightly as I watch Melissa’s face drain of color. Her eyes drop slowly to Andy, who stares at me with guilt written all over his face.
Too late.
“David,” I say calmly, lifting my gaze to him. “You’re just as sick as they are. Turning your son into a tool.”
David’s jaw clenches, but he says nothing. I’m not surprised.
I look back at Melissa.
“I’m done being the girl you kept.”
Her breathing quickens.
“Now I’m the woman who ends you.”
“I did everything for you!” Melissa screams, scrambling to her feet and lunging toward me.
Before she reaches me, Karson’s hand wraps around her throat. He squeezes and her fingers claw at his wrist. Her toes leave the floor as he brings her up to look her in the eye.
“You took everything from her.” He squeezes harder, and she gasps for air. “And then you treated her like she was nothing.”
He lets her go, and she crumples to the floor, coughing as the air returns to her lungs.
“Don’t worry. We’re almost done here.” I say as I stand.
Karson turns to me, closing the distance between us in one stride. His hands cup my cheeks.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispers.
Warmth spreads in my chest as he presses a soft kiss to my forehead.
“Almost done, doll.”
I let out a slow, steady breath and turn when I hear footsteps coming down the stairs.
Cole comes first, carrying three boxes in his arms. He rushes past everyone and out the front door. Elias urges Jack forward to the center of the space where his family sits, then disappears back up the stairs. Cole enters again and follows him, taking the stairs two at a time.
“Ashlynn, sweetheart, listen to me–” Melissa croons. A cold chill runs through me, but I don’t acknowledge her. “Jack, do something,” she mutters.
Jack studies everything happening around them, then looks at Melissa who silently pleads with him.
“You people are finished,” David grits out.
“Shut the fuck up,” Karson tells him, his deep voice causing David’s mouth to snap shut.
