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“Do you want us to kill him for you?” I offered Cindie.
Without hesitation, she nods. “If you don’t, I will.” She gave up fighting Liam, her stare narrowed on Charlie.
“You know, Charlie. I feel that Cindie is owed a bit more for her troubles.” I grabbed a stack from the safe and placed it in her hands. A grand had to be enough for her to get by. “You are one thousand and two hundred short now.”
He shook in the chair as I lifted him forward.
“I have mercy,” I whispered to him. “Cut her loose.”
Liam smirked, leading Cindie to the door. “Run and don’t come back till morning,” he said, taking her bonds away.
Then she was gone, and I was ready to make sure she never had to deal with an asshole like him again.
Chapter 29
Audry
Istared at the ceiling, my heart racing. The morning sun peeked through the dark curtains into the window of Kai’s room. I twisted in bed, tugging the sheets further around me. Kai’s scent had started to decrease. It was another day of hoping he was okay, and another day of radio silence.
Morning hadn’t come easily. I was restless, my skin buzzing and the weight on my chest growing. The feelings only increased as I got ready for my day. Carson was going to teach me to defend myself.
I swallowed down the fear bubbling in my throat as I thought of Milla and her broken body.She would be okay. My fingers twitched as I reached for my phone. I wanted to text her to check in, but I didn’t want to overwhelm her. Maybe tomorrow.
Instead, I picked up my phone for someone else. The anticipation made my skin crawl and my finger joints tighten as I scrolled through it, but there were still no messages from Kai.
With a sigh, I went downstairs, ready to take on the day.
I had expected to find Carson at the table, curled over a bowl of cereal with a scowl on her face. Mentally, I’d prepared for the promise she made to me last night to have only been made to avoid the inevitable breakdown. But as I rounded the corner,she was tugging pale blue mats across the hardwood floor. The texture of them reminded me of the tumbling mats I used back in high school. They weren’t thick, but it was better than the hardwood.
“You weren’t kidding?” I asked, my voice above a whisper.
Carson turned to me, surprised at my sudden appearance. “I swear, we need to put a bell on you.” Her dark waterfall of curls swung from atop her head as she turned back to what she was doing. “Of course I wasn’t kidding, Audry. I don’t kid about that shit.”
I swallowed down the anxiety I had and fidgeted with my fingers. Carson stuck the mats together, moving with practiced grace. She knew what she was doing and had done it before.
“How many people have you taught?” I asked.
Carson hid a smile, the corners of her lips visible before she turned completely away from me. “You ask too many questions.”
“Questions aren’t a bad thing.”
“Depends on the question.” She twisted back. “And who you’re asking.”
“So…you have taught a lot of girls like me then?” I kicked at the hardwood floor. She had moved all the tools and the paint cans out of the way.
“Only those who ask.” She nodded. “Ready?”
“Ready as I ever will be.” I shrugged.
Carson smiled lightly. “Readiness isn’t going to be something you will have out there, anyways,” she said, her words harsh as she relayed the reality. “You are small. Bigger than me, but smaller than most who will try to hurt you.”
“Yeah.” I hung my head down. Nate wouldn’t have picked on someone bigger or more muscular. “I’m an easy target.” I began to rethink this entire thing. Someone Nate’s size…I wouldn’t even be able to take down or stop someone Nate’s size. He wastoo big, too muscular, too…much. He had more experience—there was no doubt about that.
I rubbed my hand along my bicep, the muscle underneath neglected. Would that night have been different?
Carson stepped closer, lifting up my chin. “Your size is your biggest hindrance and best asset. Once you learn to use it to your advantage, it’ll be even more beneficial.” She stared at me with her dark eyes, seeing directly into my soul. She lifted her chin up, her scar on display.
My vision blurred as I tried to blink the tears from my eyes. I turned away, not wanting Carson to see me cry. Something about her—about her strength—gave me pause. I didn’t wanna be seen as weak, not anymore. But she kept her grip firmly on my chin, keeping her narrowed gaze on me.
