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She listens, her eyes brimming with compassion. Reaching up, she softly traces the tattoos snaking across my forearms. "Did the tattoos help? To give you a sense of control?"
I nod, her touch a balm to my battered soul. "Each one represents a piece of my past, a reminder of what I survived. It's like reclaiming the power, marking myself on my terms."
Tilly's gaze drifts over the intricate designs, her fingers gripping my skin. "How long did it go on for? The abuse?"
I suck in a sharp breath at the memory of the day I finally escaped. "Four years. I was fourteen when I finally ran away and found my way to the carnival where Ty took me in."
"And Veronica?" she prompts.
"I never saw her again until today." My voice turns bitter as the memory of her cruel smirk burns in my mind. "She got off scot-free, never faced justice for what she did."
Tilly's eyes flash with anger, the corners of her mouth turning downward in a grimace. "She won't get away with it this time, Phoenix. Not ever again."
I search her eyes, seeing strength reflected back at me. "No, she won't."
"That bitch is going to pay for what she did to us," I growl, and Tilly stiffens in my arms at the ferocity in my voice.
Ty clears his throat, his brow creased with concern. "First, we must get Tilly back to the carnival, somewhere safe. Then we'll deal with Veronica."
I know he's right. Rationally, I understand that Tilly's safety must come first. But the thought of letting Veronica slip through my fingers, even momentarily, enrages me. My hand clenches at my side, yearning to wrap around Veronica's neck and squeeze the life from her.
"No," Tilly pipes up, surprising us both. "We can't wait, Phoenix. We have to go after Veronica now. We'll miss our window of opportunity."
Tilly, you've been through hell. You need rest, safety?—"
"I can handle it," she interrupts, her chin jutting upward in that stubborn way I recognize so well. "Veronica needs to be stopped, and I won't feel safe knowing she's still out there. Please, Phoenix. Let's end this now."
I search her eyes, seeing the steel within them. I know that look—it mirrors the determination that has driven me time and again. She's strong and fierce, and she's imploring me to let her be a part of this.
With a heavy sigh, I relent. "Okay, we go after Veronica. But you stay close and do exactly as I say. Got it?"
She nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I curse myself for putting her in this position, but she's here, and together, we will end Veronica's madness.
31
TILLY
My heart pounds as we speed through the city streets in Ty’s Mustang. Phoenix, focused on his laptop, is determined to track down Veronica—the woman who kidnapped and tortured me. Seated beside him, I watch as he effortlessly hacks into her phone, his fingers flying across the keyboard with a purpose. I feel a rush of adrenaline, knowing we’re so close to catching her.
“She’s not far,” Phoenix says, his voice laced with intensity. “We can apprehend her.”
The car swerves as Ty sharply turns, following Phoenix’s directions. I tighten my grip on the door handle, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease. I’m not sure what Phoenix plans to do once we find Veronica. Still, I sense the darkness within him.
The Mustang screeches to a halt, and Phoenix is out of the car instantly, his eyes fixed on a lone figure walkingdown the street.
“There she is.” His voice is cold, devoid of any emotion.
I step out, my heart racing as I approach Veronica. She turns, her face a mask of surprise, and immediately, I see the fear in her eyes.
“You,” she breathes, taking a step back.
“Did you really think you could get away with it?” Phoenix asks, his voice threatening.
Veronica’s eyes dart between us, and I see when she realizes her mistake. Underestimating Phoenix and his desire for revenge.
“What do you want?” she whispers.
Phoenix steps closer, and I sense his power at that moment. “You’re coming with us,” he says. “And then you’re going to pay.”
