Page 43 of Merciless

Nikita had already manipulated and stolen from two families previously. We just so happened to be the third. By the time she reached us, Jennifer had become a well-trained accomplice, making that illusion more convincing, more believable.

Although they never could have reached so far without my help, wilful participant or not. I had singlehandedly ruined the last moments with my wife and irrevocably destroyed my relationship with my son for a lie.

Knock, knock.

My eyes swept open to the door, expecting some type of hospital personnel. Instead, there stood Colton.

I immediately broke down crying, fighting to keep the sobs under control. He was the last person I expected to hear from, let alone grace me with his presence.

Colton entered, unperturbed by my overt display of emotion. He held a hard expression, not giving anything away as he sat in the chair sidelining my bed.

He leant back, posture straight, looking well put together. The complete opposite of me.

After a few minutes, I was able to recollect myself in order to say, “I didn’t think you’d come.”

“Neither did I.”

“So, why did you?”

“I don’t know.” His brow furrowed, and something flashed over his features. He seemed conflicted, as if he was fighting some mental battle.

I cleared my throat, trying to figure out where to begin.

“I didn’t know Colt, I swear. I would never do something like—”

“Like what? Betray my trust? Steal everything of worth? Rip away my innocence? It’s a bit late for that, don’t you think?”

His statements tore through me like the force of a detonating grenade, shrapnel leaving gaping holes in their wake. If only it were that simple.

He spoke only the truth. So I gave him the one reply I could.

“I’m sorry, son. I’m so, so sorry.”

His mouth ticked up in a slight sneer, my apology only serving to anger him. “I want you to explain it to me,” he said. “How you were able to fall for a snake like her.”

My fingers began to twist in the blanket. “I’ve been in here a few days, alone with my thoughts for the first time in… I can’t even remember.” I shook my head. “A long time. I asked myself that same question. What could make me such a fool, a downright moron to risk everything and lose it all? What was so special about her?”

“Her pussy must have been pretty special—”

I bristled at his crude remark, though I knew his intention was to make me uncomfortable. What he didn’t realise was that there was a roiling ball of shame forever weighing down my gut, a festering tumour that was impossible to eradicate or cut out. Nothing he said or did would make me hate myself more than I already did.

When I didn’t answer, Colton said, “Oh, was it true love?”

I sighed, not wanting to believe the truth, yet giving it to him anyway. “I don’t think I ever loved her. Not really.”

Colton was fully focused on me, waiting on my every word. He deserved honesty, no matter how fucked up my reasoning was.

“I was caught in a depressive spiral, a never-ending pit of pain as I watched your mother deteriorate. Yes, I sought physical relief with Nikita, but it was only ever that. Until I lost my Bethy, then subsequently lost you. I was alone and scared, screaming into the void, with only my echo to keep me company. Until someone heard my cry for help and came to ease my heartache, if only for a moment.”

“Nikita,” Colton said.

I nodded. “Nikita. She was there for me. Despite my pushing her away. No matter how many times I tried to keep my distance. She remained steadfast, present, and soon became a lifeline.”

Colton’s hands clenched into fists on his thighs, visibly holding himself back.

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No. You’re being honest for once. Continue.”