New Orleans

13 - Falling For Evil

Ward had hovered like a fly unconcerned with its fleeting lifespan. I sighed, rolling out of bed as he arrived—third tray in hand, topped with gourmet snacks. My apatite had all but diminished over the course of the week. The grey clouds heavy with horror waiting to soak New Orleans, loomed threateningly closer to release. With every second that passed I felt that the sky would come crashing down, only...it didn't, prolonging the agony.

Ward stared, cautiously and all but defeated. "Annie." Placing the tray beside me, he re-assumed his preferred stance, surveying the room. "Please. Eat."

I scoffed. "Reece, sent you." I stated, knowing this unyielding determination could only belong to one man. Nodding once, he shifted uncomfortably. "I know what he is, but when I see it, something so dark and painful awakens in me." Shaking my head, I fisted the bed sheets at my sides. Watching the rigid man tense I attempted to decipher what his silence was trying to communicate. "Unfortunately, Ward, I am not telepathic and I'm going to need actual words."

"It is not my place." Clenching my jaw, I pushed off the mattress. "Sometimes, not knowing can be a blessing." He spoke softer but still firm. It almost seemed as though he were warning me to stay away from this; to stop pushing. Our eyes met for a brief second before his gaze fell. In that moment, I knew Ward too had a piece of this secret buried within him. Was it truly so horrific? "When the rose coloured glasses come off Annie...living becomes a-" he paused, keeping his piercing glare trained on his feet, "-a punishment." The suffering in his tone made my throat close up.

I could taste the guilt he felt. Shuffling to the bed, I slowly sat down again. There were two sides to Reece. One, which consumed me so completely that it felt as though I needed him in order to keep breathing. The other— infinitely more terrifying—he opened the gates to a misery so raw within me that I'd sooner embrace death than face it. Closing the distance between us, Ward crouched before me. "We bear it, so that you never have to." Ward whispered hoarsely. Clasping my hands together he offered a split-second of sympathy before vacating the room.

Placing the untouched tray on the floor, I moved to the window. Leaning against the side of his ride, Reece took a long drag from his cigarette. As though sensing my eyes on him, the brute snapped his head up to glare at me. Even from the distance I could see his jaw clench. Tossing the receding bud, he jammed his fingers through his disheveled hair. Signalling one of the guards to open the gate, he climbed into his truck and sped out onto the street.

Sucking in a deep breath I released it slowly, it did little to diminish the pent-up tension I felt. Trudging into the bathroom I slipped into the shower. Allowing the heated spray of water to fall over my skin, I combed my fingers through my knotted hair. Lacking in both enthusiasm and energy I threw on clothes that did not fall into the category of pyjamas. Glancing at my nightstand I watched my phone screen light up. Skimming the several missed calls and text messages I'd received, I slowly sank to the edge of my bed. Slight joy dared to prick at the surface of my desolation as I replied to Kevin.

Kevin had been banned from the manor as though this were a monarch, of which Reece proclaimed himself King. Along with his banishment, my self-appointed keeper had also monitored Kevin's contact with me for the past several weeks. My circle of friends began and ended with Kevin and Alex and since my big brother had fled, I was left with no one to confide in. I was falling deeper and deeper into this pit of depression.

I awaited Kevin's arrival, my palms flexing to release all the pent-up rage and frustration. Within five short minutes a soft knock echoed through my door, slowly opening to reveal my saviour. Biting back tears, I leapt off the bed and ran towards him; crashing into him with a tight hug, I sobbed softly. Holding me close Kevin manoeuvred our bodies over to the bed. "I missed you." I admitted, shocked at how much I truly had. His absence had forced me to realise what a big part of my life he was and to I'm consider the dreadful possibility that he may not always be there. I always associated Kevin with consistency, he was always there, and I needed that.