Camilla

 

Through my nose, I suck in a breath to stop it from running. Tears are still falling to my coat, and I’m trembling as I approach my ground-floor apartment.

The rock music playing inside can be heard at the door, so I assume Sasha is still up. I step inside and oh, hell no. A guy I’ve never seen before is in my recliner, and a jerk Sasha used to date is cozy next to her on the couch. The place reeks of weed, too.

“Out! Out of my apartment now.” The unfamiliar male stands and looks to me, but Rusty and Sasha don’t seem to have a care in the world.

She shrugs. “Her house, her rules.” She can hardly hold her eyelids open, and I picture myself throwing a glass of water in her face. I’m furious.

Rusty gives her a disgusting, sloppy kiss, and as he and the strange guy approach me, he grimaces.

“We’re back together, so you better get used to me being around.”

“Says the loser who’s standing in the apartment I pay for. Don’t show your face here again.”

“Sis!” Sasha yells.

“You better watch it, lady. You do not want to piss me off,” he threatens before going out the door. Once I’ve slammed it shut, I remove my coat and boots and turn off the old stereo sitting on my small entertainment center.

“Did you hear him? Are you trying to get us hurt?”

Her hand waves toward me. “He doesn’t mean it.”

“I was adamant that you were to have no one in this apartment. I also made it crystal clear that you were never to bring drugs here or get back with Rusty.”

Scowling, she tucks her caramel-colored hair behind her ear.

“It’s only pot, and you can’t stop me from dating someone.”

“Your behavior could cause me to lose Liam. You can’t begin to comprehend the weight of stress on me to keep us safe and afloat.” The next thing I know, I’m sobbing again. Plopping down on my couch, I bury my face in my hands.

“Damn, sis. What happened to you?” I feel the cushions sink in as she moves closer. She rubs my back, and I wish that after all the support I’ve shown her over the years, she could save me from this nightmare, but I know better. Falling back, I stare up at the ceiling.

“You know how I told you Liam’s father died?”

“Yeah.”

“I did a stupid, stupid thing. I went to the funeral home to put a photo of Liam in his casket. His brother saw me and did his research. He knows who I really am–who you are, and he’s blackmailing me.”

“Oh, shit. What does he want?”

“He’s demanding that Liam be raised in his home, and he wants me to live there, too. I don’t know all the details, but he’s forcing me to quit my job and move in with him.”

“Where the hell will I go?”

Turning my head, I glare at her.

“That would be your first thought.”

“I’m sorry,” she utters. Her gaze shifts to the carpet, and she bites her lip.

“I’m going to use my savings to pay for the apartment. You can stay here, but not for long, Sasha. Three months tops, and I mean it this time.

“You have to get it together, work and find a place of your own. You’re twenty-five and don’t have a damn thing to show for it.”

“OK, OK. I get what a disappointment I am. I’ll figure something out.” Like always, Sasha jumps to her feet to put an end to our conversation.

If she had a room of her own, she’d march there to escape, but since this apartment is small, she has to crash on the couch.

Instead, she stomps to the kitchenette right off the living room and opens the fridge. As I examine her, I shake my head.

It’s early February, yet for some reason, she’s in a snug white tank top. Once she leans over to grab a soda, the ladybug tattoo above her ass is visible.

She’s too skinny, yet her jeans are way too tight, and her shoulder-length hair is tangled and dirty. My sister looks trashy, and I hate it.

I wanted so much more for her. Hell, I fought and risked everything so she could have more, but I’m finding the damage is irreversible. I fear her emotional scarring will never heal. Turning to face me, she hugs her hip.

“Are you going to bed soon? I’m really tired.”

“Sure, Sasha. I’ll get out of your way,” I reply sarcastically.

“God, I’m sorry, OK? I’m just tired.”

“So am I, and unlike you, I only get to sleep for a few hours before I have to get up again.”

“What are you going to do about that guy, Liam’s uncle?” Her eyes widen. “Wait, does he know about what happened to him?”

“No, and you’re never to speak of it. If he shows up here, you know nothing.” Hopping up, I march to her and grip her shoulders.

“Promise me, Sasha. Promise me, because if Ellis Burke finds out what his brother made me do to him, he’ll take Liam for good. He might even hurt us.”

“I promise I won’t say anything. I’d never put you or Liam in danger.”

“Good, and Christopher can’t hear of the truth, either.” Feeling a headache coming on, I rub my forehead. “I dread breaking the news to him about Ellis. What excuse could I possibly give him?”

I exhale, but not an ounce of weight is lifted from my chest. I’ve come unglued tonight, and it has to stop here, or I’ll lose Liam. I’m putting back on my armor. I’ll do what Ellis commands and be whoever he desires if it keeps me with my son.