Fires of Hatred by Erin O'Kane

Author:Erin O'Kane [O'Kane, Erin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-03-19T16:00:00+00:00

“Holy Mother!” The cursing has me glancing up, seeing Jayne in the reflection of the mirror staring at my back in horror.

As soon as we returned to Grayson’s rooms, I retired to the bathroom to clean up, the dress I’d been wearing was filthy from scrubbing floors all day. I’d been staring at myself in the mirror, trying to work out why I felt so different. I didn’t look any different than how I looked this morning, but something had changed. I seem to be doing that a lot lately, staring into mirrors and not recognising the reflection. Sighing, I’d just shook my head and attempted to undo my dress. Thankfully, Jayne had joined me shortly after and helped unbutton the back of the dress.

Dropping the fabric to the floor, I stand in only my underwear and examine the damage, which seems to be mainly focused on the right side of my stomach, although if Jayne’s reaction is anything to go by, I’m assuming my back is bruised too.

“Jayne, I’m fine, I’ve had worse beatings than this.” My voice is quiet but practical, no use wasting energy on being upset over something that’s already happened. I notice her eyes being drawn to the mass of old scars on my stomach as I speak, curiosity and sadness clear in her expression. She hasn’t asked me about them, and I’m not ready to tell her, not yet. Images flash through my mind—light glinting off a knife, pain, blood, maniacal laughter. Screwing my eyes shut, I push the memories away, focusing on my breathing again. I’m safe. Safe.

“I’m telling Grayson, this is disgusting. They can’t treat you like this,” Jayne blusters, throwing her hand in the air as she paces behind me, gesturing towards my bruised body. I don’t respond, just turning so I can see my side profile in the mirror and wince when I see the black and purple bruises marring my skin, wrapping around my side and up my back. I’m lucky they didn’t break any of my other bones. Grayson would have found out one way or another. “What did they have you doing?” she asks quietly, and I quickly meet her eyes in the mirror before pulling my gaze away just as swiftly.

“Just cleaning.” I keep my voice light, but I know I haven’t convinced her by the snorting noise she makes, and out the corner of my eye I can see her shaking her head as she watches me.

“I’ve left some clothing for you on the side, you should be able to dress yourself.” There’s a pause and I know she wants to say something. I turn to face her, watching her expression, but eventually she just shakes her head and smiles sadly. “I’ll be just outside if you need me.”

Finally alone, I let out the low groan I’ve been holding in, gripping onto the porcelain sink to help steady myself against the waves of pain that rack my body. I can hear voices outside the bathroom, they’re quiet, so I can’t tell what they’re saying, but I recognise Grayson’s deep tone.

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