Free Running in Fear: Cupid's Venom by Trinity Blacio

understand what you were trying to do, but no one will be able to understand what was done to me. The nights where I cried for hours on end just wanting to die, because they made me watch my mother being impregnated…” She slammed down the jar of sauce she took out of the bag.
    “Baby…”

    47

    “Stop. Don’t you think I see how Sam looks at me, wishing I was Mom or Dad?” Sam stepped forward, but she shook her head. “It’s okay, Sam. I wish it was me there instead of here. Excuse me.” Cecil ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs, slamming the bedroom door behind her, leaning against it. She couldn’t catch her breath. Tears streamed down her face as she slid down to the door, collapsing on the floor. “Momma, I’m so sorry.”

    The door inched forward. “Cecil, move away from the door,” Sam said.

    “Just…go…away.” She cried harder.

    Sam pushed the door open a little further and slipped in. He reached down, pulling her into his arms. “Cecil, stop. You’re going to make yourself sick.”

    “I couldn’t save them, Sam. None of them.” She grabbed his shirt and held on.

    “Look at me, Cecil.” He pulled away and lifted her chin up. “What could you have done? You were sixteen when they took you. No sixteen-year-old could have stopped them. Do you really believe Mom and Dad wanted you to die?”

    “But…”

    “No, Cecil, you know I’m right. Now, you have two mates down there that are pacing back and forth, worried about you.” He turned her around and pushed her towards the door. “Go to them, Cecil.”

    “Let me wash my face. I’ll be down in a minute.”
    Cecil stepped into the bathroom and stared into the broken mirror.
    She could still see the faded scars on her cheek from the first time she had tried to escape.

    Turning on the cold water, she splashed it on her face. The cold water washed away the tears. She opened her eyes. Rory stood behind her and handed her a towel.

    “Thank you.” Cecil wiped her face and turned to face him. “I’m sorry, Rory. I didn’t mean to make a scene.” Gazing up into his dark blue eyes, she reached up, rubbing his cheek, the five o’clock shadow rough against her hand.

    “Cecil, everyone downstairs knows it’s going to take you time.
    Come on, let’s get down there before Jaycee decides to try to make the food for tonight.” Rory laughed, leading her out of the bedroom.

    “That’s a bad thing?” She frowned.

    “Honey, everyone knows Jaycee doesn’t cook and shouldn’t be in the kitchen.” Rory whispered into her ear as they stepped off the last stair.

    “Hey, I heard that!” Jaycee snapped.

    48

    “Now, Jaycee, he’s only telling the truth.” Dane grinned. “You even said so yourself.” He flipped open a folder from one of the boxes they had brought in.

    “Fine, but does everyone have to tease me about it?” She pouted and winked at Cecil as she stepped into the kitchen.

    “Well, you already know how to make the biscuits, so that’s a start.” Cecil grinned, putting the last batch of biscuits in a large bowl.

    Remi and Dane came over and each grabbed a biscuit, smiling.
    “Have to taste these so I know what they are supposed to taste like if she tries.” Remi teased Jaycee, kissing her cheek.

    “Ha, that’s not funny.” Jaycee frowned. “Where’s Bo?”

    Dane sat back down at the table, going over the files again. “He’s at the clinic, making sure we have enough security there. He’ll be by in a few.”

    Cecil watched Tug and Rory as they worked on the files. Neither showed any signs of the injection, but she knew there would be side effects. It was just a matter of time. She had been sick for more than a week from the injection, but then again, Cecil had been starved and beaten.

    49

    Chapter Eight

    Tug glanced up at Cecil and knew she was watching him. She had been for the past three hours, making sure both he and Rory were okay.
    Cecil’s file never mentioned the internal freezing,