side of the street, more suited to the other side with the luxury shops.
"I've heard of your art," he says, placating, ignoring my outburst. Over his shoulder, I see June and Kade going around the corner, and I get even more anxious, desperate to get away. Desperate to kill, hurt, maim, scar.
"What about my fucking art?" I hiss, refusing to pay him any attention, keeping my eyes focused on the couple.
"I'm a gallery owner downtown. I've seen your work popping up on social media and blogs, and I'm intrigued," he explains quickly, and he finally has my attention.
A gallery owner? This could save me, I think. The last few drops of the booze from last night put me into a frenzy, making me wonder if this is it. My way out.
"Tell me more," I say, my anger dissipating. June and Kade are momentarily forgotten but always in the back of my mind. I focus on the man in front of me, who pushes a business card in my grimy hands. The stark white paper looks terrible against my palms smudged with paint and dirt.
"My name is Thom Hodge. And I believe you have real talent. But there's something else..." He eyes me thoughtfully, flashing a perfect smile that I, for some reason, don't want to smash in. Yet.
"What do you mean?" I demand, heart pounding in my chest.
"I see something dark in you. I see you suppressing your real talent. And I believe I can help you bring it out. And earn some money while you're at it," he says, winking at me. "So, are you interested?"
I regard him with a cool expression. He's everything I could have, everything I lost. The expensive suit, the Italian leather shoes. Thom Hodge is my ticket off the streets. I find myself nodding in agreement to his question, not trusting myself to speak.
Ignoring all the dirt from the street caked on my sleeve, he grabs my arm and claps me on the back.
"We'll do great things together," he promises me.
Something tells me he's fucking right. Not that I give a shit about this man.
The only thing I give a fuck about is getting back at Kade and claiming June.
My twin is a dead man walking, and little sis will be mine.
Just like their baby...
26
June
"I can't believe it. I just can't."
"Well, you better, Junebug." I shriek with delight as he pops the champagne bottle, smirking at me. "You're all mine now. No more running from me. You're my property now."
His dark words send a shiver of delight down my spine, and I shake my head as he hands me a flute. "You know I can't, Kade."
"Don't worry." He shows me the bottle. "It's kids' champagne."
I laugh out loud and take the glass from him. The drink is bubbly, overly sweet, and apple-flavored. It's kind of gross, but I drink it, savoring the moment. We've finally done it. With only a few months to go before the baby's born, we eloped and got married today. Our only witnesses were two passersby. We hired a photographer, and I wore my mother's dress. It was the perfect day. And now, it's time to celebrate our new union.
I can tell Kade's thinking of the same thing, the dark intent in his eyes deepening as he approaches me. We both set our glasses down, and my husband wraps his arms around me.
"I can't wait to see him," he mutters, palming my stomach. We found out a week ago the baby was a boy, and Kade has barely been able to hide his excitement since then. He keeps saying this will be perfect because our other kids will have a big brother to look up to. His words make me laugh, but they make me nervous, too. I don't know if I'm ready for one baby, let alone a whole brood. "You look so beautiful, Junebug."
I kiss him, and he tips me back in a romantic gesture, making me giggle. Mom's dress is tight around my stomach, and I'm itching to get it off. Kade seems to know as much, and he spins me around, undoing the corset in the back. He slips the fabric off my body gently, and I gasp when I feel his cold fingertips on my skin.
"You can't escape me anymore, Junebug," he repeats. "No more running... You're all fucking mine now. And tonight, I'm going to prove it to you."
My skin bristles with excitement. I want this more than I can put into words. I've