Wasted Lust - JA Huss Page 0,36
picturing everyone I love, tied up and near death from torture. My body trembles.
“Your aunt.”
Relief rushes out in a long breath of air. “I never had an aunt, Jax. So try again.”
“I know you think that, Sasha. But your mother had a sister. A half-sister. And you and I both know what that means. She was a Company kid. Owned outright. But she was hidden from them by her father. Your grandfather. Don’t you want to know more about the woman who gave up her life to save you? Your aunt is the only link you have to your mother, Sasha. And she’s been wanting to meet you very badly. I said I’d bring you to her the first chance I had. I promised her that you’d hear her story before I let the FBI in on your decision to help us.”
Why does it always come back to that? Mothers and daughters. This is how the Company keeps its ranks. Every mother who gives birth to a girl is given the same options. Pledge that child to the organization and let them turn her into a slave. Or give up your own life for hers, and she will be promised to a Company man when she turns eighteen.
It’s a very effective policy. It’s enslaved women for many generations.
The car pulls up to a waiting jet, about the size of the one we came on last summer, but it’s all black with gold accents on it. I squint my eyes, wondering if I’ve ever seen a black jet before.
“I’m giving you far, far more than you asked for, Sasha. Two mysteries from your past revealed for the price of one. You can’t say no. I understand enough about you to know that to be a fact. You are an empty girl today because of three events that changed your life in unimaginable ways. Your mother’s death when you were born when she gave her life to give you a chance. Your father’s death when you were twelve when he gave his life trying to set you free. And the promise Nick broke when you were thirteen. I know you got your answers about your father years ago. But the last two pieces of the puzzle that is Sasha Cherlin are within your reach. Right now. You can put aside all the questions and get answers. But you need to trust me.”
I swallow down the feelings that are flooding through my body. Another living relative? Can it really be possible? The sting of tears rock my world. The overflowing pain of grief and loss floods my heart.
“Listen,” Jax says, his hand on my shoulder again. “I said you’re safe with me. I meant it.”
I give him a sidelong look, trying to hide the sudden threat of tears.
“I’m not here to rip your world apart, Sasha. I’m here to put it back together. I can do that for you. I promise. I swear on my little brother’s life. I swear on my honor as a man. My position in this fucked-up government as an agent. And the debt I owe to your aunt.”
“What debt?” My words come out shaky and I suddenly feel like a child again. Not the thirteen-year-old assassin, but the twelve-year-old pigtailed girl who liked to read, and hunt dinosaurs, and who dreamed of a life filled with the love of a family she was denied since her first moment.
“She helped me once. She helped put me back together. I was broken too.” Jax waves to Adam as he pulls open my door and steps aside, asking me to exit the car. “She helped Adam. And many, many more. She is a rock, Sasha. Like you. Only she is sure of her place in the world. She wants to give you that gift. And she gives it freely. My offer and her offer are not related. You can come with me tonight and say no to me tomorrow. But Sasha, don’t refuse her because of me. She’s too important to you.”
I step out of the car, not because I want to take his offer and get in that plane, but because if I don’t move quick the tears will fall. And if I cry in front of him, I might never stop. I might reach for his hand and find my cheek against his chest. And if that happens, I’m done. I’m gone. Because if I tell my story to someone, if I let out all the horrors that are