Page 143 of Misted
Hades being the arsehole he is, has been keeping Hawk in an isolated area in The Pit that even Ink and Flame’s spies can’t access. I just receive the occasional video of Hawk sitting in a corner. I don’t know if I should be happy or freak out that Hades isn’t torturing him physically.
But then again, Hawk said the mental torture was what ruined him the other time and Hades always goes for what hurts the most.
I kept providing Hades with information about Ink religiously. I didn’t miss any phone call or summon from him. Ink gave me permission to tell Hades everything I know about him — which isn’t much.
When Ink joined Team Zero, he was already screwed up. I think he’s the only one who didn’t fight Omega and let it consume him right from the beginning. I know little to nothing about Ink’s life prior to The Pit and it’s in his advantage. That way Hades won’t extract the information out of me. Because if he threatens Hawk’s life, I’ll be ready to give up anything.
I run my fingers along the round wooden table at the middle of the lounge area.
My body springs to life and need shoots down my spine as I think of when Hawk bent me over and took me hard and relentless. At that time, I realised how smitten I still was with him and how much I still loved him. He engraved himself in me with blood-coated fingers and mind-shattering pleasure.
That moment was the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship. And in a way, I’m glad the fifteen years distance happened so I’d realise how much he means to me.
With the loss I felt after Dr Sloane cut out my child, I don’t know how I would’ve handled my relationship with Hawk. I was young, reckless, and clueless and would’ve ruined our future together.
I grew up and learnt patience and sacrifice. I’ll never forget our child, but Hawk is more important to me. He’s the reason I’m still breathing.
A deep sigh rips from my throat as I wipe my eyes then run my hands over my navy blue dress. I released my hair on the drive here and I didn’t bother with makeup. It feels wrong to wear a mask in this place.
I should probably visit Crow and Eloise instead of moping around here.
“Reliving a certain memory?”
I freeze then turn around slowly. My heart pumps so loud, almost leaping out of my throat. I haven’t lost my mind and started to hear voices, right?
A small gasp leaves my lips.
Hawk stands at the entrance, his broad shoulders and impossible height block the light. His hands are in his dark trousers’ pocket. His black T-shirt sticks to his flexing muscles as the brightness of his turquoise eyes swallow me whole.
It’s Hawk.
He’s come back for me.
My eyes rake over him, inspecting him for any injuries.
“I’m fine, Hellion,” he says in that slightly raspy voice.
“Hades let you go? For good?” My tone is careful but also on the verge of breaking. I don’t want to entertain high hopes but I don’t know what will happen to me if he’s taken again. It’s the only reason why I’m gripping the table’s edge instead of running into his embrace.
He advance towards me slowly, almost too slowly, as his voice drifts around us. “He figured that keeping me away from you and showing me videos of you being hurt were the worse torture.” He stops before me, the depth of his eyes dripping with pain. “He figured right.”
“Oh, Hawk.” I throw myself in his arms. “I’m so sorry.”
I would’ve killed myself if I were put in his shoes. I was too close to losing my mind when Hades sent me videos of Hawk being tortured over and over again.
“But he didn’t break me this time.” Hawk’s arms wrap around my waist and I close my eyes at the onslaught of uncontrollable emotions shooting through me all at once.
“No?” I ask, hopeful.
I shudder as he buries his face in my hair and inhales deeply.
“No. Do you know why?”
I slightly pull back to get a better look at him and stroke the slight stubble on his cheek. “Why?”
“Because I knew you would be waiting for me. You promised.”
My eyes rim with tears. “I’ve been waiting for you for fifteen years, Hawk. Two months is nothing.”