Page 82 of All Your Hate
The pliers shake in my trembling hands and I grip them tight so they don’t fall. Bones holds his hands to my cheeks and presses his forehead to mine. “You can do this.”
“I can’t.” I press closer to him, wanting to bury myself inside his twisted mind and get lost there forever.
“Wynter. Your fear is mine now. Every emotion you feel will be mine and mine alone. So if you’re going to fear anyone, make it be me. He doesn't deserve an ounce of your pain. It’s mine.”
My breathing quickens and the last shackles I’ve kept tight around my heart fall away.
“I trust you.”
His hands tighten on my cheeks and he crushes his lips against mine. I let him in without a fight.
Better the devil you know. Right?
“God, I love you.” Bone pulls away and saunters over to Grayson like he’s on cloud nine.
I am in no way ready to say that, but I might not exactly hate him anymore. I’m not going to tell him that though.
Bones holds Grayson’s leg down and his broken toes jut out awkwardly. Then he brings his boot down over and over until the rest of them are a mangled mess.
Seems like those platform boots aren’t simply a fashion choice.
Grayson doesn’t stop screaming and he looks closer to passing out. Bones gives him a few slaps to keep him awake.
“Right, shall we move this along? I’ve got my own bone that needs tending to." He adjusts the bulge straining his pants. "Where were we? Oh, looks like all the piggies have gone home. We could see what’s in the other boot, but let’s move straight to the fingers. Your turn, little viper.”
Bones grins up at me as he holds Grayson’s right hand down, splaying his fingers apart.
I step towards them, the pliers pointed outwards like I’m holding a knife.
Grayson struggles against Bones’ grip and manages to grab his hair, pulling it until his head yanks back.
“Get off him!” I snarl, an overwhelming protective urge coming out of nowhere.
I thrust my arm forward and the pliers plunge into Grayson’s eye socket. The feel of his eye popping lingers in my hand long after I’ve let go of the tool.
“Oh my god,” I whisper, frozen to the spot, my hands held out in front of me.
Grayson doesn’t stop howling in pain and each cry makes my stomach tighten. I caused that pain.
“Look what you’ve done now. You’ve upset her again.” Bones motions to me. How can he sound so casual when there’s a man right there with blood pouring out from where his eye should be?
“I still had a few questions, but there’s no way you’re talking again tonight are you?” Bones lifts Grayson’s head, examining the wound closely. “You did a very good job, Wynter.”
He looks over at me when I don’t answer. “Oh. You’re in shock. Guess the torture’s over for tonight then.” Dropping Grayson’s head, Bones hops up onto the platform behind him and pulls the collar.
Grayson chokes on his screams as he struggles for breath. Bones doesn’t stop pulling until there’s an audible crack and Grayson’s entire body slumps.
“He’s dead,” I say numbly.
“Unfortunately. I had a whole night of fun planned. But don’t worry it’s not your fault. I’d much rather leave here with the memory of you fighting for me than give him a few more broken bones.”
“Bones.” I start to laugh hysterically.
“Yes?”
“No, I meanbones! That’s why you have that name.” I never really thought about what it actually meant before. Honestly, I just thought it was some dumb edgy nickname. Shaking my head I walk to the kitchen. “I need a drink.”
Grabbing the vodka bottle I tip it back. I don’t feel the burn as it slides down my throat. I don’t feel anything right now.