Chapter 96

Bruce was no stranger to the law. Breaking it was his favorite hobby. I could still recall the moment he walked through the door of

my father’s home, a permanent smirk etched onto his face along with that practiced swagger. From the moment he locked eyes

with me, I knew he’d found his next punching bag.

I tried to keep my distance from him, during High School, but I was well aware of the shady activities he was involved in behind

closed doors. Teens and adults alike. would show up at our door for all sorts of

things, most of which were illegally produced by his own hands. With my dad constantly out and my stepmother purposefully

carefree, Bruce could bring over a serial killer and they’d be none the wiser.

Seven Years Ago

I'd come home earlier from school that day. Debate team was cancelled for the evening, so I had the

luxury of trekking home while there was still a hint of daylight. I was less fortunate to find Bruce’s truck parked in the driveway.

I paused at the door, my hand wrapped around the doorknob, as I debated going in. I didn’t have anywhere — or anyone

or anyone — else to run to, but dealing with Bruce seemed like a bigger hassle than just sitting on the swings at the elementary

school’s playground until sundown.

With a sigh, I tried the door and found that it was unlocked. I pushed through, trying to keep my steps quiet as I shut the door

behind me and took off my shoes. Bruce’s voice travelled down the hall, though he sounded preoccupied.

“Well, tell that asshole if he doesn’t give me my fair share by the end of the week, I’ll skin him alive,” he growled, and I heard

winced when I heard glass shatter against the wall. “No, you will tell him!”

It wasn’t out of the ordinary to hear Bruce spout off violent threats, but I had yet to see him act on any of them. He wasn’t exactly

strong in build, and his skin had the pallor of someone who barely touched the skin. Of course, I’d already learned not to

underestimate his ability to manipulate others.

I slipped my backpack off my shoulders and walked into the kitchen. I grabbed

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Chapter 96

one of the only decent looking apples out of the basket on the counter and took a small bite out of it, testing the taste. It had

taken on the softened texture of a fruit far past its due date.

Scrunching my nose, I threw out the rest of them and turned to the grocery list on the refrigerator door.

The list was getting bigger and bigger, like they were expecting me to pull the weight when it came to grocery shopping. My

salary was only so big and buying hundreds of dollars‘ worth of food meant little with Bruce’s impossible appetite.

I dropped my bag onto the floor and hopped onto one of the seats at the breakfast bar. I dropped my head in my hands and

shook it violently, wondering when I'd wake up from this nightmare.

“Who's out there?”

My heart stilled and I cursed myself, forgetting that Bruce was attentive when it suited him. His harsh steps echoed throughout

the home as he entered the hallway and walked into the kitchen, spotting me at one of the seats. He narrowed his eyes. at first

before a crooked grin edged its way onto his lips.

“Coco, hello,” he said slimily, sauntering over to the other side of the counter. I looked down, letting my hair fall over my eyes and

effectively blocking his view of my face.

“Bruce,” I said coldly.

He drummed his fingers along the counter and let out a chuckle. “I’ve got some ‘friends’ coming over soon. Best run along before

they get here.”

I leered up at him. “Why?”

“Oh, interested in my little business?” he asked casually, tilting his head back. “Il can show you a thing or two about making deals

with people.”

Finally, I pulled my bangs away and allowed him to take in my scrutinizing expression. He seemed pleased with this, however,

his smile broadening.

“Oh, like you're the master of manipulation?” I prodded.

Bruce leaned in close, his foul breath fanning against my face. “It’s second nature to me. You just find someone’s weakness,

their vulnerability, and you exploit it.”

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Chapter 96

I felt a shiver run down my spine, a mixture of fascination and unease. Bruce had always been enigmatic, but now he was being

open about a side of himself that I'd only heard whispers of. He had a reputation for hacking into secure systems, but he’d

always been careful not to reveal too much about his illicit activities.

Just as the conversation was taking an unsettling turn, there was a knock at the door. Bruce tilted his head toward the door and

lifted his eyebrows, a silent offering for me to watch him in action. I sat still as he walked toward the door and peered through the

peep hole.

“Who is it?” he asked obnoxiously. Briefly, he caught me staring and gave me a wink. I shot him a look of disgust.

“You know who it is,” a familiar voice came through the door, already sounding agitated. “Open up.”

Bruce’s persona seemed to morph right then. His relaxed demeanor turned stiff and reserved as he opened the door and waved

his visitors inside. When I saw who walked through, I froze.

Timothy charged in, his expression stern. He didn’t notice me sitting there with his back turned and his attention set solely on

Bruce.

Bruce smirked at him, his tone dripping with false cheer. “Well, look who we have here. Timothy, what brings you to our humble

abode?”

Timothy wasted no time, his voice laced with irritation. “Cut the crap, Bruce. Where are those CDs we asked for?”

Bruce leaned against his desk, his eyes locked onto Timothy’s. “Ah, yes, the CDs. Well, it seems the price has gone up since our

last conversation.”

Timothy clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. “You can’t just change the price like that, Bruce. We agreed on a fair deal.”

Bruce chuckled darkly, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Fair is such a subjective term, Timothy. But don’t worry, I’m willing to

make a compromise.”

I watched in silence, my heart pounding in my chest. There was an air of danger in the room, and I could sense that things were

about to take a turn for the worse.

Timothy's jaw clenched, his voice low and controlled. “Fine, Bruce. Just tell us the new price, and we'll settle this.”

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Bruce’s lips curled into a sly grin, and he turned his attention to me. “How about this, Timothy? I'll throw in Evie as part of the

deal. That should balance out the price, don’t you think?”

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a flush of embarrassment wash over me. All eyes fell on me and I ducked my head, feeling

the heat rush to my cheeks. I couldn't tell if Bruce was joking or not.

Timothy's face darkened with anger, and he took a step forward, his voice sharp and unwavering. “You nasty fuck. How are you

going to disrespect your own sister like that?”

My eyes widened and I looked up at Timothy. His eyes were on Bruce, but there was a passion behind his glare that made my

chest tighten and my heart quicken in pace.

“I'm here for the CDs,” Timothy repeated. “Nothing else.”

Bruce’s laughter filled the room, a sinister sound despite the humor in his expression. “Dude, you're such a buzzkill. Fine, fine, I'll

give you your precious CDs. But the price has gone up, so be prepared to pay.”

Timothy looked at me once again and I couldn't help but pause under his striking gaze. His hazel eyes considered me for a

moment, curiosity taking over his previous anger. Eventually, he looked back at Bruce and scoffed.

“Fine.” Timothy reached into his pocket, producing a wad of cash. He counted out the money and handed it to Bruce. After

receiving the payment, Bruce went to go. retrieve the burned CDs before shoving them into Timothy's hands.

“Nice doing business with you,” Bruce said pleasantly, tucking the cash away. Timothy squinted at him, his fists clenched.

“Consider it the last time. Asshole.”

As Timothy walked out in a huff, Bruce turned to me, a wicked glint in his eyes. “Well, that was amusing, don’t you think, Evie?”

I glared at him, my voice laced with anger. “You're despicable, Bruce. Offering me up like I’m some kind of toy.”

Bruce shrugged, unapologetic and unabashed. “It’s all in good fun, Evie. You shouldn't take it so seriously.”

But I couldn’t shake the feeling of violation and betrayal that had settled in my

f&

chest. Bruce’s words had cut deep, and I couldn’t deny that I'd been

entertain his antics even slightly. As he continued to laugh, I couldn’t help but wonder how deep his deceit ran and what other

secrets he was hiding.