It’s no use. He won’t stop talking in circles. “I know this is fun for you, even if I can’t understand why. It’s not for me. I only want to get some food and go back to my room. Can I do that, please?”

He rolls up a slice of turkey and takes a bite before chewing thoughtfully. “You know, you might get a lot further along in life if you’d be a little nicer.”

“Nicer? Next thing, you’ll be telling me I should smile more.” Before he can do that, I speak over him. “I’m not the one who started this. All I’m interested in is keeping myself safe from the two of you.”

He stares at me for what feels like a lifetime before nodding slowly. “Don’t let me stop you. Take your sandwich. Keep yourself safe from me.”

I can’t honestly believe he thinks he isn’t a threat. Not after the way he’s treated me all this time. Not after what he did to me.

“I will keep myself safe from you and your crazy family.” I’m not sure how yet, but I’ll find a way.

“Nix told me. My dad finally showed you his… other side.”

I was wondering if Colt knew. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Nix told him. Thinking about that situation has me reaching for my neck. James left some nice finger-sized bruises on the tender skin under my ears. I gently rub the spot, wondering if Colt can see it in the dim light.

“Is that what you call that?”

“What would you call it?” His eyes zone in on my neck before they darken. His jaw ticks, and his lips pull up in a tiny snarl. Is he mad that his dad touched me? More likely, he is mad that he wasn’t there.

“I guess the other side fits… deranged, insane, and unstable would work as well.”

“I don’t care what you call it. It is what it is, and there is no changing it.”

It is what it is? What kind of bullshit answer is that?

“We’ll see about that.” I make a grab for the food and stop just short of running down the hall, walking as fast as I can and jogging up the stairs. I keep an eye on the hall but don’t see him emerging from the kitchen before I reach the second floor. I guess he’s in the mood for a brief truce.

I hope he doesn’t think I’m going to let my guard down.

CHAPTER 18

At first, I don’t know what pulled me out of a deep sleep. I only know I woke with a start, my head leaving the pillow, and my heart in my throat. The chair is firmly in place in front of the door, so it’s not that.