Unhinged (Dance With My Demons, #1)

by Steph Macca

Sometimes you need to cut ties with people… And sometimes those ties are arteries.

I hate looking at the burns, a constant reminder of the fire. It was my biggest regret and most surprising triumph.

"Ahh," he says, nodding. "You want to stab me." "What?" I hiss quietly, taken aback. "I'm not going to stab you." Grey leans back into his chair, relaxing. "But you thought about it. I like that."

But what she failed to mention was that it's in a flower. That's a nice touch. I never pegged Theo as the romantic type, but I guess even he has a heart.

Theo snorts. "Do I scare you, Avery?"

"Sometimes the best way to deal with problems is to cut them off."

"You want me to tattoo you?" I blurt out. "Are you insane?" Theo looks at me, all seriousness on his face. "Yes."

"Cirque des Morts is an exclusive group operating out of Lilydale.

Before I realize I'm moving, I lean forward, pressing my lips to his. Grey responds immediately, kissing me back gently.

But let's be honest, I'm already in trouble. I've killed my father, I nearly died, and now I'm in a damn asylum with a bunch of lunatics.

I really misjudged him, and for that, I feel guilty. I guess the old saying 'never judge a book by its cover' is true, because what Theo is doing is probably the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me. He doesn't have to tattoo me. Or help me. Or even let me sit with him at mealtimes. Yet, he does.

I mean, I wouldn't call this a normal life. But what is normal anyway? It's just a setting on a washing machine.

I cut her off, doing the only thing I can think of to shut her up. I kiss her.

She pauses, but before I can pull back, she grabs my head, kissing me back.

Ahhhhhhh I ship them

Except, I don't know who I am. I just had sex with Theo in a fucking morgue.

Make sure he's safe or else I'll bring this whole place down."

I scrunch up my face, closing my eyes. I suddenly feel so guilty. I don't regret sleeping with Theo — not one little bit. But this guy right here, the one who has sucked me in, is going to hate me if he finds out.

I love Grey. I fucking love him.

This is why I don't let people in. Dr. Smith told me to do it, to stop being scared that people might leave me. But this is why. Grey has left me. And it's all my fault.

"Avery Elizabeth White, you are under arrest for the murder of Samuel Joseph Hallman. You have the right to remain silent…"