For Wrath and Redemption (The Hometown Heartless)

by Brit Benson

I don’t know if I’m going to succeed with Jonah Hendrix, but goddamn it, I will die trying. He’s a brand. Nothing more. As long as I remember that, I’ll at least get out with my sanity intact.

“Are you saying you’re my queen, then?” “Your words. Not mine.” “The queen’s the most important piece on the board, Davis. Sounds to me like that’s you.”

throat again. “Thanks.” “Sometimes you have to cut away the worn-down parts of yourself,” Mabel says. “The shit weighing you down. You’ve got to shed it so you can move forward.”

The plan was to charm her. Not be charmed.

This is bad. I just broke up with his father, and now I’m...I don’t even know. Crushing?

I fold my lips between my teeth in an attempt to tame my smile. I try, but I fail, and I’m grateful he can’t see it. I snuggle down into his jacket, though, and I tell myself it’s just for the warmth. It’s not the smell or the sentiment. It’s not because of him. I tell myself this, but I know it’s a lie. I also know I’m totally fucked.

“I pay attention to every single thing you do, and it’s driving me fucking crazy.”

I’m obsessed with her. There’s no other way to explain how she’s invaded my mind, tormenting me with her presence while I’m awake and asleep.