Chapter 30: Chapter thirty

Drayton

She cried.

My guts twisted as I listened to her sniff and try to hide her tears. I was the reason for those tears. I knew she wasn't crying because I pushed her in the pool but–

“...I'm not going to be used as a pawn for your entertainment...”

Her words came rushing back to me and I tightened my grip on the steering. She'd thought I was using her as a pawn because of my reckless behavior.

I hadn't meant to hurt her. When I saw her walking to that restricted area with Jack, I trailed behind them keeping to the shadows as best as I could.

I knew what thoughts ran through Jack's mind because of the bet. That stupid bet that I shouldn't care about.

And then I saw them standing so close together. My eyes had flashed red and I moved against my better judgement. I could have just said something to separate them instead of the drastic step I took.

A few months ago, what I did wouldn't have affected me this much. She'd done similar things to me in the past. It's how things were between us. We hated each other.

But things are different now. And I couldn't say I'm thrilled with the change. The slap she gave me earlier wasn't enough. I needed something more to wipe these thoughts out of me.

I took my eyes off the road and stared at her. Her face was turned away as she stared out the window blankly.

We were just a few blocks away from the house but I didn't want to drop her off yet. I slowed the car, thinking she would say something about it. But she was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice.

What's the point anyway?

I pulled up in front of the house and intentionally jerked the car, making her flinch.

She turned to me, anger flashing in her eyes. My stomach churned at the sight of the dried tears I had caused.

She finally took note of her surrounding and inhaled sharply.

“Rot in hell!” She spat before stepping out of the car and slammed the door hard.

I sighed as I watched her retreating figure. I made no attempt to go after her. I couldn't be near her, not after what I had done tonight.

She said I should rot in hell, and that's exactly what I planned on doing.

Soon after Arielle walked into the house, I swerved the car out of parking and drove off. I headed to the one place I never go to except if necessary.

My own personal hell.

.

.

.

I got down from the car and tossed the keys to the housekeeper. Todd caught it before it could hit the floor.

“Welcome back, sir.” He said, his back straightened.

I merely gave him a nod before strolling into the house. I hadn't been back here for months but it was still the same as I left it. Todd was really doing his job well.

This house, located on the outskirt of the town and near the beach, was one of the things I own that doesn't belong to Jonathan.

Well, technically, it does, but the deed is in my name.

The beach house used to belong to my mother. Jonathan had bought it for her a long time ago, when we were still a happy family, before everything went shit.

It wasn't as big as Jonathan's mansion but it feels more like home. Mum decorated it to feel that way and I helped as best as I could.

The three of us, along with Penny sometimes, would gather here every holiday to celebrate. When we were here, we didn't worry about being the prominent King family. We were simply a family.

But now, even this place had lost that feel of home. And he ruined that. He ruined our family. I would never forgive him for it.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. Between setting Charles car on fire, my bet with Sinclair, and my fight with Arielle, I'd had a long day. I wasn't going to add Jonathan to that list today. I was already developing a headache.

All i want to do now is sleep, despite the nightmares that undoubtedly awaits. I heard footsteps approaching and already knew who it was. The housekeeper was the only one living here. The security man isn't allowed into the house, and the cook only comes around two times in a week, except when I'm hosting a party.

The three of them were on Jonathan's payroll. The house might legally belong to me, but he owned the staffs. Not that I have a problem with it.

Since he made sure I couldn't access my trust fund until I was done with college or move back with him, I didn't have any means to pay them. My wages at the coffee shop I work in doesn't cover half of their pay.

Jonathan might be a son of a bitch but he pays his staffs well.

“Would you like to eat something, sir? The chef made some delicious meal in the fridge. I can warm it up for you. Or make something fresh if you would like?” Todd asked, his hands clasped at his back.

I waved him off.

“I'm not hungry. I just need to rest.” I didn't wait for his response before trudging up the stairs.

My ass barely touched the bed when my phone rang. I groaned and took it out of my pocket. I sighed as I saw who was calling. I had been so consumed with my thoughts that I forgot to inform Penny I wouldn't be coming back tonight.

“Drayton, thank God.” She heaved a sigh of relief immediately I answered the call.

I felt so bad, realizing she was worried about me and I hadn't called.

“Arielle is back. She said you dropped her off. Where are you?” She asked, exhaustion evident in her voice.

She probably just got back from work and is already worried about me.

“The beach house.” I said almost softly.

She paused. She knew what the house meant and that I come here when I'm stressed and want to be alone. It's usually after I have an encounter with Jonathan.

“Did he call?” She asked, her voice soft.

I drew a long sigh. I couldn't tell her that the person responsible for my stress wasn't my tyrant father but the silver blonde lady she's currently harbouring in her house.

“No, I'm just stressed. I'm sorry for making you worry about me. I should have called.” I said.

Aside from my mother, Penny was the only person I apologize to. Call it a King arrogance but I don't give out apologies easily.

“It's okay.” She paused, seemingly contemplating her next words.

“Come home when you're ready, Drayton.” She said and hung up.

Home.

The word sounded strange to my ear. I couldn't tell her that nowhere felt like home anymore. Not even this place that was once a home.

I sunk to the bed, my feet still on the floor. I hadn't removed my shoes yet.

I closed my eyes and tried to picture what home once felt like. But only blood and screams filled my ears.

Home. There was no home. My once peaceful life is now filled with chaos and destruction.

The hair on my body prickled as I felt a strong presence in the room. I didn't need to open my eyes or stand up before I knew who just stepped into the room.

“About time you showed up.” His deep voice thundered through the room

I fluttered my eyes opened and it collided with a pair of gray eyes.

Jonathan.