I stare at my boots that are covered by the sand, then type on my phone, “How did you know?”
“He likes announcing his possessions. Besides, you’re a bit obvious when he’s around.”
“And here I thought I was discreet.”
He smiles a little. “If it’s any consolation, I’m probably the only one who could pick up on it.”
I smile back. “You’re right. Tonight, I had two wake-up calls. The first was him hurting my brother and the second is this.”
Bran straightens. “Is your brother okay?”
I shake my head.
“Was…he badly hurt?”
“Physically? No. Mentally, however, it’s highly debatable.”
“And it’s because of Lan?”
“The one and only devil lord.” I smile sarcastically as I type, “I almost forgot that he nearly killed my brother with his shenanigans. And now, he’s done this. I should really stay away from him, shouldn’t I?”
“You should.” His brows dip. “I don’t even know what you see in him.”
Danger.
Thrill.
Illusion.
The monster who can fight the other monster.
“I know, right? You’re a good guy, Bran. I should’ve totally fallen for you.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Unfortunately.”
He smiles. “You have terrible taste, but if it’s of any consolation, I understand why girls flock to him. They’re attracted to his charm and, most importantly, to the prospect of being the chosen one who can fix him.”
I shake my head, but I don’t type anything.
Never have I thought about fixing Landon. If anything, I slid down his rabbit hole as if it were where I always belonged.
In the thrilling darkness.
The animalistic chasing.
The explosive fucking.
But now, I realize with clarity that some desires are better left unfulfilled for everyone’s greater good.
“He’s too set in his way of thinking,” Bran continues. “After years of futile clashing with our father, Dad gave up trying to correct him and eventually left him to his own devices. It’s hard to speak reason to him and impossible to change him.”
“And yet something tells me you’re not giving up?”
“I’m an idiot and stuck with him for life. Everyone else should save themselves while they have the opportunity.”
“You’re not an idiot, Bran. You just care.” I show him my phone and then pat his shoulder.
“One of us has to.” A bitter smile crosses his lips. “I’m sorry if your acquaintance with me has caused this trouble—”
I put a hand on his mouth and shake my head, then I type, “Don’t you dare blame yourself. I made this choice about Landon and I’ll handle the consequences. Besides, meeting you is one of the best things that’s happened to me, so don’t avoid me again. We should probably meet outside, though.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d rather not cross paths with your psycho brother.”
“No, I meant why do you still want to see me if Lan is out of the picture?”
My lips part and I type furiously, “Don’t tell me all this time you thought I was befriending you to get close to Landon?”
“Weren’t you?”
“Of course not. I liked you and hated the asshole from the beginning.”
He grabs the back of his neck, a shy smile appearing on his lips. “Thanks. You’re the first girl who’s actually liked me and didn’t fake interest in me just to get close to Landon.”
“They do that?”
“Yeah. Apparently, I’m the boring twin and he’s the hot one.”
“I’m going to need names so I can teach the blind bitches a fucking lesson.” I punch the air, then kick it.
Bran throws his head back and laughs. I laugh, too, even though no feelings of joy penetrate my heavy chest.
After Bran and I part ways, I drive to the Heathens’ mansion. My screen pings with a text from Landon and I hit the brakes, coming to a sudden halt.
The ache in my heart spreads and causes my throat to restrict as I tap the screen.
He attached a half-naked mirror selfie, showcasing the dark purple bruises on his chest and his bloodied lips.
Devil Lord: Your brother did this. Come kiss it better?
While I saw glimpses of his manipulation tactics before, I had a veil over my eyes. But now, I can distinguish it loud and clear. Landon has the fascinating ability to use his own pain as a weapon to make his will a reality.