Tryst Six Venom by Penelope Douglas

you weren’t happy. To support people who expect rather than appreciate. To
know that a richer life is out there and not have the freedom to seize it.
For a long time, I've known that Macon is just as trapped as I am, but for
the first time, I pity him, because he must know this is all for nothing. Even
now, he must feel it. Are we worth saving?
I trail back up the stairs, hearing Army in his room playing Van Morrison
for Dex, and spare a glance across the hall to Macon’s closed door. There’s
no light coming from underneath, and for the first time, I realize he sleeps in
the room where my mother killed herself. Every night he sleeps in there.
I enter my room, my gaze lingering on Clay sleeping soundly on the bed,
but I don’t go to her. Heading to my desk, I pull open a drawer and take out
the chain I wore tonight, slipping the key off of it. I turn around and lean
back against the chair, watching her again. My insides cripple with the same
fear as I look at her. This will all be for nothing.
But I’m going to have her for as long as I can.
I stare at it in my palm, the sharp copper glinting in the twinkle lights
wrapped around my wrought-iron headboard.
When you’re in the eye of the storm, the only way out is through.
You win, Macon. I’ll protect the family.