Arson Read Online Free Page B

don’t even do that, wretch.” Out of the dark came her hard knuckles, sinking into his belly, laced with fury and disgust.
    â€œI’m…so…sorry, Gr—,” he sobbed.
    Grandma threw the paper at him. “Not yet, but you will be. I bet you fornicate to those smut magazines as well. You probably do. Is that why you touch yourself? Because of that filth? Hiding them right under my nose, thinking I'll never find them.” She searched but found nothing.
    Arson cowered underneath her shadow. So weak, rejected, ashamed, especially to the one who claimed to love him most.
    â€œYou ruined my paper. You know how I feel about my newspaper.”
    â€œI’m s—”
    â€œDon’t interrupt me, pig.” She fixed her glasses, scanned the room, and disappeared momentarily. With a towel in her hand, Grandma returned to find Arson on his knees.
    â€œClean yourself up,” she demanded and threw him a rag. “You’ll have to think about what you did.” Grandma left the room and shut the door. Arson could hear the key sliding into place and then twisting enough to lock him inside. Every click and turn sounded like mad voices, telling him of the punishment and separation to come. “You’re just like your daddy,” he heard her whisper behind the door.

 
    Chapter 5
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    THE DOOR WAS STILL locked when Arson woke up. Nervously, his hands shook and began to sweat. Hard to believe it had been two days. Hunger warned his body of its need to eat.  It would be so easy , Arson pondered,  to melt the handle . Burn everything, not just the room that held him prisoner, but the whole damned house.
    â€œAre you awake, love?” Grandma asked.
    At first Arson didn’t know what to say. In fact, he didn’t want to say anything. He wasn’t awake or asleep, alive or dead. He was just there—captive, angry, dismayed. But still he answered, “I am now, Grandma.”
    â€œGood. I hope you thought about what you’ve done, pig,” she seethed in a raspy voice.
    â€œYeah, Grandma, I have.”
    â€œYou sure? ’Cause I won’t be having any more of that wicked behavior in this house, young man, not the house your granddaddy built.”
    â€œI built it too,” he mumbled.
    â€œNot after what you’ve done to make us move all the way out here in the middle of nowhere.”
    His heart sank at her comments. The acid from his belly rose, burning the back of his throat, a pain he was accustomed to. “I know, Grandma. I’m sorry for what I did.” Arson shut his eyes. Being separated from her felt strangely sick.
    â€œI wish I could erase you,” she said.
    Slowly, the door cracked open. The unsettling whine of the splintered wood and rusted hinges scratched his eardrums as it let her in. Her face peered out from the darkness. Squinting, he stood defensively, chilled by her stare.
    â€œEat some breakfast before it gets cold,” she said, handing him a lukewarm plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. “It’s not Wednesday, but I figured I’d make an exception.”
    Arson reached for the plate in her hand while Grandma placed the drink on his dresser. “Now eat slowly, love. Wouldn’t want you to choke.” She patted him on the back. “You know, it’s not normal for you to go without food for days. Keep those wicked thoughts out of your mind, ya hear?”
    Arson dipped his head in shame.
    She gently rubbed the back of his neck. He cringed but couldn’t bring himself to reject her. The blinds and tape that kept the light out stared with pleasure at him. How feeble and weak he was. He hated being their entertainment.
    When he was finished eating, Grandma grabbed his plate and stood up. “Arson, the rules of this house are here for a reason. You must obey them. You must obey me, because I love you. I’m the only one who’s  ever  loved you. The only