Gideon nods.
She lowers her hand. “So she’s paying him to stay quiet.”
“Or to handle things for her,” Gideon says. “But one way or another, he’s involved, and he’s not doing it out of loyalty.”
Talon’s voice cracks with disbelief. “Why the hell would she trust him?”
“Because abusers keep other abusers close,” I mutter.
Gideon turns to me. “You’re even sexier when you’re smart.” He turns the laptop toward Talon and Minxy. “Have either of you two ever seen this guy?”
“Once,” Minxy says. “Two summers ago. Mom said he was helping her with some landscaping stuff because he ‘owed her a favor.’ He creeped me out. Smelled like cigarettes and something sweet.” She shudders. “He called me mouse.”
Silas’ expression darkens. “She let that man near her kid.”
Talon leans forward. “I remember once I overheard Mom and Dad fighting about someone. It seemed irrelevant, but Mom wanted Dad to hire a guy she knew. I didn’t catch a name. They yelled for like twenty minutes. Dad kept saying he was dangerous, and Mom needed to let the past go. Mom said she owed him. That was two weeks before Dad died.”
Silas mutters something sharp under his breath. Gideon’s jaw works once like he’s holding back the urge to throw something.
I blow out a breath. “So now we know she has help.”
Gideon nods. “It makes her more dangerous, not less.”
Minxy suddenly pushes her coffee cup away. “Good. Let her be dangerous. I’m not hiding from her anymore.”
Talon shoots her a warning look. “Minx…”
“No,” she snaps. “I’m done being scared. I’m done letting her decide what happens next. You guys protect me for now, fine. But after Penelope talks to her dad today? After he knows the truth?” Her chin lifts. “I want to help bring her down.”
Silas sits beside her. “And you will. But not today.”
She huffs but doesn’t argue.
I stand, heart thumping. “Speaking of today—I should do my hair and makeup. I need to look put together enough that my father can’t use anything against me.”
Gideon rises too. “I’ll go over last-minute strategy before we leave.”
“Leave?” Talon echoes. “You’re going with her?”
Silas stands. “We both are. You stay with Minxy.”
Minxy blinks. “Babysitting? Seriously?”
Silas gives her a look. “Security.”
She rolls her eyes but doesn’t push.
I start toward my room, nerves firing under my skin.
Behind me, I hear Minxy whisper loudly. “If my mom shows up, punch her.”
Silas replies, “Sweetheart, I’ve been waiting fifteen years.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or throw up.
Today I face my father and confess that I’m seeing not only Silas, but Gideon and Talon too. That his little girl is a regular at a sex club and I’m in a relationship with three men, all of whom are related.
I’m nervous but not scared. Honestly, I’m ready for him to know the truth about everything. I plan to tell him about Abi too, but the guys don’t know that. I won’t let him become her next victim.
