I feel like I’m going to pass out. My heart is hammering in my chest.
It’s her. She’s safe. She’s alive. She lifts her head to look at me, and horror passes through her expression.
They have her. But at least she’s alive. At least she has a chance.
That gives me hope. I feel new strength surge through my body at the sight of her. She’s so beautiful, so perfect. I know what I have to do.
I’m going to kill them. And then I’m going to take what’s mine.
Chapter 26
Grace
* * *
I’m barely walking as Alec pushes me toward the room. I know what door this is. The people who come in here never leave. Maybe my father’s disappointment in me not knowing a damn thing has finally led him to kill me. I don’t know, and I don’t care.
My uncle’s outside the door, and I can’t even look him in the eyes. His arms are crossed and I can feel his eyes on me, but I don’t return his gaze. I can’t stand the sight of any of them. All those years I thought he protected me, I was a fool.
I thought he loved me, I thought he kept me safe. I was so wrong. He did nothing but keep me quiet. Maybe he prevented the beatings, but he never saved me. Not like Gio did.
The very thought makes my heart hurt.
They killed him.
I take in a sharp breath. At least Alec’s shoving against my back eases slightly as we approach the door. My uncle may have some influence, but it’s not enough. Not anymore. He let them hurt me. He was proud to tell me that Gio was dead.
I hate him. I hate all of them. I haven’t said a word to any of them. The only thing on my mind is how to get out of here. But I have to kill my father first. That is the only thing I’m focused on. The only thing that’s kept me alive since I’ve been back here, locked back in my room.
He hasn’t even tried to talk to me. He doesn’t give a fuck.
The only company I’ve had is my uncle. I couldn’t talk to him though. I didn’t say a word as he told me they were waiting to kill him. It was all about him. Why he couldn’t come to my rescue because it would have put him in danger.
I understand it. I do. But I don’t care.
All the years I spent here made me weak. Gio gave me a reason for living. He gave me a strength I never knew I had.
And now he’s dead.
My uncle’s hand rests on my shoulder, halting me in front of the door. His hand is rough and cold. He leans forward and talks quietly, “It’s going to be alright.” His soft words sink in, resonating in my very being.
I look him in the eyes. “No it won’t,” I say, and he flinches from my simple response. “It’s never been alright.” Truer words have never been spoken.
My gaze is ripped away as the door flies open, revealing my father.
I don’t drop my gaze. It takes everything in me not to glare at him. My hate has grown and consumed me. The wits I had before that kept me safe from his anger have all vanished. Beat me. Whip me. Humiliate me. I don’t care. The last thing I do will be to put this man in his grave.
“Grace,” he says, and his eyes are narrowed and his yellow teeth show through his sickening smile.
I don’t respond. Instead I walk in, ignoring him and preparing for whatever it is he’s going to do to me.
I only take two steps in and then I freeze. My legs go numb, and my knees threaten to buckle. I gasp, covering my mouth, my heart and body going cold. My eyes prick with tears. But I can’t let them come. He’s here. He’s alive.
My uncle grabs my waist and keeps me upright. My body’s trembling.
He’s alive.
“Gio!” I call out to him, and try to run to him. He’s not okay. His face is bloodied, and he has bruises and cuts all over his body.
