He mentionedher.
Over my words, I swear I hear Aleksi shout, “Madeline is hiding in plain sight,” just as I ram the pipe so far inside him, my fist disappears, and Aleksi passes out.
“Take that, you rapist piece of shit! You’ll never get anywhere near my angel now,” I cry, ripping my hand from Aleksi’s ass and falling to the floor. The bloodied pipe slips from my hold, rolling across the room until it’s stopped by a wall.
Like a wild animal mourning the loss of its young, a sob erupts from me, filling the room. “I told them I’d get them back, and they didn’t believe me,” I ramble, grabbing my knees and rocking myself— reminiscent of my time in captivity.
I don’t hear it when my father approaches. I only feel him wrap his arms around me. I jump at his initial touch before finally resting my face on his chest and sobbing— sobbing for the boy who’s finally gotten justice.
“You got him, and I won’t stop until we get her,” my father whispers, kissing the top of my head.
I don’t move— letting the man I’ve been so angry with comfort me for the first time since coming home. I’ve missed him. I didn’t realize how much until just now.
I’m not sure how long I lay in my father’s arms battling the demons before Lev says, “Go to her— go see Ariah.”
That prompts me to move, and for the first time, my lungs feel like they can take a full breath.
My father eases back, his matching gaze peering into mine. No words are spoken, but so much is said. We’re nowhere near where we used to be, but it’s a step in the right direction. He helps me stand as Lev comes up next to us.
“I’ll clean this up. Go seeour girl,” he demands, making me smile.
He’s finally getting it.
I watch Lev walk toward the table, picking up another syringe before going to a still passed-out Aleksi. He deserves a far more agonizing death, but I’m sure whatever Lev has in that needle won’t give him a peaceful end.
Now it’s time to see the only person who can tame the monsters.
My feet move on autopilot. I’m in my car and have it started, peeling out of the driveway.
She can never find out.Ariah will be destroyed if she ever knew how truly twisted her mother is. I would never allow her to feel that pain.
I feel my stomach churn— memories flooding me.
“Such a good boy. The plans I have for you and the rest of the heirs are only just beginning,” the woman’s voice coos as her fingers trail up my exposed stomach.
Why won’t she stop touching me?
The flashback causes me to swerve to the side of the road, slam the car into park, throw my door open, and jump out just as the bile rises. I heave the contents of my stomach outside.
It was better when I didn’t know.
A scream rips from my lungs, my hands pulling at my hair.
Why did it have to happen?I want to say why me, but I’d never wish for it to be any of my friends—brotherseither.
I feel the tears flowing down my face, the air of the night suffocating as it brushes against them. I need to get the fuck out of here.She’s waiting for me.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I take a moment to catch my breath, then lift my body back into the car, grab a towel from the back, wipe my mouth, and shift my car back onto the road.
All the years of wondering— now I wish I still was in the dark.
By the time I look up, I’m in my driveway, with no recollection of how I got there. My mind is still buzzing— my skin still alight. I wish I could bring Aleksi back to life and use my knives this time. Shove one right into the tip of his dick.
I push my door open, staggering my way through the house and up the stairs to my room. The room is dark, illuminated only by the television. I step through the door—my eyes laser in on the perfect form on my bed, and for the first time in the last few hours, I breathe.
Ariah lies sprawled across my sheets, the blanket covering her legs, leaving the sight of her voluptuous ass on full display. My eyes travel up her body as I walk completely into the room. I have to bite my lip to hold in my groan at the sight of her in one of my tee shirts.Fuck she’s a vision.
I make my way to the bathroom to shower. I can’t climb into bed with this scum’s blood on me.
