I catch my brother’s gaze, and I know we’re thinking the same thing.
I also know that Killian has understood the entire situation long before I did. It’s why he’s been so protective and so insistent that we protect Emma and Gigi at all costs.
Our father was an abusive fuck, and you don’t forget that.
I probably would have seen this whole fucking thing sooner if I hadn’t been so focused on competing with my brothers, of being the man who turned New York into a success.
I’ve been so stupid, focusing on all the wrong things. “It’s all right, love. You can tell us.”
She shakes her head, her watery eyes so full of pain, I fucking ache. “I’m too ashamed.”
I drop my knees onto the floor, and pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. She wraps herself around me, the rapid thrumming of her heart beating against mine.
Killian moves a little closer. “He hit you a lot?”
She nods into my shoulder. My eyes slide closed. “Emma?”
“No. Not before that night…” She draws in a deep breath, her body shuddering.
“Tell us what happened,” Killian softly murmurs. “And remember my promise, Gigi.”
What did my brother promise her? Whatever it was, I hear her shuddering inhale before she finally speaks.
“She was playing in the living room. I had just gone to the kitchen to get her some milk. Vigo was on a call for work…”
She pauses and I hear her swallow. “I heard him start to yell at whoever he was speaking with. His tempers always turned so quick. One minute he’s fine and then…”
“What happened?” I ask, my heartbeat hammering in my chest.
“He kicked one her toys, I think. He was angry. But then she started to cry and he—” She stops again, her fingers curling into my skin, biting through my coat as a jagged moan leaves her lips.
But she can’t stop now. I need to know. I need to know everything so I can make sure he pays.
“What did he do?”
“It was his belt…” she whispers, her voice clogging. “The way she screamed…” And then she breaks down in my arms.
I hold her tighter than I’ve ever held anyone before.
“Gigi,” I murmur into her hair, “I promise you, that he will never get anywhere near either you or Emma again. Never.” I press my cheek to the top of her hair. “Tell me you understand and that you believe me.”
She leans back then, her wide eyes meeting mine. They’re puffy from the crying and red-rimmed. But they are clear enough when she nods. “I understand.”
I stand, pulling her with me.
Gris’s phone rings. He picks it up, listening silently before he hangs up again. “We’re needed in the lobby.”
I look at Killian. By his grim expression, we both know what waits for us downstairs. This is all about to break. “Activate elevator C. Down only.”
Then I start walking Gigi back to her apartment. “Stay with Emma. Lock the door. Take a shower. Put on something comfortable. I’ll be back soon.”
“Do you hate me?” She holds onto me like she’ll drown if she lets go.
How can she think that? “Never.”
“Not for the lies?” Her eyes plead with me.
“No.” I cup her jaw, stroking my hand over her cheek.
