Page 45 of Vicious Titan

“You’re lying.”

My father’s hand covers his mouth as he sobs, “They’ve turned you against me too. I thought out of everyone, you’d be the one who knows I don’t deserve this.”

Tears involuntarily stream down my cheeks. “No, they protected me.” Even if it was by keeping me in the dark, they’ve shielded me from the monster on the other side of the plexiglass. That might not have been the best thing, because I can’t fully comprehend how he’s the hideous monster that I know deep down inside he is. “And there’s one more reason I know you are full of shit. You would never let Nathan back into our house if you’d caught him with Mom. It wouldn’t matter how much time passed; you would never forgive someone who double-crossed you.”

His sobs immediately cease, an emotionless expression covering his face. The change is so abrupt and complete it sends a fear like no other through my body. “And you’d be wise to remember that,” he intones through the handset.

Intentionally, he returns the receiver to the wall, keeping his murderous glare on me as I slam the handset into its cradle on the wall. This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come here. But I know now. He is everything they say he is.

I hurry to the door, yanking on the handle to pull it open but it’s too heavy, something prevents it from opening. Banging on the door, I scream for the guard and make the mistake of looking back. Now I know why they say never look back. My dad is standing in the window, a wicked, gleaming smile on his face as he watches me through hooded eyes. My scream grows frantic as the door swings open. I stumble forward, crashing into the sturdy chest of the nice guard as his firm hands steady me.

“What happened? What’s going on?” He looks around me into the room as I try to catch my breath. Looking back, I see the window where my dad stood is now empty.

“The door wouldn’t open. Why was it locked?”

“It wasn’t. It gets heavy to push open, but it wasn’t locked, and I was standing here the entire time.” He glances behind me again before turning a concerned look back to me. “Do you want some water? Need me to call someone for you?”

“No. I just want to leave. I need to go home.” Get out of this place and stay far away.

The guard escorts me back to the door I’d entered through, asking me once more if I’d like a cup of water. He’s thoughtful, but I decline because one more second spent in the building would be too much. I run through the lobby, thankful when the doors open up and I’m outside. But even with the fresh air, I can’t catch my breath. Why had it taken me all this time to see him for what he is?

I ask myself that question the entire way back home. Luckily, I make it back into my room without seeing anyone because I’m still full-on sobbing, completely unable to stop. I don’t feel sorry for my dad, but I am sad for Asher, and even for my mom. But I can’t tell them that because I don’t want them to know I visited my dad.

Crawling into the bed, I pull the comforter over me. Lying there, I’m finally able to settle my mind by telling myself I never have to see my father again. I will not attend the trial. Even if, by some chance, he doesn’t serve the entirety of the years he’s expected to be sentenced to, I’ll be long gone out of this house. And I hope for my mom’s sake she’ll be gone too.

Hours pass by as I drift in and out of sleep until the bed shifts behind me. A familiar and comforting scent floats through the air as Elliot nuzzles his nose in my hair. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

“Mm-hmm.” I should freshen up, but honestly, I don’t even want to go now. I’m mentally and emotionally drained. “Can we just hang out here?”

“Um. I guess, but I have an entire afternoon planned for us. I even set up a private tour at the art museum. Hopefully, I can stay awake.” He laughs, making me feel guilty as I remain silent. “Hey, I was just teasing. I’m super excited about the tour because I love the way your face lights up when you talk about anything art related.”

“It’s okay. I just need a minute to touch up my makeup.” More like I need to scrub it all off because I’m sure I’m a mess. I guess I’m right because Elliot looks at me strangely.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’ll be right back.” I slide off the bed, heading to the bathroom.

His hand catches mine, pulling me back to him as he says, “Something’s wrong.”

My bedroom door swings open, slamming into the wall, as Asher storms into the room. My mother is on his heels, pleading with him to calm down—the same way she always did with my father.

“What did you say to him?” Asher shouts.

Elliot’s arm loops around my waist, pulling me back as he pivots in front of me, blocking Asher’s attempt to reach me. “Back the fuck off. Now.”

“Ask her. Ask her where she was today.”

Elliot doesn’t take his eyes off Asher but I feel his arm tense beneath my fingers as I hold onto him. “I don’t care where she was. You will not lay one finger on her. I won’t fight you but I sure as fuck will defend her.”

“Well, she’s gonna need it when Victor is released because of her stupid ass.”

“I didn’t tell him anything. I just wanted to know why he did it.”

“Because he’s a sick, sadistic lunatic who thrives on making everyone miserable, except his little princess,” Asher mocks.

Elliot shifts forward but I hold onto him.

“You’re right. I didn’t know because you hid it from me.” I step in front of Elliot, knowing everyone is fuming and the only person who should feel the wrath isn’t in the room. “I wish I would’ve known. I wish it hadn’t taken me this long to see him for his true self.”