“I was hoping I’d find a clue of where my dad was when I came here,” I say with a weakness that even I find sickening.
“Your dad is never coming back.” His words are true, but it doesn’t make it any easier to hear. If I didn’t find anything here, I never will. I shiver as if someone just closed a casket on the little hope I had inside of me. I never wanted to believe it but hearing him say it makes it feel real.“Yeah, I’m starting to think that too,” I sadly mumble. Not in the mood to argue with him, I follow him out to his car and he opens the door. I slip into the seat and lean it back. If my dad was here he’d end Emilio, he’d keep me safe. I just… I don’t understand where he went and my emotions used to be sadness, but now I’m just mad. He’s a pussy for running. Rolling my head to the other side of the headrest, I sigh. I just want to be home already. Kieran gets behind the wheel and starts the vehicle, then slips me my cell phone.
Taking it, I swipe it to life and find a couple of missed messages from Dominic.
You still okay?
Do you need me to stop by?
Your mom is worried.
Kieran puts the car in reverse just as I hit the reply button.
I’m heading home today, see you soon.
I lean my head back and look out the window. I came here to escape marrying Kieran only to find out that I have feelings for him. But I still don’t want to marry him. We have so much to learn about each other. Lines of trust to be more precise. It’s something that means a lot to me and knowing how he was raised I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing.
“Do we still have to get married?” I ask, keeping my eyes glued to the window, the heartbeat in my neck kicking up a notch at how he’ll reply.
“No. But I meant it when I said you’re mine,” he replies. I remember very well when he said if I gave myself to him there was no going back. I’m okay with that. I don’t want to leave Kieran, despite what my mother may think. The last few days have been a couple of the best days of my life, and I want more of those moments with Kieran. The feel of his hand overlapping mine makes me feel safe. I swoon inside and am thankful that he’s not going to rush into anything. But what I’m most scared of is when we get back home and he’s around his family, and I’m around mine… will things change?
The car keeps stopping and going waking me up, when I open my eyes I see tall buildings and lots of people walking the streets. We’re back home.
“Take me to my place, I want to check in on my mother,” I tell him, and his head snaps in my direction.
“No, it’s not safe.”
My brows furrow. “I need to see her, she was a wreck when I left. Besides, where do you plan on keeping me, your place? It’s not much safer I’m sure?” I sass back, thus gaining me a very angry look from Kieran.
“Tell Dominic to meet you there. I don’t want you there by yourself.” He juts his chin at the phone in my lap. Picking it up, I shoot him a text to meet me at the mansion.
“I need to pay my father a visit anyhow and I don’t see that going very well, so I can’t take you with me either.” He informs, moving in between the cars parked on the street as if the law doesn’t apply to him.
Fear resonates somewhere unfamiliar inside my chest. Him seeing his father is a recipe for suicide. He’ll be waiting for him, he’ll have him killed.
“I don’t think you should go to him.” I shake my head, my heart drumming so fast in my chest that I feel sick.
“He broke a code Leona, he’s not supposed to kill one of his own. I’m a Made Man, and I’ve earned that fucking title. He’s going to hear from me.” His words cut through the air like a majestic sword. He’s pissed and I’m scared. Just when I thought I’d get more time to get to know this dark creature it’s occurred to me that he might be taken from me tonight. My chest suddenly feels heavy. Who knew I’d grow to long for someone I considered an enemy. He’s touched something deep inside of me and the thought without him next to me makes me feel alone and cold.
The car pulls up to my house, and he gets out to open the door for me. I lead the way to the front door. Opening it a large man stands guard wearing a suit that looks too small for him it’s so tight. Looking past him I find my mother is coming down the stairs, her eyes widen, mouth parting in surprise and she hurries down. The white dress she’s wearing trailing behind her.