Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“But she chose you,” I remind him.
He opens his eyes to look at me, his expression unreadable. “Just as I chose her.”
Silence again. I watch him. What thoughts are swirling through his head?
“I didn’t choose this life,” he finally says. “I fell into it because of circumstances beyond my control.”
I raise an eyebrow at him, not entirely convinced. “Bullshit. I only exist because you raped your own daughter before her wedding. To assure the continuation of your line. You’ve made millions off drugs, and now you’re set to move toward human trafficking in alliance with the McAllister family.”
“That deal probably won’t happen since you welched on marrying Belinda,” he says.
“Do you think I care? It won’t matter because I have a plan, Mario. A plan that lets you and Serena live out your golden years in peace…while I bring this fucking madness to an end.”
His eyes bore into mine, the flicker of desperation replaced with a hardened resolve. He leans forward and rests his hands on the desk. “And what if it costs you everything? What if it costs you Raven?”
I swallow hard at the mention of her name, my heart pounding. “I’m aware of the risks.” I manage to keep my voice steady and my tone firm. “But I won’t let anyone else suffer. Not like Serena had to.”
Mario is silent for a moment. Then he slowly nods, perhaps seeing something in my determination that he respects or understands.
“You’re more like me than you realize,” he finally says.
I’m not sure whether it’s a compliment or an insult.
“There’s one difference between us.” I lean back in my chair and cross my arms. “I won’t allow my love for Raven to be her downfall.”
Mario nods. “Then it’s time you learned the truth about her father.”
“I’m way ahead of you,” I tell him. “I know Bellamy isn’t the saint he’s cracked up to be. But he won’t harm his children. Especially not Raven.”
“You are aware, aren’t you, that he was instrumental in his son serving time?”
“I’ve come to that conclusion, yes. I just don’t know why.”
“It’s a long story. One only he can tell you in its entirety.”
“I’ve been pushing.”
“Push harder.”
“I will,” I respond firmly. But my thoughts are whirling. How deep does Bellamy’s treachery go? And why does it involve his own flesh and blood?
“I have much to make amends for,” Mario says, dragging me back. “Starting with you.”
“You can’t undo the past,” I say, my voice colder than I intend it to be.
“No, but I can attempt to rectify some of its consequences.” He meets my gaze squarely. “I understand if you hate me for what I’ve done.”
“Hate is a strong word, Mario,” I reply evenly, swallowing back my emotions. “It’s also a wasteful one. I’d rather spend my energy ensuring that the cycle ends with me.”
35
RAVEN
After dinner, I find myself thinking about ways to sneak out of my parents’ home. Get a car. Drive to Austin to see Vinnie.
But he’s told me to stay away.
Besides, he’s married now.
I don’t for a moment believe he loves Daniela. In fact, I believe him when he says they haven’t consummated the marriage.
My thoughts go to Belinda, the lovely little girl who Vinnie is supposed to marry when she turns eighteen. The little girl who is pleading for help.
I wish I could do something for her.
But here I am, trapped.
Though I beat cancer, and I’m no longer trapped in the hospital, I am no less trapped.
Jared, of course, is hovering.
My mother’s out on the deck having a glass of wine. Robin has left to go to her own home.
I decide to go outside and sit with my mother.
Jared follows me, of course.
I turn to him. “I’d really like to talk to my mother alone.”
He nods. “I’ll go out of earshot.” He walks off the deck, toward the pool house, where he takes a seat on one of the Adirondack chairs near the entrance to the pool.
And he watches.
“He’s driving me slowly into madness,” I say to my mother.
Mom reaches over to my shoulder and squeezes it. “That doesn’t matter, Raven. What matters is that you’re safe. And Falcon, Leif, and your father believe you need Jared.”
“Yes, I know.”
She takes a sip of her wine. “I’ve seen one of my children go to prison. Another nearly lose her battle to cancer. And now this.” She shakily takes another sip. “I don’t know how much more I can take.”
I sigh. Then I stand, walk over to the outdoor bar, and pour myself a glass of the red wine my mother’s drinking. Yes, I’m still on medication.
And I don’t fucking care.
I take a sip.
And it’s delicious.
It’s nothing fancy, just a Côtes du Rhône from France, but it’s been so long since I let myself have a drink of wine. I return and sit next to my mother.