Page 101

“Yes, you did!” I scream, my voice hoarse. “I told you when I was thirteen, he walked in on me naked. I told you for months he would watch me, and not like a bodyguard. I told you!” I scream, slamming my hands against the desk. “I told you He—Henry walked in the bathroom almost every single time. I told you he even stole my panties and bra! But you only told me I—I was seeing things, you s—said he was your best guard, and you trusted him with my life!” I scream so hard my voice cracks over and over again. Tears fill my eyes, waiting to let loose.

“I didn’t think… I thought you were lying…” Dad’s voice falls as the words I’m finally telling him sink in.

“You sold me after yourbestguard raped me and beat me, yousold meto someone who is known for raping girls. You were going to throw me out as if I were trash. Does Mom know? Does Tobias?” The tears fall, it was useless to even try and hold them back.

“I was buying time; I was never going to let Antonio have you. You—you’re my daughter, Blake.”

“I haven’t been your daughter in a long time,” I hiss. “Now, I’m tired of talking. I’m tired. We’re leaving tomorrow. I’m done with this fucking family. I’m done.” I shake my head, swiping my tears from my cheeks.

Refusing to glance back, I head back up to my room, feeling the guys behind me the entire time. I don’t have to ask; they slide in bed with me, Ryker behind me and Jace in front of me again, holding me as I cry into Jace’s back. Crying for the little girl who was never heard, for the teenager that had her innocenceripped away, and for the adult who’s finally standing her ground. Only now, I have two protectors that won’t let anything happen to me.

I wake up on my back with Jace and Ryker’s arms around my waist holding me close to them. I smile down at both, Jace snoring against my neck while Ryker’s masked cheek lays on my shoulder.

Looking around the room, my eyes fall on the holes that cover the walls. Remembering the anger, what I felt after being taken, the anger I felt towards myself for not being strong enough.

I never thought I would come back to this room no longer feeling upset. Feeling at peace lying in the room that held so much anger, so much hate.

Closing my eyes, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I never thought I would see the day when I felt safe again, where I wanted to talk and to be free. Jace and Ryker will never understand what they gave me. Protecting me might have been a job at first, but they saved me in more ways than one.

My stomach growls, reminding me I’ve barely eaten since the hospital. Untangling myself from the guys, I make my way into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

Glancing in the mirror, for the first time, I don’t cringe away from my reflection. Instead, I throw my hair up into a ponytail and pull off the sweatshirt, leaving me in my leggings and t-shirt. I swallow the lump in my throat.Just breathe. You’re okay.It doesn’t matter who sees my scars anymore. Jace andRyker have seen me, and they think I’m beautiful even if I’m scared and fucked in the head sometimes. They love me.

Taking a deep breath, I do my business before leaving the bathroom. With the guys still fast asleep, I tiptoe across the room, sliding out the door and carefully closing it behind me. No one stands in the hallway, which surprises me since Dad usually has at least one or more guards standing at the end of the hall and at the top of the stairs.

Slowly making my way down the stairs, I almost stumble when I find some of the guards standing at the bottom. I know who they are, but I haven’t walked around the house freely without Gabriel or Tobias by my side.

Holding my breath, I bypass the guards, ignoring their eyes as I head into the kitchen. Glad to find it empty, I pull out a mug and make myself a cup of coffee.

“Hey,” Gabriel’s voice sounds from behind me.

Swinging around,hey,I sign. It takes two seconds before Gabriel and I move, wrapping our arms around each other.

“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he says, sadness coating his voice.

I nod against his chest. I didn’t realize how much I missed him. Ever since I left, it’s been nonstop go, go, go. But standing here, hugging my best friend, the only one who’s taken the time to learn ASL so he could communicate with me, tears spring to my eyes.

“Oh no, why are you crying?” Gabriel asks, cupping my cheeks. “What happened? Did that Viking hurt you?” He fires question after question. Shaking my head, I hiccup as the tears fall down my cheek.

“Okay, okay, that’s great, he didn’t hurt you. Good, then I guess I don’t have to kick his ass. But that doesn’t explain why you’re crying.” Gabriel frowns, eyes searching mine.

Swallowing hard, I smile. “I just missed you.”

Gabriel frowns, eyes widening before a smile slowly spreads across his lips.

“It’s good to hear you again,” he mutters, pulling me back against his chest. Letting out a sigh, I relax into Gabriel. “Alright, enough of this mushiness, let’s talk about those two hunks you brought back with you.”

Gabriel lets me go. Heading towards the fridge, he pulls out a can of cinnamon rolls. Smiling, I grab my coffee before sitting down at the island.

“I’ve met Jace before, but who’s the other one?” Gabriel asks, pulling out a baking pan.

“Ryker,” I whisper.

“Hmm, Ryker. I love it. And the whole mask thing, it’s very hot.”

That’s one word to explain it,I sign. Gabriel doesn’t miss a beat, watching my hands as he places each roll on the pan.

“Please tell me it’s both of them.” He chuckles, wiggling his eyebrows.