Page 104 of Blood and Thorns

“Keep your fucking voice down,” he snarled, dipping his head closer. “Stop acting like a saint. You’ll do what you need for us. All you have to do is gain his trust before you can strike. I’ve set up–”

“No, stop it.”

“You’ll do this for me,” he said, voice cracking in desperation. “And then we’ll have no debt. The money we’ve been offered for his head is life changing, Ara. We’ll finally be free.”

I tried to place the drink down, but Dad gripped my wrist. “For how long, Dad? You might be free, until the next time you lose big. My entire life has always been fixing your addiction; even before Mum died you’d borrow money from bad people, and then leave it for us to suffer the consequences.”

I’d witnessed him be beaten up for not paying on timesince I was little, and when he wasn’t home, the men that came to our house took it out on my mum instead.

Years I’d had to hide, clamping my hands over my ears to dampen the screams. Every time he’d come home with gifts, begging for forgiveness. Saying he’d never do it again, only for him to go out the next day.

This was your fault, Bella.

My mum’s voice in my memory was always harsh, cutting as if she’d swallowed broken glass.

He’s like this because of you.

Why did you have to be born?

“You spoilt bitch. Everything I’ve ever done is for you. Every tournament, every fucking game was so you had food on the table, clothes on your back and a goddamn roof over your head.” His fingers tightened, nails digging in. “You owe me.”

“No.” My voice croaked, and I tried tugging my wrist free. “I don’t. Not anymore. Not since I gave over my life to save yours.”

His expression turned vicious. “You think you’re worth anything more than a whore who spreads her legs?”

I flinched, tears burning until I rapidly blinked them away.

“You’re exactly like your mother. So fucking weak, and when I get–”

“I wouldn’t finish that sentence,” Caden cut in coldly, stepping in from behind.

Before my father could react, Caden grabbed him by the collar, yanking him back. The sudden movement jerked me forward with them until my father finally let go of my wrist, only for the rest of my drink to tip down my front.

You’re only good as payment.

My chest heaved, soaked and shaking, but not from the cold.

Dad stumbled backward and would’ve gone straight to the floor if Caden hadn’t caught him. “Get off me!” he snarled, trying to wrench himself free.

“Yeah, I don’t think I will.” Caden snapped Dad’s finger, his wail a high-pitched screech. “Bit stupid to touch Beast’s property, Morris.”

“Dad, just go.” My voice came out cold, detached. I set the empty glass down, my hand shaking. “Please.”

“I’ll handle this,” Caden said to me, his eyes dipping to where the alcohol had darkened the gold of my dress. “You go clean up before Sebastian gets back.”

I nodded, feeling numb. “Please don’t hurt him.”

Caden grinned. “Don’t worry, we’re just going to have a friendly chat.” He turned to Dad. “Isn’t that right, mate?”

Chapter 46

Arabella

The music quietened when the bathroom’s door swung closed behind me. I ignored the empty three stalls, choosing the mirror furthest away above the sink. Picking up one of the towels I dabbed at my dress, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

Throwing the towel to the side, I swayed a little. I didn’t give a shit about the fucking dress. “Shit.” Closing my eyes, I breathed through the sudden dizziness. It had been so many weeks, and Dad didn’t seem to care about anything other than money.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but still it hurt.