Page 28 of Hold ‘Em Tight (Solidarity Academy #4)

This chapter has triggering content

W e watch as Rylee chases after Teo, leaving us in the dining hall. “Well, that could have gone better,” I mutter, then grab my Cherry’s pizza and finish it. Colton glares at me and I shrug. “Don’t give me that look. I eat when I’m stressed.”

He sighs and pushes the rest of the food toward me. Trevor is mumbling something under his breath, but I can’t hear it. He seems to have a lot on his mind too.

I lean over and rub his shoulder, giving him a smile. “Don't fret, buttercup. You're stuck with us crazy assholes. When Lennox returns, and I know he will, you won't be kicked out of the bed like the three little pigs.”

He snorts, rolls his eyes, then rubs his face with his hand. “Fuck, I love you, D-man. It was ten little monkeys, not pigs.”

“Eh, potato, tomato. It still stands. You’re family now, Trev.”

He gives me a smile and Colt laughs.

Trevor leans forward and yawns. “I'm fucking wiped, but before I take off, I think we should speak about Rylee talking to someone. Donny, I know you love your therapist, would she see Rylee?”

“Yeah, Cherry has been to a few of my appointments with me. I have one tomorrow night actually. I'll have Rylee come with me. Maybe Robin can get her to open up.”

Colt sighs. “I don't like doing this behind her back, but I'm starting to worry about her. She hasn't been sleeping well, or eating. Maybe talking to Robin will help.”

Trevor stands and gives us a fist bump. “I'll see you guys later.” He walks off and Colt looks at me, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you want dessert?”

“Umm, have you met me? Is that even a question, brother?” He laughs, then stands and walks over to the dessert bar, grabbing us some yummies.

My phone goes off, but I don't know the number, so I decline it. If it's important, they can leave me a message.

Colt returns with my favorite and sets it in front of me. “Did you take your pills?” I nod before digging in.

“So good,” I moan, and he rolls his eyes, eating his boring pie. He didn't even add vanilla ice cream to it.

My phone dings with a new voicemail, but it can wait until I get home. Unless it’s someone I know, it's not important.

I finish my cheesecake and groan, sitting back and rubbing my flat stomach. “I am so full,” I mutter, and Colt jumps up.

“Great, time to run home. We need to get back in shape now that we have a full team again. Don't forget we have practice tomorrow.”

“I swear you did this on purpose,” I complain, standing and bending over to stretch my back. I don't mind running, but not when I'm this full.

“Let's go, Don.”

“Aye, aye, Captain. But just know, this isn't going to be pretty,” I tell him, as I stand and salute him. His lips twitch and he shoves my shoulder.

“You're such a dork.”

That run was hell. I swear Colt was an evil dictator in another life. He’s like a machine, stopping every mile to do twenty squats and lunges. I am so sore, but he was right, I am out of shape.

I take Cobbler outside to potty, then grab a quick shower and a snack.

As I'm getting ready for bed, I remember the missed call I had earlier. It's late now, after midnight, so I won't be able to call them back.

Cobbler nudges my leg and I laugh. He has his blanket in his mouth. He's ready for bed. “I know, buddy. I just need to brush my teeth.”

I leave him and walk to the bathroom, quickly taking care of business. Colt is still awake in the living room, sitting in the chair, reading a book.

He looks my way as I pass him to grab a bottle of water from the kitchen. “Do you think Teo and Rylee are okay?” I ask him and he nods.

“Yeah, she messaged me. He's staying with her tonight. He didn't want me to think he went off the rails again and was back at the warehouse, trying to kill himself.”

“That's good.” I sigh. “Things are going to be okay, right? I mean, the fact that Len and Rylee fucked…”

He winces and takes his glasses off, rubbing his eyes. “I knew something was bothering her, but I never expected that. The fact she's been letting the guilt get to her upsets me. I know she was worried about how we would react, but Len's our family. Even if he isn't here.”

“I think we need to kidnap him from that witch, tie him up, and make him tell us what's going on. He can't marry her. If he does then it's all over.”

Colt stands, closing his book and putting his glasses back on.

“I do think blackmail is involved, but if he's standing by her and not telling us, then it must be for a reason. Lennox is an adult, Donny. We have too much shit going on in our lives as it is. I think this time we need to leave it alone and see what happens.”

He passes me and walks into his room, shutting the door behind him. I sigh and turn off the lights, check that the front door is locked, then go to my room and scoop Cobbler into my arms.

I cuddle him tight for a minute, then bring him to my bed and climb in. He yips and licks my face, making me smile.

Grabbing my phone from the bedside table, I open up my messages and listen to the new voicemail, wishing I hadn't.

“ Hi, this is Laura from California General Hospital. I'm hoping to reach Adonis Baros. This is in regards to your grandfather, Marshall Baros. If you could give me a call back, it would be appreciated. Thank you.”

My stomach flips, and I feel like I'm going to be sick. Why are they calling me? He has a team of lawyers handling his medical decisions and estate. I turn my phone off and cuddle Cobbler closer, wishing my Cherry was here instead.

I know the nightmares are going to be bad tonight. Opening my nightstand drawer, I grab a melatonin chewy. I don't like how they make me feel sluggish in the morning, but they do help.

Laying on my back, I stare up at the ceiling, trying not to think about him. Tomorrow will be a new day. I'm safe here. He can't hurt me.

“You look like shit,” Teo says while we walk to practice. I had a test today and didn't have enough sleep to get through it. I may need to ask for a retake.

I'm really starting to hate my business classes. I kinda want to switch majors. Spending time with Robin has me thinking I might like to be a therapist. Maybe one that helps abused children.

I chug my third coffee of the day and grunt.

“Didn’t sleep well. Do you think Colt will let me skip practice?” I ask, then laugh. Yeah, right.

“I doubt it. He’s excited to try some new routines.”

“Fuck yes, I am so happy Sabrina is on our team. I found some of her old competitions online, and she's talented. Plus, she's nice, and not a twat like the others.”

He laughs and smirks. “Rylee was ranting about something Ursula said, and it wouldn't surprise me if Colt moves her to the bottom of the pyramid. She's trying too hard to be the new Missi, and that's not going to happen,” he grumbles and I agree.

“Yeah, been there, done that, and we're not going back.”

We reach the gym and my phone rings. I dig into my bag, pulling it out. It's another number I don't know.

“Want me to wait?” Teo asks, and I shake my head.

“I better take this. Tell Colt I'm going to be a few minutes late, but to start anyways.”

He nods as I answer the call. “Hello.”

“Good afternoon, I am trying to reach Adonis Baros?”

“You got him.” My voice cracks and my hand begins to shake. Why is this happening now? I don't think I can handle anymore shit on my shoulders.

“My name is Timothy Bane. I am your grandfather, Marshall Baros’, attorney. The hospital has been trying to reach you with no luck. Your grandfather passed away early this morning.”

I gasp and my knees shake. I lean against the wall for support. I know I shouldn't care that he's gone. He was a monster. The leader of my nightmares, but he was the last living member of my father's family. Now, I'm completely alone. The last Baros.

“Son, are you there? I'm sorry to deliver such news over the phone, but unfortunately, we are on a tight deadline.”

“Why?”

“I'm sorry?”

“Why are you calling me? We didn't have a relationship. I appreciate the courtesy call, but it wasn't needed.”

“Can you meet me at my office? I just have a few things to go over with you, and then we can wrap up his estate.”

“I have cheer practice right now, but I can come after for a few minutes. I have plans later.”

We discuss his location and the time to meet, then end the call. I don't know why it even matters that I meet with him. My grandfather was a selfish, sadistic, cruel bastard. I cut him out of my life the day my grandmother passed away.

She wasn't perfect, but she tried to shield me and love me any way she could. I wasn't the only one abused and afraid.

The gym doors open and Rylee sticks her head out. “Hey, everything okay?” she asks, giving me her brilliant smile that makes my day brighter.

“Yeah,” I murmur, then follow her inside. Colt is losing his mind, trying to figure out our new formation.

This is what I need to focus on right now. I can't think about this shit. My head and my heart are competing against logic and sadness.

I remind myself that he was the devil, and did things to me that have left me forever changed.

I can break down later.

“Adonis, thank you for meeting with me on such short notice,” Timothy Bane, my grandfather's attorney says, walking over to shake my hand. “Have a seat.”

“I’m good. You said it was important over the phone. I don't have long.” I don't mean to be a dick, but I’d really rather eat dairy without my lactose pills and be on the toilet all night, than be here in this office, going over my monster's last wishes.

“Of course, I'll get to it then. I met with Marshall Baros many times over the course of the last few months. He confided things that I am sure you don't want rehashed. He was of sane mind when he wrote his will. He was very clear that you were to have everything. No stipulations.”

My mouth pops open and I don't know what to say. I shake my head and laugh. It's dark, menacing, with no joy whatsoever. Timothy flinches.