Chapter 38
ATHENA
Today should’ve been a celebration.
My father is finally coming home, carrying the kind of news that should lift the weight off all our shoulders - Uncle Angelo is awake.
I should be celebrating with my family, but how can I when I know what I did? When I know I made a deal with the man who did this to my uncle.
Dominic Stone is waiting for me tonight, and I have to be there.
I knock softly on my parents’ bedroom door, phone in hand, rereading the message that both haunts and excites me.
“I meant every word last night. You’re mine now. See you tonight, future wife.”
My mother opens the door before I can fall deeper into my dangerous thoughts. She’s in her bathrobe, eyes heavy with exhaustion, but softening the second she sees me. Thank God, no one knows about my midnight escape last night.
Now the hard part begins. I need to be honest with her. I need her to promise not to tell my brother or father about Dominic. I have to handle this alone.
But when I step inside, Ace is already there, standing like a ghost, his eyes empty, the same look my father wears when anger burns too hot.
“Close the door behind you, Athena.”
I obey, closing the door softly, heart pounding. My mother’s shoulders sag as if she already knows what’s coming. She slips out, leaving us alone, and Ace steps closer, his voice sharp enough to cut
“I want to hear it from you. Is it true?”
My throat closes because I know what he is talking about, but I’m too ashamed to admit it. I can barely force the word out.
“Yes.”
His face twists with fury instantly.
“You made fools of us while we were out there trying to protect you? You had information about the man who did all of this, and you kept it from us?”
I feel his venom pour over me. Ace grabs my wrist, his grip crushing, spinning me away from the door. I gasp, trying to pull free.
“It hurts, Ace,” I grunt.
He laughs, but it’s cold, hollow. “What you did hurts worse. You betrayed the people who would die for you.”
I rip free, clutching my aching wrist. He points at me, his hand trembling with rage.
“What did that bastard threaten you with? What did Dominic Stone do to make you sell us out?”
“I’m sorry, Ace.” I finally said after a few minutes of silence. What can I say? How can I say the truth? He stares, eyes searching my face, then lets out a bitter, haunted laugh mixed with tears.
“You’re not sorry,” he says, voice thick with pain. “Not really.”
“Please… don’t tell Dad. Let me fix this.”
He shakes his head like I’m insane. “You want me to keep quiet? That bastard threatens our family, and you want silence?”
“We’re safe. I promise.” I stepped closer, but he shoved me back, like my touch burned him.
“Safe?” His laugh is poison. “What did you do to buy that ‘safety’, huh? Spread your legs for him?”
The words hit harder, mostly because they are the truth. Even though my brother is cruel, he is right. I did that.
“Give me your phone,” he demands.
“No.” I shake my head.
His hand is faster. He rips it from me and shoves me down on the bed like I’m nothing but a burden. My scream dies in my throat.
“I’m doing this for your own good, Athena.”
And then he’s gone, locking the door after him. I pound my fists against the wood, cry, scream until my throat burns, but no one comes.