Chapter 23 #3
“They are twice as big. Not all progress has been bad. Maybe I need to take you into town, give you a proper look around so you can see what we have achieved,” I suggest, dangling the carrot I so desperately need her to take.
“No, thanks.” She sighs dramatically. I know she hates the development and blames us for destroying her town, but this is life. Progress will happen if you’re a part of it or not, so why not get rich in the process.
“Nothing stays the same forever, Dove.”
She rolls her eyes. “Don’t I know it.”
“You remember when Antonio opened up the patisserie?”
Her eyes twinkle with menace, and I know she’s right back there with me.
“He gave us treats at four o’clock in the morning.
” She laughs, remembering the night we all had a little too much to drink and ended up tapping on his door, the smell of pastry and fresh bread such a temptation. “He was good to you, wasn’t he.”
“Sure was. Fed us on the daily.” My hand brushes her thigh. Sitting this close, it’s impossible not to touch her, and to my surprise, she doesn’t shy away from me.
She glances up, licking the chocolate from her plump lips.
There is so much pain in the depths of her soul, but deep down, I’m sure she wants what we all do.
To see the people we care about living their best lives possible.
She thinks Throne Enterprises is rotten to the core, and yeah, it’s got some dodgier sides to it, but we have done some good as well.
People who looked after us when we were dirt poor, they got their good karma.
“So, what, you expect me to believe you lot helped him or something?”
I smirk. “As soon as we had the money, we helped him expand. He’s now supplying bread to all the local restaurants and eateries and employs thirty staff. It’s pretty awesome, don’t you think?”
She rolls her lip, her teeth sinking into it. “I know what you’re trying to do, Riv, but it’s not going to work.”
I grin back at her. God, she’s stubborn. “What am I trying to do, Dove?”
“Make me hate you guys less.” She sighs.
I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “Nah, I don’t care if you hate us. But I got you eating and talking, so I’ll take that as a win for this morning.”
Her forehead creases, and she scowls. It makes her look cute as hell and not scary bitch from hell, if that was even what she was going for.
“Babe, I know Bodhi and K have a strange way of showing it, but you know the four of us go way back. They can’t stand seeing how badly you’re hurting. It’s killing them. Killing all of us. You’re one of us. We only want the best for you.”
She sits up straighter, her shoulders squaring off.
“I’m not one of you. You all got to stay here and live your lives.
I…” She shrugs. “Had to leave in the middle of the night. I didn’t get to say goodbye to anyone I cared about, didn’t get to take any of my things.
One minute it was a normal Wednesday night, the next my life was over. ”
My hand moves up her leg, and finding her fingers, I lace them with mine. “Why did you guys run?”
She shakes her head, and I think that’s the end of our chat, but then her eyes lock back with mine.
“Dad was scared. He said we had to.” A lone tear strolls down her cheek.
I swipe it away and cup her face, wishing I could take away her pain.
But even I know it’s too late for that, there are some events you never get over.
“Do you know what happened to your mum?”
“I thought I might find answers in that safe.” A jolt of fear flickers through her eyes.
“Someone was after her, Riv. I always thought Keller had something to do with her death; I remember him there that night, but now I’m not so sure.
You saw the photos, right? There was something more going on between them, something I don’t quite understand.
But if he wasn’t the one, what does that mean for me? ”
I pull her into my chest and kiss the top of her head. “If you’re really hell bent on getting answers, I’ll help you find out what happened to your mum. Just don’t hate me if you don’t like what we find.”
She inhales deeply, and I know she’s trying not to fall apart completely. “It’s a cold case, the cops gave up years ago. Why do you think we will be able to work out what happened to her now?”
“We have resources the cops don’t. But baby, you have to stop pushing us away and let us help you. I know you have been alone for a while, so this whole badass independent chick thing was your go-to, but you’re not alone now. We got your back.”
Her sigh is heavy and breaks my heart all over again. “I wish I could believe you, Riv, but it’s not that simple.”
I hold her face in my hands, staring deep into her soul. “Nope, it is.”
She offers a half smile. “If you say so.” She stands, brushing past me, and moves into her closet then comes back out wearing a pair of denim cutoffs and a tank top. “Are we locked up inside by King Kasen or can you give me that tour?”
I stand and do a fancy bow for her. “Deadwater Bay tour guide at your service, baby.”