Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lee
My Papa coming over and talking to me meant more than he could ever know.
He had dinner with us and we caught him up on everything we’ve been doing.
Which admittedly isn’t much, but he still listened intently as Mac told him about the car he found and has been working on.
He’s so animated when he talks about it, he seems to really enjoy taking seemingly broken things and putting them back together again.
Ironic, all things considered. Papa left last night with the promise of a breakfast date in a couple of days when it’s Sunday.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts as Tory hooks up my fistula.
I woke up today extremely tired, and my hands feel tight.
It’s probably nothing, though, so I didn’t say anything to Mac when he left to go meet up with Davis.
He promised to be back in an hour or two and told me he loves me before leaving.
I’m in the upstairs den lounging on the couch with my laptop open.
I hear the machine start up as I’m typing away on the computer.
Mac’s let himself get a little lazy the past couple of weeks, so I’ve started going behind his projects and hacking him just because I can.
Well, that and he punishes me so deliciously for it.
The other night after he caught me unraveling his hard work, he edged me for hours until I was a begging mess.
I never thought I’d be into things like that, but with him I’m into anything he throws my way.
It hasn’t been long when the nausea hits.
Just as soon as I grab the trash can beside me, I’m losing my breakfast. Hearing the door open downstairs, I sag in relief knowing it’s Mac.
Only it isn’t Mac who comes into view. It’s Theo Rossi.
My breath catches and panic laces my veins.
He looks so different than he did back when he was my dad.
His hair is silver, his eyes look haunted and frankly bloodshot.
He looks like he’s aged fifteen years since I saw him at the wedding just five or so months ago.
Grabbing my phone discreetly, I swipe the first name on my call list and set it face down.
“Theo, what are you doing here?” I ask with the trash can still under my chin.
“Principessa.” He says on an exhale. “I’m so sorry. I told them I’d leave you with them as long as they take care of you, but I can see now that was a mistake.”
Tory is in my office, and I just hope she’s called Mac.
“They took care of me just fine, Theo. I’m twenty-three years old. I don’t need taking care of anymore.”
“I beg to differ. This life doesn’t just stop when you’re an adult. You’re constantly in danger. Where are your guards?” He throws his arms out wide and turns in a circle. “You have to come with me, Riley. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of and have men watching around the clock.”
Yeah, fuck this. “Because that worked so well last time?”
“My men fought to keep you safe!” He defends my two biggest monsters.
“Your men sold me from right under your nose!” I use my last bit of strength to yell the words at him.
Just as soon as the words are out, Rowan and Declan hit the top step, fighting to get to me first. Rowan called me earlier to check in on me since Mac was gone, and I’m assuming Dec was just with him. I don’t think Theo even heard them. His eyes are wide, and his jaw drops.
“What?” He asks in a half whisper.
“You heard me. Your men sold me, and one of them was my most heinous repeat abuser. So I don’t want to hear shit about my Papa. Especially from you.” I spit ‘you’ out like it’s just as vile as it tastes in my mouth.
“My men would never! Matteo and Leo are my most trusted guards.” He roars like that’s going to change the facts.
“Watch it, Theo. Don’t fucking talk to my sister like that.” Rowan practically growls as he slowly takes steps to put himself in front of me.
“She’s my daughter, Byrne.” He spits out.
“She actually isn’t. You need to get out of here, Rossi. I won’t ask again. And if you’re still here when my brother gets home, he won’t be as nice about it.”
“Fuck him. I’m taking Riley with me.” He takes a step towards me, and I’m pissed I can’t do anything but sit here with my arm hooked to a freaking machine.
“Riley is dead, Theo. Do you understand that? She died in captivity because your ‘most trusted men’ kidnapped, raped, tortured, and did things to her that would send your worst nightmares running for the hills. My name is Lelonie Fischer, and I’m so sorry to tell you this, but your daughter is dead.
” I don’t mince words. He’s clearly unhinged and unpredictable.
I don’t hear Mac and Davis come in, nevertheless climbing the stairs, but Mac hits the top step and launches himself at my biological father.
They crash to the floor in a mess of limbs, and once Mac has Theo on his back and his hands secured, he sneers, “Get him the fuck out of here, and away from her.”
Rowan and Declan each grab an arm, and when Mac gets up, they scoop him up off the floor and take him out of our house. Mac’s kneeling by my side in the next second. His hand comes to my forehead, and it isn’t until he makes contact that I realize I’m sweating profusely.
“You okay, Beautiful? Did he touch you?” He’s trying hard to restrain his fury. I’m shaking my head before he even finishes. His chest heaves, trying to calm himself.
“Hey, Lee. You look pale, sweetheart. You feeling okay?” Davis asks as he squats down beside Mac.
I really don’t feel well at all. My arms are starting to hurt, and my hands are numb. Mac says something, but he sounds so far away. I hear someone call my name just before everything goes black.