Page 128 of Running Winter

"You left me with Leigh, and he did a fine job of looking after me."

"I bet he did," Dad muttered, not taking his eyes from Leigh.

"And you're right. Something did happen between us."

Mom closed her eyes before moving in front of my father.

"Lucas, do not react. Please, let them speak," Mom pleaded as my father hummed in response.

"I'm in love with your daughter, Lucas. I've tried not to be, but she’s incredible. I love her. I know you're going to kill me, but I want you to know."

Dad's eyes seemed to darken, and he gritted his teeth as he moved his gaze to me.

"Seven. Teen."

"Eighteen next month," I said, summoning my bravery. "I can't help how I feel about Leigh—"

"You are seventeen. What the fuck do you know about love?" My father bellowed as I blinked back tears.

"I know that I can't be without him. I know if you kill him, I'll never speak to you again. Mark my words, Dad, never. You would be killing me too."

Mom gulped before turning to Dad, turning his chin towards her.

"Don’t make this decision for her, Lucas. Don't make her hate you."

"Get out of my house, Leigh," Dad barked, and Leigh bowed his head. "Get out of Winterburg, or I will fucking kill you. You have twelve hours."

Tears streamed down my face as I grabbed Leigh’s hand.

"I'm coming with you," I whispered.

"Lucas!" Mom pleaded as Dad stared at her.

"Are you fucking insane? This isn't some fucking fairytale. Some ex-druggie has been fucking our daughter when his job was to protect her. Don't cross me, Alice."

"Raven, it's for the best. Come on, I'd never be good enough for you," Leigh said, stroking the side of my face softly. "But if you ever need me—"

"I do need you! I need you now!" I yelled, turning to glare at my father with rage. "If you cast him out, do the same to me."

Mom sobbed, holding onto my father's hand desperately.

"Are you really that fucking stupid? Manny, Carlos. Take my daughter to her room, and make sure she cannot get out," Dad commanded before I ran for the door. "Leigh, I'm counting. One, two, three—"

Manny and Carlos apologized as they held me, and I fought them with every ounce of strength I had.

"Leigh!" I screamed out as Dad reached for his gun. "Leigh, go!" I sobbed.

I hated my father with every fiber of my being, and he stared at Leigh with a disgusted expression.

"I asked you to look after my daughter in my absence, and what do you do in return? You fuck her like she is a common whore."

Leigh shook his head, meeting my father’s gaze with a brave expression on his face.

"I'll leave, but not without saying this. I love your daughter, and one day she will run the underground better than anyone ever has. You should be proud of her and what she is.” Leigh turned his gaze to me. “You're amazing, Raven."

His voice faded as a shot rang through the air.

A scream of despair left me, and I fought Carlos and Manny with all my might, sobbing with rage. My heart split into two as Leigh let out a howl of agony as darkness temporarily blinded me.

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