Page 141 of The King of Hearts

I’m lying, of course. My wrists are throbbing, the area around my eye pulses, and my mouth is still sore, but I keep that to myself. I don’t want Dad to feel even worse than I know he already does. When I woke up this morning, Ryker tried to get me to take the medicine Dr. Bale left for me, but I didn’t want to feel groggy when I saw my parents. He only relented when I told him I’d take it as soon as they left.

“I wanted to kill that bastard a thousand different ways. I still might if I can manage to get past Ryker’s men.”

“I’m sorry you had to see that.”

He gives me his fatherly, stern look, the same look he used to give my brothers and me when we were younger and did or said something he didn’t like.

“Don’t ever apologize for something out of your control.” He looks over my shoulder, where I know Ryker is standing closeby with my brothers. “I still hate him for manipulating you the way he did.” He brings his gaze back to me. “I probably always will, but I’m confident now that he’s capable of caring for you the way a husband should. I don’t think there’s anything that man wouldn’t do to protect you.”

“I think you’re right,” I reply.

“I’m going to ask, and you’ll tell me the truth, got it?” I nod. “Is this where you want to be? If it isn’t, I’ll turn the world upside down to find a way to get you out of here and still keep everyone associated with the company safe.”

I can practically feel Ryker’s eyes boring into the back of my head, so I know he’s close enough to have heard Dad ask his question. Dad doesn’t give two fucks, not that I really expected him to. He’s a hundred and ten percent alpha when it comes to protecting his family and ensuring their happiness.

I gaze up at Dad and give him the solid truth. “This is not only where I belong, but Ryker is the manIchoose to be with. I love him.”

His eyes slide back and forth between mine, I’m sure checking for sincerity. When he seems satisfied, he drops his head and kisses my forehead. “Okay,” he says quietly.

I leave him and go to each of my brothers, getting tight hugs from both and reassuring them that I’m okay. As soon as Bishop drops his arms from around my waist, Ryker is there, pulling me to his side. Their visit doesn’t last much longer after that. As politely as Ryker is capable, he informs my family that it’s time for them to go, using the excuse that I need rest. I’d love to visit with them more, but mentally, I’m glad to see them go. I’m exhausted and want only to crawl back into bed and sleep some more.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen quite yet. As soon as the door closes behind them, we hear footsteps descending the stairs. Ryker’s dad, Antonio, slowlymoves down them, his hand on the rail, as if he’s wobbly on his feet.

It’s still hard to believe this man is his father. Not because of the looks—Ryker actually resembles his dad in many ways. It’s more that he’s been gone for twenty years and now he’s suddenly here. I can’t imagine how hard it is on Ryker, especially considering how much hatred he’s held for the man for so long.

Since we arrived home last night, this is the first time I’ve gotten a good look at him. He’s taller than Ryker by a couple of inches, but he’s gaunt and frail-looking, just on the other side of appearing malnourished. He still has black hair, but there’s a lot of silver mixed in. I recognize the clothes he’s wearing as Ryker’s, and they hang loosely over his slender frame.

“Mat—” He cuts himself off and clears his throat. “Ryker, I was wondering if we could talk.” His voice sounds just as frail, like he hasn’t used it in many years.

Ryker stiffens beside me, his arm locking around my waist. “Now’s not a good time. Maybe later.”

Sympathy for the older man hits me in the chest when his shoulders slump. It only lasts for a moment before he straightens his back, looking his son directly in the eye. “I would prefer not to wait.”

Before Ryker can deny his father again—and yes, I know that’s what he’s going to do from the rigidity of his posture—I lay my hand on his chest. “It’s okay. Let’s see what he has to say.”

He doesn’t like it, but he relents after a moment. “Go to my office. I’ll meet you there once I have my wife settled.”

I’m shaking my head before the words fully leave his mouth. “I’d like to be there as well.” I glance at Antonio. “If that’s all right with you, that is.”

He inclines his head. “Yes, of course. As my son’s wife, you have every right to hear what I have to say.”

I peek at my husband as we go down the hall toward his office. He doesn’t look at all happy. He spent so many years thinking this man left him and his mother willingly. I don’t have the full story, but according to Ryker, Antonio didn’t leave nor stay gone by his own volition. Theo took and held him captive for all of those years.

Once we’re in the office, Ryker and I take a seat on the sofa on one side of the coffee table, and his father takes the chair on the other side. He leans forward, his elbows on his knees, with his head pointed down. He seems to be gathering his thoughts. After several moments of silence, he lifts his head, and the look in his eyes breaks my heart. They glisten and hold so much pain.

“Your mother… what do the doctors say?”

Ryker sits rigidly beside me, so I reach over and grab his hand, offering what little support I can.

“Stress and trauma induced catatonia,” Ryker answers in a monotone voice.

“What are the chances of her coming out of it?”

“That’s up to her. She’s this way because of what happened that night and what happened months later. She withdrew into herself as a protective mechanism because her brain couldn’t process the trauma and stress. Those first few months were difficult, but she was functioning. It was after she came home from what I assumed was the hospital the second time that she fell into her current state. Knowing what I know now, I believe the pregnancy and Theo taking the baby is what pushed her over the edge.”

The muscle in Antonio’s jaw tics, and his eyes, the same color as Ryker’s and Aiden’s, turn into melted silver. I’m struck by how much father and son look so much alike at this moment. Ryker’s expression, when angered, looks exactly the same.

“Have they tried medication?” Antonio asks moments later.

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