Page 158 of Uprising

“Are you hurt?” Roman asks checking Lara over and then me.

“We’re fine.” I say.

“Mummy saved us.” Lara says.

I let out a laugh that feels more weighted than it should. I’ve still the knife in my hand, the one my mother no doubt planned on gutting me with. I guess the tables have turned now haven’t they? I look up at Roman and he’s watching me like he expects me to go feral again. Only I won’t. I’m beyond that now. Yes I want my revenge, but this time I want more than that.

I want answers too.

“Take her to the basement.” I say to the guards.

They look at Roman for confirmation and he nods.

“Let’s go inside.” I say to Lara, handing Roman the knife in a way that our daughter can’t see. “I promised you hot chocolate didn’t I? You must be freezing.”

Rose

We sit by the fire, Lara and I sipping our drinks with extra marshmallows and cream while Bella is laid out on the rug and Roman is stood watching us, watching me like I’ve lost my mind.

I can’t help but smile at him.

He thinks I’m being weird. But I’m not. I want Lara calm. I want her reassured. Besides, my mother is safely secured right now and I’ve made sure she’s already suffering.

Lara goes to the bathroom and Roman walks up to me and sits down like he’s got the world on his shoulders.

“How’s Sofia?” I ask.

He tilts his head. “She left.”

“What?” I gasp.

“She said she needed space.” He states.

“Where has she gone?” I ask.

He sighs. “The Four Seasons. Ben has taken her there. He’s making sure she’s okay.”

I nod. Maybe this is what she needs. Space. Not being forced to watch me and Roman play happy families now. Not forced to pretend that she’s okay for Lara’s sake. She can heal in her own way, in her own time too.

I sink back into the chair and then a thought hits me.

“Roman, how did my mother get through our security?” I ask scanning his face.

“I’m looking into it as we speak.” He says.

“Maybe you need to do more than that.” I reply. “If Sofia is at a hotel you need to make sure she’s safe. That no one has gone after her.”

His eyes flash as it sinks in what I’m getting at. He gets to his feet and pulls his phone just as Lara comes back.

“You okay baby?” I ask.

She nods but I can see she’s not. That my mother’s attack has made her panic, has made her retreat once more.

“How about we watch a movie?” I say. “The three of us.”

She blinks confused and I can see Roman can’t figure out what I’m up to either. I get up, leading her into the cinema room and Roman walks behind us clearly having finished whatever phone call he made.

Lara sinks into the massive chair, pulling a blanket up. I snuggle in beside her and Roman sits beside me. As the film starts he pulls me closer, murmuring into my ear. “What are you doing?”

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