Page 100 of Dismantle & Prevail
I swore for a moment I was imagining her until Taylor’s light green eyes met mine. And just like that, everything faded away. All that was left was my girls.
And now all that is standing in the way is getting rid of this vile piece of garbage sitting a few feet away. For the rest of my life, I will never forget the terrified look on my daughter's face at the mention of seeing the woman who is supposed to be her protector.
Guilt eats me alive and I know that no matter how much time passes, I will always feel a sense of blame for Rayne seeing that much evil in her early years.
Not allowing myself to go down that dark tunnel, I focus on Taylor, who is staring at Tana, unwavering, her face full of malice.
Footsteps sound behind me and I see Tombstone walking towards me, his phone in hand. “Dylan is here. Do you want to meet him outside or have him come get her?”
Dylan is the chief of police at the local police department. Once we established a home base here, Landon quickly convinced him to be an ally rather than a roadblock. He was a big reason we could get away from the warehouse fire without a million questions.
“You can walk her out. I don’t even want her breathing the same air as my little girl anymore.” My words are meant for Tombstone, but I direct them towards Tana.
Tombstone steps around me and Taylor rises from her seat, making her way around the table to stand in front of Tana.
Turning Tana’s chair to face her, she leans down, balancing one arm on the cushioned armrest, while her injured arm is secured against her torso.
“Um. Prez. Tay hasthatlook on her,” Tombstone whispers as I place my hand on his arm, stopping him from entering the room fully.
I simply shake my head, glance down at Rayne, then back to Taylor.
Taylor leans forward with a wicked smile on her face, causing Tana to tug on the ropes that are restraining her to the chair.
“You’re lucky that Aries has a conscience and didn’t kill you on the spot. Because if it were up to me, you would be drowning in a pool of your own blood.” Her voice is low and to anyone else, it would terrify them, but to me, it only makes me love her more.
And turns you on.
“Get out of my face, you stupid bitch. You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t know my life. I had no choice!” Tana exclaims.
Taylor shakes her head, a chuckle escaping her. “That’s where you’re wrong. I know exactly who you are. You are a pathetic human who traded her daughter’s happiness for some pills.” Tana’s teeth grit, but Taylor doesn’t stop. “Was the high worth it? Was the look of constant sadness on your little girl's face worth it? Was selling yourself to the devil and dragging an innocent child along for the ride worth it?”
As the last words leave Taylor’s mouth, she is almost yelling.
To the rest of the world, Taylor is speaking to Tana on behalf of Rayne. To me, she is speaking on behalf of not only Rayne, but herself and all the other kids that were subjected to a life full of turmoil at the cost of their parents' selfish decisions.
This is Taylor finally getting vengeance on the woman that did the same to her.
“Shut up, you dumb bitch!”
Tana leans her head back and I think she is about to headbutt Taylor, but she doesn’t. Instead, spit flies out her mouth, landing right on Taylor’s face.
This fucking bitch.
Everything in me wants to change my mind and allow the guys to put an end to this woman, but I can’t. I refuse to do that to Raynie.
Taylor’s maniacal chuckle echoes through the room and it sends a shiver up my spine and judging by Tombstone rolling his shoulders, I suspect it does the same to him.
Taylor doesn’t move to wipe the spit dripping down her face. “Oh, you sweet, sweet idiot. Rayne is so lucky to never have to see you again. I promise you, you are the worst thing that ever happened to her. Soon you will be a distant memory fading away behind a wall filled with love, happiness, and a lifetime of laughter. Now get the hell out of here.”
Taylor stands, wavering slightly, but her gaze never leaves Tana’s. I glance down at the camera to check on Rayne again.
Suddenly a crack sounds throughout The Heart, followed by a pained cry. My head snaps up and I see Taylor cracking her wrist.
My gaze shifts to Tana and I see blood streaming down her face and her nose sideways.
“Oops. My hand slipped. Stupid sling made me lose my balance.” Sarcasm laces Taylor’s voice, and I hold back a chuckle.
Tombstone snorts and Tana cries, “You fucking bitch! You broke my nose!”
