Page 16 of Dylan
I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting here on my knees. It is only as Amy enters the apartment, and her words break through the fog, that I realize I’ve fucked up again.
“What the fuck happened to my place?” she says angrily.
Only, I can’t focus on that as my heart feels like it’s going to explode. I’m only twenty. I can’t be having a heart attack.
“I’ll fix it. I think I need to go to the hospital.”
CHAPTER 7
This Again?
Lily
Two months later …
I blink backthe tears stinging my eyes, only for the tears to cling to my lashes as they slip free. I feel like that helpless sixteen-year-old all over again. Taking a deep breath, I pull myself together.
I sit in this hotel suite staring into the gray eyes of a man I never thought I would have to deal with in my life again. However, I’ve stepped into danger again. Just like ten years ago, I can’t stand by and do nothing.
“I know you don’t like me and you didn’t want to help me last time. I get it. You owe me nothing. I just ask that you hear me out,” I breathe shakily.
He only inclines his head for me to continue. I lick my dry lips and swallow hard. I have to do this. I’m grateful he agreed to come meet with me.
“Ten years ago, I came to you guys because I was a scared sixteen-year-old. I had three younger siblings to think about. You didn’t trust me then and you have no reason to trust me now.”
It’s the truth. I was so excited when I got a little sister. I was just as excited about Ciarán, but I fell in love with Cee-Cee right away. She was so cute with her little accent.
I would dress her up and play with her like my very own little doll. I felt like I bonded with her as I had lost my mother too. However, the poor thing had lost both her parents and ended up in our shit home.
I only wanted to protect her and Ciarán like I did Sean. It didn’t take long for me to figure out something was wrong. My father shut down after we lost my mom.
I was left to take care of a six-year-old on my own. It wasn’t a secret that my dad had fallen into a shady crowd. That’s where it all started.
I clear my throat and continue. “I had to be careful as I tried to find the truth and when I did. You and your partner’s names came up and I took a chance.
“I’m taking that same chance. This time, not because I have three kids counting on me to cover for my fuckup of a dad, but because I know in my gut something bad is coming.
“I now have a junkie brother and alcoholic father, which I’m trying to save from themselves before they get us all killed. We’re already losing everything.
“As you know, my father and I have lost our benefactors. I haven’t been able to get in touch with your partner and my father slipped up and told me about the mess he’s gotten himself into,” I say.
“You’re right about many things. I don’t trust you. Never have. I’m not sure what you think I will do for you now. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve lost your value.” He tilts his head to the side. “Have you not?”
“No, I haven’t. She’s not safe. They’re forcing him to continue the job, or they will kill us all. He is desperate, my brother is as well. Desperate people do crazy things.”
“Who are we talking about? My problem is six feet in the ground,” he says sharply.
“He isn’t your only problem. If you help me, I will help you. I’ll tell you who they are, and I will keep my pains in the ass on a leash and away from all your interests.”
He sits back in his seat and glares at me. This is it. This is the moment I die.
Neither of the men I met ten years ago gave off the impression that they would hesitate to kill me. However, this one made me believe he planned to someday. It was only a matter of time.
“You’re brave. I’ll give you that, but we do nothing that doesn’t benefit us.” He pauses and snaps his fingers, then makes a come-hither motion. The dark-haired, blue-eyed guy with him steps forward with a case and opens it. “I heard of your troubles. This should cover the payments that haven’t been coming in on our end.
“I also know your father had visitors. I don’t need you to tell me anything. I already know who believes I don’t have eyes. If you take this money, your gym is now mine.
“Someone will be in touch to handle the paperwork and deed transfer. You will take over and handle your father’s bad business habits. This will be the final bailout.
