Page 40 of Dylan
They all have dark hair and green eyes. There are three boys and two girls. I get this warm feeling from being around them. I’m happy with them.
“You remembered something about me, didn’t you?”
“I did. You have three brothers and two sisters, right?”
“Yeah, there’s Logan, Kate, Cole, Connie, and Jamie,” we say the last brother’s name in unison.
“Aye, you remember.” He gives me a wink that causes my belly to drop.
“Yeah, I do. A little, but I’m confused about a lot. In my memories, you and I have accents. What happened to yours?”
His eyes begin to twinkle. “I’ve been here in America almost as long as we’ve been apart. My accent comes out more when I’m around my family or when we’re trying to hide what we’re saying around others. Other than that, it slips out when I’m angry.
“I think you’ve been in the States all this time. You guys left for your da’s fight and never came back. I’m guessing you’ve been as Americanized as I have,” he explains.
“That makes sense. Wait,” I gasp. “You knew my dad?”
“Yeah, he’s the one who started us boxing. I was so sad to hear he’s gone. I’m sorry for your losses,” he says and frowns.
“I don’t remember him. I found my birth certificate and his name was on it. I tried to find out more about him after that.
“That’s also where I learned my real name. I’ve been going by Cee-Cee since I lost my mom.”
“But why Ariel now?” he asks with his brows drawn.
I look him deep in the eyes, wondering if I should truly trust him. He tilts his head to the side and looks me over as well. Then he reaches to place his hand on my arm.
“You can trust me. I’m here to help. You’re safe with me.”
I release a heavy breath. “When I woke in the hospital, I was told my mother was dead and her husband was there to collect me and Ciarán. My stepfather and his two kids treated me and Ciarán like real-life Cinderellas.
“More so me than him. I wouldn’t allow them to treat my brother like shit in front of me. I’ve spent my life cooking, cleaning, and looking after those assholes.”
I pause to reel in my temper. “Theo’s son pulled some shit, and I’d had enough. Instead of waiting to get my shit together so I could get custody of my brother, I took him and ran.
“I could be in so much trouble if they find us. I’m not my brother’s legal guardian, but I’m not losing him or allowing anyone to take him from me,” I say with more venom than I mean to.
“No one will ever get a chance to try. Do you mind if I ask what the son did to make you risk so much?”
I turn to look away from him. The air shifts in the room. When I look back at him, I swear I can see steam coming out of his ears.
He nods tightly. “That’s all the answer I need.”
“Oh my God, my dad started me boxing? Theo always made it seem like he started me fighting. It’s one of the things he always threw in my face. Like without him, I wouldn’t be as good as I am.”
“That’s bullshit. You’re two years younger than me, but you’ve been boxing longer than I have. Your da started you out as soon as you could hold your hands up.”
“What was he like?”
“He was the best. I remember him being patient with us but also making sure we took things seriously. You always brought a smile to his face, and he loved your mom like crazy.”
“So how did she end up with such an asshole?”
“You know, that’s been on my mind too.”
“I’m ready. When are we leaving?” Ciarán comes running out dressed and looking excited.
I look to Dylan, and he nods as if to tell me we can talk more later. I want to hug him. I feel like so many things are starting to fit together.
