Page 42 of One Rule

At the moment, Ligo is driving through Biscayne Blvd, deviating from a route I know like the back of my hand while entering another one I’m familiar with. We pass the port, Bayside Marketplace, and then bypass where I now live completely. Instead, he cuts through a few streets and backways to reach the 836 W, dodging traffic and bypassing the speed limit to then exit on Le June Rd a few miles later.

In no time, we’re in the Hammocks Oaks & Lakes community and taking a left that leads us into an exclusive area where the wealthy section of Miami lives that likes to lead a more private life. They’re close enough to enjoy amenities, but far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

They want it that way. Have sold that very style of life, and the area thrives with a mixture of old and new money.

Because you only get two types of wealthy people in a city like this: the flashy and the private.

They mix and socialize, but you can tell by location alone which kind of atmosphere you’ll encounter and the Royce family has always enjoyed the beauty in silence. The beach and Star Island are for those who want to be seen—have the public know you can afford the luxuries most people dream about, while those in exclusive areas like this one in Coral Gables has a different appreciation and level of extravagance.

The Royce family has a house here, and I’m right to suddenly feel wary when the gates open before we’ve stopped to announce our visit. Hell, I didn’t even have to enter their house code into the reader that those with open access have—they’ve been expecting us.

And I’m proven right when Micah stands at the end of the drive, eyes bloodshot and reaching for my door before we’ve stopped. I’m unbuckled and yanked out within seconds, cradled against his warm body as he exhales roughly against the crown of my head. “I’ll make this right, rebel. I promise, baby.”

I try to pull back, but he won’t let me move. “Talk to me. Micah, what’s going on?”

“Let’s head inside.”

“No. Tell me.” I manage to choke out the words, my emotions and the events of the last few days are beginning to weigh on me. Overwhelm me. It’s frustration from not being able to crack who tried to implement a bug in his servers, my sudden move in one of his penthouses, and then Jeremy stealing my program and passing it as his own—I’m fried. The last thing I need is to be hit with another surprise. “Please, Micah. I don’t want to go in blind.”

“It’s best if we go inside, love. I’ll be there with you every step.” His voice is a bit hoarse; he needs me to not fight him on this, and I nod, letting him guide me inside. The first thing I’m met with is silence. Ominous and cold and goosebumps break out on my skin as this feeling of dread overtakes me, but then we’re inside his family’s living room and my eyes flick from familiar face to familiar face until I notice two are missing.

His parents are here.

My mother and Beatrice are here.

Micah and his most trusted guards are here.

“Tell me I’m wrong, Micah.” I’m begging. Praying to whatever God is listening to have this moment be nothing more than an emotional reaction and a mistake. Yet it doesn’t happen. No one says anything, much less move. Everyone, but Micah who wraps an arm around me and tucks me close.

His shuddered breaths—the way he’s trying to control his own emotions further pull me into this nightmare and for the first time since I’ve known him—I push him away.

“Lili, sweetheart, please come have a sit.” Lester, Micah’s father speaks, but it sounds off. My chest is heaving, my body shaking, and yet the two faces I want to see more than anything in this world are still missing.

Everyone, but my father and brother are here and suddenly, I can’t get air into my lungs. Can’t stop the tears as they fall from my eyes, looking at all of them through blurry eyes as my world comes crashing down around me.

This pain is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Mom’s the first one to break when our eyes meet, and the devastation on her face causes my legs to weaken and I slip, landing on both knees while another body shifts behind me. This time I don’t fight him. Don’t have anything left in me to give, but I do make out my low whisper and plea. “Tell me I’m wrong, Mom. Don’t break my heart like this.”

“I’m sorry, Mamita. Your father is gone.” Mom’s broken sob reverberates throughout the room, filling every single inch of space with her sorrow as Micah’s mom, Helen, rushes to wrap her friend in a hug. Lester, for his part, places his hand on my mother’s shoulder in a show of support—I don’t want to see that.

All of this. Hear this.

It’s a lie.

Has to be.

But then I hear her words again and again. Seven words and they crushed my soul.

The world goes black around me.

* * *

"I won’t stopuntil I find every person responsible, rebel. They’ll pay for this.”

I don’t know how long I’ve been asleep, but I come to slowly. Every part of my body aches. This infernal pain radiates from the center of my chest and out, striking across every limb, and leaving me unable to move. It’s why I hear his every word. Why I’m able to concentrate on his bourbon and citrus scent, using it to calm me long enough to lessen the knot in my throat and whisper his name.

It's low. Almost too low to hear, but his head snaps up from its place on my arm and warm blue eyes meet my hazel ones. His smile is weak. Sad. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hi.” It comes out croaky, thick with my unleashed emotions as little by little everything hits me again. Except this time, I’m a little more prepared and bite back the sob fighting to break free. My bottom lip still wobbles and seeing this, Micah’s expression is one of raw pain. “Is there any water up here?”

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