Page 145 of Cruel Knots

That explains the lack of care here.

Taking my shoes off, I sprint forward. The skirt of my dress flares behind me as I run up the staircase leading to Dad’s room. He’s going to be okay, I chant happily in my mind. We’re going to be okay.

Reaching Dad’s room, I push the door open.

Even though it’s dark in here, I catch sight of a familiar figure lying on the bed in the corner. Laura sits in a chair nearby and stands up at the sight of me.

“Dad!” I shout, running forward. “I’m here!”

Throwing my arms around him, I hug him.

Loud, incoherent noises escape Dad as he struggles to move.

“It’s okay, Dad,” I say, hugging him tighter. “I’m here now. We’ll get you to a hospital and they’ll make everything better. Don’t worry about a thing from now on.”

Dad’s voice rises higher, taking on an urgent tone.

Something niggles at me. Even though Dad can’t form proper speech, I’ve become used to understanding his emotions.

Right now, he seems agitated and alarmed.

Straightening up, I let him see it’s me.

Dad’s eyes widen as he shakes his head vehemently.

I frown. He doesn’t seem sick but something is bothering him badly.

“Dad, it’s me. Lucia. You’re not alone anymore,” I say soothingly. “I’m here to look after you.”

Despite my efforts, Dad continues to look alarmed.

I suddenly feel a presence behind me. Before I can turn around, a pair of strong, muscular arms wrap around my body.

“Hello, Lucia.”

An icy chill spreads through me at the sound of that voice. It’s Callum’s.

I feel his nose skimming along the back of my neck, inhaling the scent of my skin. “I finally caught you, little dove.”

“But...but...” I bleat like an idiot. My terrified gaze falls on Laura who quietly moves forward. “Why?” I breathe, staring at her. “Why would you do this to me?”

“He threatened to kill my children if I didn’t lie to you, Miss Lucia,” she says in a small voice. “I had no choice. I’m sorry.”

Her betrayal is as painful as a stab in the gut. I can’t blame her for what she did but damn, it hurts!

Laura hurriedly walks away, leaving me in my brother’s clutches.

“You’re mine now,” Callum’s voice slithers down my spine.

Damien! Leon! Mikhail! I scream their names silently, their faces rising in my mind. Help me!

“I’ll never let anyone take you away from me again,” Callum croons in my ear. “I promise you, Lucia.”

38

Damien

I’m talking to the Ivanov twins when my gaze falls on Leon. The disturbed look on my brother’s face alarms me at once.

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