Page 127 of Vengeful Guard

All of a sudden, a need to be with Da, to touch him, to make sure he is okay overwhelms me.

Remembering my conversation with Kael, that I might not get a chance to talk to Da again, I head to the front door where Aiden is stationed.

“Aiden, I’m going to the hospital to see my dad, will you prefer driving me, or following me in your car?”

He frowns at me. “I’m sorry, Miss Paige, but Mr. Gray and Mr. Declan requested us not to exit the property.”

I shrug, “Oh. No problem, I’ll just drive myself.”

Aiden’s arm stops me in my tracks as it blocks my way. “I don’t think you understood me, Miss.”

I frown at him.

He lowers his arm and moves as if to guide me back inside the mansion. “Mr. Gray and Mr. Declan gave very specific instructions that you not leave the premises, so we are to stay put as well, watching you.”

What the hell?

“No, Aiden, that can’t be right. Look, I don’t want to go to the mall, or whatever else, I want to go to the hospital to visit my father.” The same father who’s fighting for his life. And I have to see him. Now.

“I’m sorry, Miss, but I only follow orders, and my orders are to keep you in the property.”

I really need someone to help me process all this, and Declan and Gray are certainly no help. I want my da, even if he’s still not awake.

I need to see him. He’s the only person in our family who has ever truly understood me. He always says that Lara is the most like Ma, and I’m the most like him.

He gets me, and I need to talk to him, even if he can’t talk back.

And what if I never get the chance to talk to him again? What if these are his last days?

Panic starts to rise in me, tightening my chest.

Angry tears burn at the backs of my eyes, but I don’t let them fall.

What am I going to do?

I can’t sneak out, not without telling someone I’m going or someone to go with me. I may be desperate, but I’m not dumb yet. I know I need help, protection.

Even if I decided to sneak out, what would I do? I can’t very well use Uber, it’s not safe for me or the poor driver. And it’s not like I can walk there. All Saints is too far away, nearly a half-hour drive from the house.

Staying here, surrounded by all the memories, all the moments with Da makes me ache. I just want to go back. I’ve complained so much about my life, but it’s been such a good one. I’ve been so taken care of. So loved. All of my life.

I puff my chest.

I will go see Da, with or without Lug and Lugger at the door.

Who else do I trust to get me there?

There’s only one person that I trust.

Taking the phone in my hand again, I take a deep breath.

Will he even pick up the phone?

35

KAEL

“I’m in love.” Feck, I can’t believe I just said that.

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