Page 112 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

Rocco sat at my side and planted his lips on my bare shoulder. “We talked about this, Ryah. You can’t blame yourself.”

I twisted my fingers in the front of my blue tank top. “I know.”

Peeking at the clock on the microwave, I rose and placed my dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

“Thanks again for everything you’ve done for us, Jackie.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re welcome, Ryah.”

“I need to get to physical therapy,” I stated, stepping close to Rocco.

He threaded our fingers. “Ryah, don’t do this.”

“Do what?” I half smiled. It felt like tiny needles stabbed every inch of my body. I had to get out of there.

“Have a good day.” I planted a soft kiss on his stubbled jaw before I disappeared upstairs.

***P***

Maroon 5 blared in my ears as I sprinted on the treadmill.

Marketta smiled, giving me a thumbs up. She said I was an overachiever. And encouraged me to keep up the good work but not to overdo it.

I hadn’t told anyone about my new nightmares. The truck crashing into my motorcycle on repeat, Dad beating Rocco’s face to a pulp, and learning Grandfather tried to kill me and Mom multiple times. Yeah, I was back to taking midnight showers. This time no one heard my cries or caught me sleeping under the hot water. Phone in tow, I entered the panic room. I set my alarm for an hour. It turned out to be therapeutic. I unleashed all my pent-up aggression and dark thoughts by shouting at the top of my lungs. The shit that happened to me over the years only made me colder. The desire to torture our enemies weighed on me. I hadn’t been away from the excitement that long. No way would Rocco let me torment some poor asshole with him anytime soon.

After four hours of extensive physical therapy, I drove home. Yup, you heard right. Ameer and West followed. It felt good to drive. My phone buzzed for the millionth time today.

Rocco: Hey, baby, I’ll be home later than I thought. I have to handle something.

Mom: Hello, Ryah. I had to get your new number from Dominic. How are you doing?

Mom: Your dad was left on the steps an hour ago.

Mom: He’s asking for you. He’s in bad shape.

My fingers curled over the screen. I almost responded.

I had the house all to myself. Time to binge watch Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy.

Faith: Hey girl, I guess you didn’t get all my other messages. I asked Alejandro to get your new number from Rocco. What’s up? Do I need to stop by your dad’s house and check on you?

Plopping on the sofa, I fired back a text.

Me: Hey Faith, sorry I’ve been through some pretty rough shit, but I’m doing better. We can talk all about it in person before class Monday.

Faith: What the fuck bitch, Monday? Fine. I miss you.

A smile tugged at my lips.

Me: Miss you, too.

It was ten at night and Rocco wasn’t home. After locking myself in the panic room, I placed my phone and the bottle of Jack on the bathroom sink. The recent texts from Mom grated on my nerves.

Mom: He’s coughing up blood.

Mom: I’m calling the doctor. Are you coming to see your father?

I sighed, turning my head to the ceiling.

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