Page 79 of Unspoken Truths

“I would never,” Emil says, shaking his head, walking closer to me.

“I tried to tell her that,” Ignacio sighs. “I’m not her favorite person.”

Emil smacks his son over the head, rolling his eyes. “That’s because you’re a dick to her,” he says. “I saw Rachelle’s door was open, and went to find her. If her door is locked, don’t pick the fucking lock, Nacio. How is she supposed to be able to find any safety if you’re breaking in?”

“I didn’t think about that,” Ignacio mutters. “How am I supposed to know that? Rachelle doesn’t fucking tell me anything!”

“You don’t deserve her words because you’re being an idiot,” Emil says. “Now,mijita,what did my son do to you?”

“I can’t tell you,” I squeak. I really don’t know what to say. It’s embarrassing and I haven’t the faintest idea what he’d do if he knew.

“That doesn’t sound good,” Emil growls. “Your eyes are puffy, but from more than crying. Why are you not sleeping?”

“Nightmares,” Ignacio answers. “I did something that caused them, because I didn’t understand her limits.”

Emil stills, pulling his gun out and shoving it between his son’s eyes. I stop breathing as my chest heaves, unsure what to do.

“Emil,” I whisper. “Stop.”

“Did my son touch you inappropriately?” Emil asks.

Panting, I put my hand on my chest, watching the way Ignacio’s arms lay limply at his sides.

“Yes, but?—”

“There’s no buts, Rachelle,” he says. “Your nightmares are triggered by something, right? How long has it been since you’ve had one?”

“I don’t know,” I tell him. “They haven’t been this vivid in a long time, though.”

“I fucked up,” Ignacio says. “There’s a bet and she’s marked. I can’t do anything about it, Dad. Even if I’m gone, they’ll continue with their bullshit.”

“Nacio, seriously? She’s who you chose for this?” Emil asks, shaking his head. “I want to fucking pistol whip you. ¡Maldita sea!”

The other day, I looked up some Spanish words, which is the only reason that I know that he called me the equivalent of his daughter earlier, and just cursed his son out now.

I’m starting to hyperventilate quietly, overwhelmed and confused by this conversation.

“Promise me something,” Emil says. “You’re the only one who can make sure this doesn’t go too far.”

“Anything as long as I can actually physically do it,” Ignacio says, his naturally olive skin appearing pale.

I think he thinks the same as I do. Emil may actually pull the trigger. My stepfather is so angry his face is red, his expression stony with the refusal to bend.

“Two things. Nothing sexual,” he bites out. “I don’t know what happened, but the nightmares tell me her mind thinks you’re no better than that rapist who hurt her. I am deeply disappointed in you, Nacio.”

“Yes, sir,” Ignacio rasps, but I don’t know if he’ll be able to keep that promise. The guys are fueled by sex and fear. I don’t know if my traumatic experience makes it more fun for them to mess with me or not.

“If they kill her, I’ll slaughter you all,” Emil snarls. “No one will ever find the bodies. Is that understood?”

Oh my God.

“Crystal, sir,” Ignacio says, his breathing coming out sharply.

“Then we’re done here,” Emil says, putting the safety back on and putting his gun away. “In this household, we protect what’s ours. Rachelle, it’s time for your appointment. After that, we’re going to open up the discussion where you take my name.”

“We are?” I ask, my teeth chattering.

His eyes move over to me, and he swallows hard.

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