Page 80 of Unspoken Truths

“Come here,” Emil says, opening his arms. I move so quickly, I slam into his body, and he hugs me hard. “I didn’t mean to scare you. My son doesn’t understand words without the threat of death on its heels.”

Nodding, I shudder as I continue to cry. Apparently, I should just get comfortable being a sad bitch today, because my eyes are going to be really swollen after this.

“We’re batting a thousand today,” Ignacio says, his hands shaking as he runs them through his hair.

“There’s not a lot that I can do to protect you from the boys at school,” Emil says. “I hate this part of our world, the secret societies, and the way the Kings work. As I said, I could kill them all, but?—”

“He’s your son,” I say softly, as if to remind him.

“Yeah,” he says. “As for the conversation I walked in on earlier, you’re having a really bad fucking day,mijita.Are there voices today?”

“You know about those?” Ignacio asks incredulously.

“If this gets back to your friends, I will give you the worst jobs possible, Nacio. Be prepared to drown in blood for days in the name of cleaning up the torture rooms,” Emil says, rubbing my back slowly.

Despite his words, I just want to take a nap. I’m exhausted, and for some reason, I feel safe right here.

“It won’t,” Ignacio promises as I yawn. “Well, mafia talk is already boring her. I guess she’ll fit right in.”

“Tired,” I admit. “I really didn’t sleep well, but yes Emil, there are voices today.”

“They’re liars,” he says simply.

Ignacio smirks because he said the same thing, and Emil slowly begins to walk me toward the French doors.

“I have a feeling my son may have told you that,” Emil grunts. “I don’t know if he said this, but I’ll repeat it anyway. You have such a strong spirit, Rachelle. I don’t know if you see it. I do, though. Demons tend to plague those that have the most to lose. A lot of people would miss you if you disappeared, even if we’re just getting used to having you around. Don’t let the voices win. You’re better than that.”

Together, we walk back downstairs, and father and son watch as I pass from sight through the office door where Barrett is waiting for me.

“Barrett,” Emil barks, making my therapist flinch.

“Yes, sir,” Barrett says.

“My daughter is having a rough day. I hope you’re prepared to spend as much time with her as she needs,” he says.

Ignacio crosses his arm over his chest, glaring at Barrett.

“Don’t be lazy and pass her off to someone else by bringing the white coats in,” Ignacio says.

I’m just inside the door, listening intently as I lean against the wall.

“Of course not,” Barrett says archly. “A locked facility is the last thing Rachelle needs. I’m not going to discuss anything related to her or her case with you though.”

“He may not be so bad,” Ignacio mutters as Barrett shuts the door in his face.

“I meant every word,” my therapist says, taking in my defensive posture. My hands are in fists, my lip being tortured by my teeth. “Let’s sit down and take it from the top, okay?”

Taking a breath, I nod and sit down, prepared to take the leap of faith I always do when I talk to Barrett.

Let’s hope he isn’t just someone else who lets me down.

CHAPTER14

IGNACIO

My eyes search for Rachelle whenever possible on Monday morning. My head is on a swivel, as if I’m looking for trouble or someone to fuck up, but that’s not it at all. If some asshole steps out of line, I’ll be happy to correct them, however, I’m sick to my stomach about Rachelle being at school at all today.

Sunday didn’t get much better for her, and she woke up that night screaming with a nightmare too. I fell asleep against the wall by her door, because I knew I wasn’t welcome inside. I’m not a safe person for her.

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