Page 104 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Saffie

During the five years I lived under Duke’s control, I’d often fantasised about getting away, wondering what reception I’d receive from my parents when out of the blue I’d turn up. In my dreams, they’d welcome me home with open arms and provide a sanctuary for me. In my nightmares, they’d tell Duke exactly where he could find me.

In the end it hadn’t been one or the other of the extremes, but something in between. Mom had been disgusted at the idea of yet another divorce, while Dad was more worried about his business than me. I do wonder exactly what his ties are to Duke’s MC, but as Niran had said, I couldn’t give a damn if no part of his fortune would be coming to me. I didn’t want myself, nor any future child, to be part of dirty money.

Of course I’m upset that my father’s got a terminal illness, but it doesn’t shatter me. I’ve not seen them for five years, and though it hurts, I know there was more they could have done to rescue me. Instead of paying Duke, they could have used the money to get me away.

As we walk to the front door, I clutch at Niran’s hand as though it’s a lifeline. He’s my future now. No looking back, no more regrets. I’d rather be his biker babe than Duke’s little socialite any day.

Had money made me happy growing up? I’d had a nanny, the house was run by the housekeeper, and food was prepared by a cook. My mother’s time wasn’t dedicated to me, my father tied up with his work. I’d had everything I could ask for, except for attention.

Freedom, feeling alive. Being part of the everyday world held far more attraction than any wealth handed to me. Having enough to live on would be welcome, but I don’t need the trappings of a rich life. I have no regrets turning my back on the opulence that had been my life.

Maybe, when Duke’s no longer after me, I’ll reconnect with my family. But not today. It’s Niran who’s got my best interests at heart, not them. I’m surprised how little that thought hurts me.

I’m not stupid. I’d expected that meeting to be interrupted by gunshots and shouts. I’d hoped to exit with the news that Duke had been captured or was dead. That nothing had happened was worrying. I now feared we’d exit into a hail of gunshots. As such my heart’s beating fast, I’m inhaling double the normal number of breaths.

I can feel Niran’s tension in the way he’s holding himself, and much of my fear is for him, knowing Duke would kill him to get to me.

“Bolt says it’s all clear,” he bends his head to whisper to me. “A flea couldn’t get onto the grounds without being seen.”

“He’s waiting for us to leave,” I softly say back. “He has to be.”

A dip of his chin shows he agrees.

“Sapphire. Don’t leave like this.” My father’s voice comes after me.

Turning, I have one last word. “What’s here for me, Dad? A chance of an inheritance I don’t want? You’ve no welcome for the man I want to be with.”

“Him?” He approaches and moves in front of us, momentarily blocking our way. “Sapphire, you’ve got poor judgement in men. He’s another only after your money.”

“Money?” I snort. “I’ve none to my name, remember? Niran wants nothing but me.”

Dad throws up his hands. “You’re doing it again, Sapphire. Making the same mistake again. Look, stay here with your mother and me. We’ll put this to rights.”

“How?” I round on him. “How the fuck can you put this right? I’ve been brought up with dirty money, you’ve just admitted that. At least Niran’s no criminal.” When his lips purse and his cheeks flush, I shake my head. “Come on, Niran, there’s nothing for me here.” Navigating past him, we continue our path to the door.

Recovering, Dad cries after us, “Can’t you see? He’ll use you just like Duke. Well, if his club asks me for money, if they want a slice of my business, they’ll get nothing from me.”

Niran swings around at this, losing his balance slightly, but fast finding it again. “We want nothing from you, Bartell. We wouldn’t touch your money if you wrapped it up in a bow and handed it to us. We earn our living honestly.”

Dad snorts.

We’ve reached the door. Instead of a reply, I give Niran a gentle push to get him out to where Bolt is waiting, the cab door held open for me.

“Go ahead.” Niran gives me a little push.

I know he wants me to get to the safety of the car first, but he’s the one at most risk. Taking a gamble that Duke wouldn’t shoot me, I position myself in front of him instead.

Tuning out my father’s protestations, I focus only on getting to the vehicle just a few steps away, mere yards, but it could be miles. As though in the throes of a nightmare, time seems to stop. Each step I take, I brace for the shots I expect to hear. When we reach the doors and all I hear is birdsong, it’s only then I feel I can breathe.

“Nothing?” Niran checks in with Bolt, as he first seats me, then goes to help Niran get in the other side.

“Nothing,” Bolt confirms. “But he’s out there somewhere. I know he is.”

We don’t delay. Bolt starts the engine immediately, and as we begin to proceed down the driveway, I don’t look back.

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