Page 65 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

“What would you have had me do?” he replies, fiercely. “Let that bastard take you, knowing what he would do? Hurt you, rape you—”

“Force me to have another baby,” I tell him.

“What?”

The word is echoed by another man entering. It’s Bolt back again.

Shrugging, I tell them the story, talking about the legacy and about the chain of inheritance in my family. Both men listen, all the time exchanging glances. Niran and Bolt might not come from the same chapter, but they seem to understand each other’s non-verbal communication, with a raise of an eyebrow here, and a clench of the jaw there.

When I’ve told them exactly what Duke had wanted from me, Bolt speaks, with Niran nodding as if it’s already been decided between them.

“I’ll check on your dad, see if he’s getting treatment for cancer, or if Duke was lying, again.”

I’m free. There’s no one after me. I could go see my dad, reconnect with my parents. Of course, they might not want to see me, but if Dad is really ill, it could be the time for us to make up. After a moment, I speak, my voice little more than a whisper. “I’m not sure I’m ready just yet, but especially if Dad’s ill, I’d like to go visit them.” But what would I say to them, and what would they say to me? If I’d listened, I’d never have ended up in this mess.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Niran says fiercely, seeming to read my mind. “Duke deceived you. Hell, now we know he had reason to.”

“Give it time,” Bolt suggests, with a look I can’t interpret being sent Niran’s way. “I’ll find out the prognosis, and we’ll go from there.” He makes a change of subject. “Now, I came to tell you we’re all set. The boys are sorting out a room for you both on the ground floor. I’ll be back tomorrow and get you as soon as you’ve been discharged. Oh, and Saffie, Cat asked me to ask if there’s anything that you need. She’s a nurse and should be able to help with Niran.”

A surprising burst of something akin to jealousy goes through me. If Niran needs anything, it will be provided by me.

What the hell?What have I got to be possessive about?

He’s my old man in name only.

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