Page 107 of Playing For Keeps
“You want me to help the FBI put Dad and our uncle in prison. I’ve already given them all I know. I don’t know how to give you more.”
“You told Hunter you want to go after the people involved in what happened to me. All I ask is you go after Dad and our uncle with as much determination as you are with going after the crime organizations.”
Aiden nods. “Consider it done, but what about Mom?”
I fake a laugh. “She’ll fall back on one of her many rich boyfriends she’s had over the years. We both know she’ll be remarried within six months of Dad going away. I’m not worried about her. Not in the least bit.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I am and you know it, but what about the last two stipulations? Can you do those?” My head grows light. In my eyes, these two things are the most important part of the agreement.
He leans forward, placing his hands over mine. “When I find Sasha and her mother, I’ll make sure they get the ten million you want them to have.”
“That will come out of the fifty million that’s in the trust for you. You know that, right?”
“I understand.” He squeezes my hands and sits back. “Why is it so important you find her and make sure she gets that kind of money?”
My chest tightens, and my eyes sting. “Because Sasha is only sixteen and was going to be sold to sick people. Her life was almost taken from her, all because her dad died and her mother has to work three jobs to make ends meet. They deserve a break and some time to bond and heal.”
“I’ll make it my top priority.”
“Thank you.”
He nods, but then his brows pinch together. “You don’t want to be the one to give them the money?”
“No. She’s a minor and should keep her anonymity so she feels safe. Seeing me could trigger her, and I don’t want to cause her any more pain.”
“That makes sense.”
I study him. “There’s still one more thing to address.”
He sucks in a jagged breath. “I’ve never worked with a therapist. I wouldn’t know how to…”
“A therapist will help you with your issues. You can work through the abuse, the brainwashing, and manipulation you’ve been forced to deal with alone. If you don’t, I’m afraid you’ll stay stuck in your pattern of being just like Dad.” I don’t blink as I hold his stare and let that sink in.
Aiden’s behaviors may not be the core of who he is, but he’s becoming my dad. Just like I see myself becoming my mom. Therapy is our only hope of changing the cycle.
His eyes swirl with fear and pain. He’s clearly conflicted. “What if I go, and it doesn’t work?”
“Make it work. Not for me but for yourself.”
He hangs his head and gazes at his coffee mug. “Okay, I’ll go to therapy, but you know it might take a long time to fix me.”
I grab my purse and push out of my chair. “I love you, Aiden, and I want our relationship to get back to where it once was. In order for that to happen, you need to prove to me it’s in my best interest to repair the strain between us.”
He rises to his feet. “How do I do that?”
“Follow through with your promise to me and do what you say you will in regard to that contract.”
“And when I do, will we be good?”
“Only if you can accept the fact that Jami is going to be my husband and will be in my life for good.”
Aiden’s jaw clenches but he remains silent.
I continue. “He’s a wonderful man, and you know that. Work through the abuse and brainwashing Dad put you through and find it in yourself to see Jami for who he really is. If you can do that, we have a chance.”
“I’ll work on it. That’s the best I can do.”
