Page 150 of Torrid Love
“After Rod left Vego’s Lounge to head to Dom’s studio,” Loki goes on, “I was so freaked out by the allegations, I kept doing searches until Rod called me to tell me about the attack. While we were in the hospital, I stepped outside as often as I could to follow as the scandal exploded in London. In fact, Holt and I have been back and forth. He knows about what’s happened.”
“What scandal?” I ask.
“Holt sent us a few links to developing news in London,” Rod says. “They were all about Gideon. . . and some pretty scary shit he did to women. After reading the headlines, I rushed to your studio. I just had a bad feeling.”
“Holt is as shocked as we all are,” Loki says. “Since the first victim came out, so many others have stepped forward. Some of the things these women are accusing Gideon of are atrocious. He allegedly raped a thirteen-year-old girl. She was ripped apart so badly. . . front and back. He, well, I’m sorry to say this, but the bastard fisted her after fucking her.”
We all gasp at that.
“She’s an adult now, but she still carries the scars. Understandably so,” Loki adds.
“Just like I do,” I say.
“Men like Gideon disgust me,” Loki says. “There are so many grown women who would willingly have sex with him. Why violate innocent girls?”
“Motherfucker,” Roark growls.
“Now I get it,” I say slapping my palm against my forehead.
“What do you mean?” Loki asks.
“He kept yelling at me that I was trying to destroy him by talking to a reporter and spreading lies. I was confused—”
“I guess you aren’t his only victim in Los Angeles,” Rod says.
“Given the media frenzy in London,” Loki says, “I bet there are a lot of women who will step forward once the news hits the US.”
My God.
Rod gets up and circles the table.
Worried, I turn to Isobel.
She shrugs before sliding her puzzled gaze to her husband.
“Rod,” Rory warns.
“What are you—” Roark doesn’t have time to finish his question.
“Leave it. This is between me and my girl,” Rod says. “Baby,” he calls for my attention before falling to his knees next to me. Loki and Isobel pull their chairs back before getting up all together. My boyfriend’s handsome features are etched with so much pain. He cups my face in his hands and stares at me. His eyes swell with emotion and a tear trails down his cheek. I flinch at the sight. And then, to my utter shock, the love of my life starts crying. “I’m sorry he hurt you, baby. I’m sorry he stole a precious part of you. I’m sorry he blackmailed you. And by God, I’m sorry you kept silent for so many years to protect me,” he says in between tears.
“Oh, my God, Rod. Don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault. Please don’t cry.”
“I swore after Connie and her gang of bullies in high school and after rescuing you from Jarreth, I’d always keep you safe. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you when you needed me most. I’m sorry I failed you.”
“Don’t you dare blame yourself for Gideon’s actions. He’s worse than a venomous snake. My Roderick Wolfe has always been there for me. Always,” I declare, looking straight into his teary eyes.
He shakes his head.
I’m not sure if it’s because he doesn’t believe me or he’s still unable to process what’s happened.
I’ve never seen Rod cry before. For me, he’s always been this larger than life superhero who managed to triumph despite life’s shortcomings. He’s the warrior who’s never afraid of a fight—no matter the size of the adversary. To see him broken on my account just makes me love him more.
“I have to ask, Rod.” My throat tightens and the burning of tears spill from my eyes. He wipes them away.
“What is it, baby?”
“After all this. . . You might. . . I mean. . .”
