Page 56 of Vicious Games

"Back off," I snap at Zayn.

"Feisty," Blake remarks.

Gareth raises his voice. "Enough. Everyone needs to calm down. Charlotte, love. Could you and Rylee give us just a moment?"

Mom looks at him stunned. "Uh, yes, of course. Rylee," she gestures to the door.

I give them all one last look, stalking out the door with mom close behind me. We head into the den, and immediately I round up on mom.

"Did you know?" I ask.

She looks down as tears form in her eyes. "No, Rylee. But, we will sort it out later."

"That's bullshit."

Mom sighs. "Please, Rylee. That's between Gareth and I."

Putting my hands on my hips, I shake my head. "Really, mom. Do none of you have any respect for me? I'm always the last to know anything. And even if you didn't know, you know now. And I'm not being shoved out again. I'm a part of this family as much as anyone else."

She raises her head, quiet tears spilling. "Is that so, Rylee? Is that why you are moving out?"

I stare at her in shock. "What? How do you know?"

Mom says nothing, only giving me a sad smile. It takes a few seconds for it to click when I realize the truth.

Asher fucking told them.

Chapter twenty-two

Hurtfillsme,hittingme in places I didn't even know existed anymore.

"Asher told you," I state.

Mom nods, her own pain evident. "He did. And, from what I can see in your car out front, you're leaving today."

I can feel tears threatening to break loose as I swallow them back.

"Let me get this straight," I start. "You knew I was running away but you didn't come home or contact me. But Gareth's two bastard sons randomly turn up and you guys come running?"

She wipes away her fallen tears, scoffing. "Rylee, please. This is different."

"How is it different?" I ask, slightly louder as frustration starts to burn me from the inside out.

"Because you always do this!" she yells, shocking me. "You act out, trying to get attention. I can't spend my life constantly worrying about your reckless plans. You're an adult now, and I've tried countless times to save you. But, you refuse to help yourself."

My lip quivers, my hand slapping over it. "You think I'm leaving for attention?" I ask in a low voice.

Mom throws her hands up. "It seems like it. You've been acting out ever since your dad died. I'm sorry that you miss him, because I do too. But you need to move on."

Tears finally break the surface, my control wavering. "You're kidding, right?" I choke out. "I'm leaving because no one gives a shit about me here. You're off buying fucking ranches and spending dad's money, while I have nothing. You all treat me like I'm some broken doll, constantly reminding me that I'm not good enough. Comparing me to Asher. Just be honest, you wish I was like him!"

"This is what I mean," she cries out. "You resent the fact I moved on. You could too, if you justtried."

"I can't move on," I say through tears. "Because, every time I get the slightest bit happy, I'm back in that car. You wouldn't understand… you weren't there. You didn't have to watch dad take his last breath. You didn't have to hear the sounds and screams I did. You don't have to live with the guilt every goddamn day. You got to grieve normally, then get a second chance. I don't get second chances, mom! I'm still there, laying in the wreck. I'm still living with the memories. You should be thankful you don't have to."

Mom sobs, covering her face. My own sobs break loose, emotions I have tried so hard to hold back finally giving up.

My chest hurts and I'm losing control. Years of perfected walls, falling down. I can't stop it.

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