Page 13 of Mad As Hell

It took everything in me to keep my expression placid while inside I was raging at this disgusting pig who had violated and abused my twin.

He moved closer, and the pungent stench of his aftershave filled my nostrils. “But your sister was always good at keeping secrets, so maybe you can be, too? I could make your life a lot easier.”

I turned as he reached for me, glaring at him with all the hate I could muster. “Touch me, and I’ll cut your dick off.”

He paused, and I stupidly let myself think my threat was enough of a deterrent.

But then he lunged forward and grabbed a fistful of my hair, and then wrenched my neck back.

“You ungrateful little cunt,” he hissed, spittle hitting my face.

My eyes watered as pain seared across my scalp. I choked on a gasp, trying not to show any emotion, but holy shit, it freaking hurt.

“Mr. Kindell!” a sharp voice snapped from the open door.

I managed to peer around him to see Mrs. Delancey standing there, her expression grave.

Adam released me and stepped back. “I was just checking on our little bird. It doesn’t look like her father broke her wings too badly.”

Mrs. Delancey’s gaze flicked to me. “I’m here to assess her to see if she can return to school. You can go.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed, his cheeks flushing. “Don’t forget who you work for.”

“I work for Mr. Cabot,” she asserted coolly, unimpressed by his warning. “And he instructed me to prepare Madison for her return to Pacific Cross.”

Her words settled in my brain as Adam huffed a breath and stomped across the room. He glared at Mrs. Delancey, who didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned, before he pushed past her.

She entered the room and closed the door before clasping her hands in front of her and looking me over.

“You know who I am?” I swallowed nervously.

She gave a curt nod. “I should have seen it from the beginning. Lord knows, maybe I did and I just didn’t want to consider it.”

“So, you knew I existed?” I whispered.

“I was there when your mother gave birth to you both. I brought Madelaine home and raised her until a nanny was brought in when she began school. Yes, I knew you existed. I also knew that, even with that wildcard of a mother, you got the better end of the deal.” Her lips pressed together in a flat line.

I slowly got up from the chair. “You have to help me get out of here.”

“And go where?” She seemed genuinely curious. “Where do you think you could run that Gary Cabot couldn’t reach?”

“I have no idea,” I answered, frustration heavy in my tone. “I’ll figure it out on the way. I just need to grab my mother—”

“Your mother should be the least of your concerns now.” She cut me off with a shake of her head. “No, your chances at a normal life went out the window the second you stepped on that plane to come here.”

My eyes narrowed. “Normal went out the window the first time my mom overdosed in front of me. Are you really not going to help me?”

“Do you think you’re the only one with something to lose?” She barely lifted a brow, but the chilly tone of her voice spoke volumes.

“He has something on you, too,” I muttered, running a hand through my long hair. It fell in loose waves down my back, and I wished like hell that someone had at least left me a hair-tie in the bathroom so I could pull it up. Though I supposed I was lucky I had a brush.

“My son has special needs. He requires round-the-clock supervision and care, and he gets both at the best facility in the world. Mr. Cabot arranges for me to visit monthly.”

“In exchange for your warden services?” I snarked, unable to help myself.

She barely blinked. “In exchange for whatever he needs. Raising his daughter, supervising his house, and any other tasks he requires that keep my son happy and safe.”

“Sorry,” I grumbled, knowing she wasn’t really the bad guy here. She was just as stuck as I was. Her son’s life, much like my mother’s, depended on making Gary Cabot happy.

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