Page 53 of Chase

“Ethan has always despised me, more so than any of the others.”

“This is ridiculous! That’s it, I’m putting security on you and we’re going to file a restraining order,” he says firmly, pulling me in tightly against him. “And I’m not arguing about this, Iz, it’s happening!”

I don’t have the energy or the inclination to fight him on this. I’m scared and if Theo can help to ease my terror, even if it means being followed about by someone, I’ll take it. I just hope it won’t last forever.

_____

Theo

After Izzy falls asleep, I’m straight on the phone to Daniel to try and organize someone to guard her. I will not risk her safety for another second. Daniel has the contacts for our clients’ security over here, so it will be faster to put him on this. As soon as I get someone, I’ll be making my way to London. I feel completely hungover with fatigue after my flight from the States, but right now, my rage is keeping my energy levels high enough to go and do what I should have done weeks ago. I’m doing it now while her trembling, frightened body is fixed clearly in my mind. What kind of scumbag beats up his little sister for no apparent reason?

A few hours later, someone who Daniel knows well comes to stand outside the house while I’m not here. Stella has been dropped back by the doggy daycare guy so I’m sure she can offer Izzy plenty of comfort until I’m back. Once I’m on the motorway, I’m back on the phone to Daniel, trying to find someone more permanent, someone Izzy will accept because she won’t be easy to work with if she doesn’t like the guy.

Less than an hour later and I’m pulling into the underground parking lot for the building owned by the Chase family…myfamily. I’ve never been here before, neither has Dad, not since before I was born. And yet, here I am, storming into the reception, demanding to see Ethan after having given them my name, highlighting my surname in particular.

The receptionist initially frowns with confusion, but when I arch my eyebrow, silently confirming that I am indeed related to the bastards on the top floor, she begins flustering with the telephone in between smiling awkwardly and offering me whatever drink she can think of. After which, she’s quick to get to her feet toescort me up to the top floor. At least the bastard has the balls to see me, for he must know why I’m here.

By the time we reach the top floor, the receptionist looks like she can’t get out of the enclosed space fast enough. I see Ethan’s door and inform her that I can take it from here. For a moment, she’s unsure as to what to do for the best, but when I show her the pure fury running through my body with eye contact alone, she nods her head and practically runs for the elevator before it closes.

I waste no time in marching up to burst through his door without knocking, glaring at his huge frame. He makes little to no movement, but stares back at me with a nasty sneer across his face.

“Afternoon, Theodore,” he says in a bitter tone of voice. To be fair, I’ve never heard him not speak with the sound of complete contempt oozing through his mouth. “How may I help you?”

“You know damn well how you can help me, asshole, you can stop intimidating my fiancée, you cowardly piece of shit.”

He laughs obnoxiously as he leans back in his chair; I flex my fists with an angry heat spreading through me. I would so dearly love to wipe that smile off his face.

“Did little Isobel go running to her big strong superhero?” He laughs before mocking a pout with his near non-existent lips. “It’s a pity you weren’t there when she really needed you. In fact,” he begins, then pauses, turning his head to the side as if in deep thought, “you never are there when it truly counts.”

“Perhaps because assholes like you wait until she’s alone and vulnerable,” I snap. “But just so you know, she will have security on her from now on. If you even think of coming near her again, they will have no qualms about beating the shit out of you.”

“Theo?” Craig’s voice sails through the room from behind me so I turn around to see his purple face pacing anxiously toward me. “What’s going on? Why are you in Ethan’s office?”

“Apparently your son likes to beat up vulnerable, defenseless young women, mainly your daughter,” I tell him through clenched teeth. “I am here to warn him that if he ever tries it again, there will be consequences.”

“Oh, son, you’re not talking about Isobel, are you?” Craig chuckles condescendingly and I think about how satisfying it would be to rip his arm off. “Is she cryingwolfagain?”

He pats me on the back, so I stand and tower over him, showing him that I do not find this funny at all.

“Look, Theo,” he begins, now appearing a little nervous over my intimidating frame, “Isobel did a similar thing when she was under Ethan’s care, about ten years ago. It’s just her little game, her little…rebellion.”

“What the fuck are you on, old man?” I scowl at him. “For starters, why was she ever in this psychopath’s care? And secondly, what makes you so sure she’s making it up?”

“You have met Isobel, haven’t you?” Ethan sneers. “Everything that leaves her mouth is false; she’s a walking joke!”

“Why the hell do you let him talk about her that way? You have never stuck up for her. If anyone’s a joke, it’s you!”

“Now, now, Theo, there’s no need to get riled up about it all,” Craig says as he gravitates toward his son, the hulk, so he can act tough from behind his rabid dog. “Isobel has always been difficult.”

“I saw the fucking bruises, cuts, as well as one hell of alump on the back of her head because this piece of filth slammed her into a wall!” I shout louder as my frustration builds to new heights.

“She’s more likely to have done it to herself than Ethan,” Craig says with his blinkers on.

“Really?! Either you are fucking stupid, or for whatever reason, you are vilifying your own flesh and blood. Well, congratulations, Uncle Craig, you have a spoilt princess of a daughter who bullies and belittles at any given opportunity and a psychopathic, abusive son. The only beautiful child you do have is the same one you and your family have been trying to destroy ever since she was a child. I don’t give a shit if you believe her or not, he does not go near her again!”

“There’s no need for this, Theo,” Craig practically begs, holding out his hand toward me, but I scoff at the sight of it.

“There will be a restraining order against Ethan, and Izzy will have protection, do you understand me?” I turn to leave before they can even answer, and march toward the door. However, at the last moment, I turn to face them with one last question upon my lips. “Before I go, can I just ask something? Something that has plagued me since I was ten years old. Why do you all hate her so much? What has that sweet, beautiful girl ever done to you?”

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