Page 39 of Unfettered

The words flow over me, through me. A reminder of a time when I needed pretty sayings. But I don’t need them right now. Not with his hand on my shoulder. That is what gives me strength. Still, I force myself to nod, to accept the teachings of a man far wiser than I am. Perhaps one day it will sink in. But for now, I’ll do what I always do: protect those I love.

Tennant’s eyes rove over me one more time, seemingly searching for any wavering of my resolve, but in this, there is none. Not when it comes to safeguarding those I care about, and seeking vengeance when one of mine has been harmed. With a slightly wary nod, he opens the door to the warehouse and we enter together.

The guards stand to careful attention at the sight of Tennant, and while I don’t miss the sneering looks they send in my direction, their faces carefully turn blank after barely a moment. I can feel the anger wafting from Daddy, and while part of me is gleeful, loving that someone is so protective of me, the other is ashamed.

I loathe that he’s seeing how hated I am. Isn’t it enough that I live it? Isn’t it enough that my mind conjures demons of the worst nightmares possible? But then to face open mockery in front of a man I’m coming to care for on a far deeper level than I thought was possible?

Before we get to the inner chamber where Robert is situated, Tennant stops me. His voice drops low as he asks, “Is it always this way?”

For a brief moment, I consider lying, but I don’t want to build our foundation on the grains of sand. Instead, I’ll give him the truth, hoping by doing so I’m creating a far stronger beginning for myself.

“No. This is actually mild.”

His expression becomes terrifyingly flat, and my heart beats faster, harder, at the thought of what I may have just started. For a moment, I want to argue on the guards’ behalf, but when I open my mouth, his eyes flash a warning that automatically has me backing down.

“I see. And it’s the same for Cristian?”

“Honestly, I think he has it worse than I do.”

I shrug, trying to pretend it doesn’t bother me, but it does. My Sweetheart isn’t at the point where he’ll try to stand up for himself. Neither am I, but at least I can ignore the pointed looks and muttered curses easier than Cristian can.

Roman’s heart came not just from Carter, but from Cristian too. And it’s why I’ll make sure to do whatever I can for this Council. Not only does my soulmate serve on it, but my Sweetheart’s son provides the heartbeat for us to revolve around. Death and Life entwined…with Carter’s wisdom serving to balance the two of them.

The frown doesn’t leave Tennant’s face until he opens the door to the torture chamber. At that point, it’s easy for both of us to shift into our personas. The ones we’ve both learned over the years, and I’m once again reminded why he was such an exalted Second. Cristian truly was lucky to have him.

The man strung up is familiar to me. Robert. I shove my fury down, but cannot let it go completely. Not with the way he sneers at me, despite how the metal manacles on his wrists must be biting in, or how it’s keeping him balanced on his toes.

“Ah, the not so mighty Il Padrone finally comes to visit me. Although, what do you go by now? Considering you’ve been stripped of all your power, and have left your allies weak. You made it easy for me.”

“Do I seem weak to you?” I ask, mildly amused.

Considering everything I’ve been through, that seems a rather foolish assumption to make, but this is a man who puts more precedence in titles than someone’s character. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have fucked with Sarah.

He scoffs, his nose wrinkling up in distaste. “What else would you call it? The Martellis are no more. Finally. And soon, the Council will be crushed as well.”

“Hmm… You seem to have quite the accumulation of knowledge. Exactly how did you reach those conclusions?” I fire back, rocking onto my heels as if I’m not concerned, when really, fury burns inside my gut.

“You’re not the only one with reach. In fact, I have far more than you now. And if you’re smart, you’ll let me go. Kill me and the Senator will come down on you like nothing else.”

I snort and wave his statement away. “He’s welcome to try. Many have before.”

“And yet, it appears that they’re succeeding.” His smug grin mocks me, but I don’t blink. “And soon, that whore of yours will finally be thrown out of my hospital.”

Without any thought, I immediately backhand him. A punch would have felt better, but it was the most demeaning action possible to the asshole. How dare he call Sarah a whore?

Tennant rests a hand on my shoulder, drawing me back to myself when I realize I’m vibrating with the force of my anger and disgust. Breathing out, I note that Robert’s at least watching me warily. About. Fucking. Time.

“I wouldn’t insult Dr. Ranlen,” Tennant says smoothly. “She’s far above you. And we do protect our own.”

“And that’s the problem! She’s a faithful dog to criminals, and you integrated her within the hospital, sullying our reputation. With as much blood as we see, as much suffering, it’s horrifying that we allow our reputation to be smeared with such an association.” With a vicious grin, he gloats, “But that will end at the next board meeting. Finally.”

I shake my head, unable to believe his words. He’s the newest board member, and I never had him investigated. I’m regretting that now.

“She wouldn’t have to work at all if she didn’t want to, but she chose to do it because she believes in helping her patients and the community. It would have made my life far easier had she chosen to be in my care full time. The board has always backed her because she pulls in major donors and grants. You think manufacturing some charges will really work?”

“I know it will. The Senator has assured me he’ll donate enough for a new wing to be named in his honor. And with that, I can start campaigning to be the Head of the board.”

Recoiling, I share a look of disgust with Tennant, muttering, “And this guy thinks I’m pretentious? Never once have I donated money with the expectation of having my name on anything…”