Page 153 of Damián

I turn my head without lowering the gun and see that the one standing in the threshold, watching the show with amusement, is Elijah.

“Father—” Rafael starts, but Elijah cuts him off by raising his hand.

“I don’t want to hear it.” He walks toward me and holds out his hand, asking for the gun.

I glance at Oliver, and he nods, so I flip the gun around and hand it to Elijah.

“I know you wanted the seat.” Elijah takes the weapon and closes the distance to Rafael. “But how can you expect me to put someone in charge who isn’t even competent enough—” He lifts the gun and hits Rafael across the face with it “—to pick capable men!”

Rafael groans, his hands flying to his bleeding face.

I immediately look at Oliver, hoping to see that he is okay, but he looks numb. Maybe even bored, completely undisturbed by this scene.

And I don’t know what to do, how to react, or if I even should.

As if he were reading my thoughts, Oliver looks at me and shakes his head, so I stay completely still in my place.

“B-but Oliver—” Rafael stammers.

Elijah grabs Rafael by the throat and pulls him close. “Oliver picked right.” He squeezes tighter. “I suggest you stop meddling in your brother’s life and concentrate on knowing your place.”

Elijah pushes Rafael back, letting him go. Rafael stumbles back and turns for the door, but Elijah’s voice stops him dead.

“Rafael… Kill these men, and pick better next time.”

What the fuck…

Rafael nods and glares at me on his way out.

“What do you want, Father?” Oliver asks, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms.

“To see how you are settling in,” he smiles, and that is even creepier than when he is violent. “I am proud to see you are doing just how I thought you would.”

“Of course, I am doing well. I am your son.”

Elijah laughs, pleased.

Then, a second later, four men enter carrying a bundle of sheets. Without a single word, they drop them on the floor next to the unconscious guards.

“Your stepmom and I are going to Switzerland,” Elijah says.

“Oh, you’re visiting Clara?” Oliver asks, completely unfazed as the men wrap the sheets around the unconscious guards.

“Yes. We’ll be gone for two weeks.” Elijah takes a step back, moving out of the way so the men can haul the bodies out the door. “If you need anything, just call.”

“Will do,” Oliver replies. “Anything else? Because I have a business to run.”

Elijah smiles, nods toward me, and leaves.

Oliver walks to the door, closes it, locks it, and collapses onto the floor.

I run to his side, carry him to my lap, and hug him as he sobs against my chest.

“It’s okay, mi cielo. I’m here.” I kiss his forehead and close my eyes. “I got you.”

And I do… because I don’t care what I have to do. I will make sure this man gets out of this darkness and gets to live the life he deserves.

CHAPTER 18