AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s right,” I agreed. “But one didn’t live there for long, and the other...well, he did, but Saul moved out. It’s a long, complicated story.”
The two of them got quiet, only for Slade to shift his feet. “Maybe someday you can tell me everything that happened. When you’re ready. I’ve never asked, but I’d really like to know.” I could tell he was holding something back.
“Maybe someday.” Even as I said it, I’d already taken a step back.
“Lilian, I’m sorry, but I can’t help but ask. With all this talk of babies and knowing that things were far from great there…”
Another step back.
“Obviously you didn’t get pregnant or at least.” He paused. “I mean, did you? Or I guess what I’m trying to ask is—”
“Slade,” Mary hissed, “you can’t ask her that.”
“Well, if she was pregnant and one of the fuckers did something, I have a right to know. She just seems to know too much.” He turned back to me. “Did they hurt you? Were you ever pregnant?”
The door clicking closed had my eyes jerking to the doorway. I couldn’t contain my panic and it only grew as Zain walked forward with a surprised, yet hurt, expression on his face.
“You told them without me?”
My head shook and I wasn’t sure what he’d heard, but my Master’s presence and acknowledgement left my walls crumbling. It left the memories raw, real, as if I faced my loss all over again.
“So, it’s true? Who?” Slade roared. “Start talking. This should have been something I knew when you returned. Lilian, I could have helped you. Or…Jesus.”
My lips wouldn’t move. All I could do was hug myself tighter to fight the emptiness I felt every time I remembered. Sorrow overtook me as I watched a tear fall to the floor. Frustration mixed with sadness as he spun toward Zain. “You got her pregnant? Yes?”
I looked up to see Zain press his lips together, his face turning hard as he came to my side. Instead of answering Slade immediately, he angled my face up and cupped my cheek. The strength I clung to within myself flickered and pain overtook the cold stature I wore like a life vest. More tears escaped while he lowered and placed his forehead against mine. “I’m here now. Shh. No more crying. Hold me.”
As he spoke the words, I was already wrapping my arms around him. The barrier I’d made over my heart for protection against anymore hurt was gone, replaced with a wall of power I trusted more than my own. Zain pulled me directly in front of him and I let my chest merge with his. He wanted to protect me and I was upset enough to let him.
“That’s right. I got Lily pregnant. It wasn’t planned, but it happened. We were…happy when we found out.”
“Continue.”
Slade lost some of his anger as Mary’s voice broke through. “You have no right,” she said, quietly. “I know you’re protective of your sister, but you’re crossing the line. Can you not see it hurts her to relive this pain? Let it go. If she wants to tell you when she’s ready, allow her that. She has Zain to protect her now. Look at them. Look at him. He’s doing that.”
“I want to know who was responsible.” His tone was demanding, but a gentleness laced his words. “I have to know. Please. I feel like I don’t even know you anymore. You’re my sister, Lily. Your pain is mine. Just tell me what happened.”
Zain’s arms tightened and I turned to face Slade.
“I can’t.” I barely got the words out. That night had been the worst of all I could remember. The words that were spoken. The evil I’d seen come from behind his uncle’s eyes as his rage was unleashed on me and my unborn child was something I was sure I’d never recover from. Even now, I was trembling so badly I could barely stand.
“My uncle, Saul. Lily was almost ten weeks when…” He paused. “I didn’t think Lilian was going to make it. She was unconscious and barely breathing when I found her. I wasn’t there when it happened or else he’d be dead right now. He was smart enough to be gone when I got home and stayed away until recently. Now he’s back under my father’s roof and I have every intention of making him pay for what he did. You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t forgive and I sure as hell don’t forget. He’ll pay with his life, you have my word.”
Slade’s head lowered to stare at the floor. His face was like stone, his frame stiff with anger. When his eyes rose to mine, the mask he wore so well slid into place.
“I’m sorry about your loss. Even more sorry that I couldn’t comfort my sister when she needed it the most. That ends today. No more distance, Lilian. No more pulling away. We’re a family and from here on out, we stick together.” He turned his attention to Zain. “That goes for you, too. You’re one of us now. Anything you need. Anything. All you have to do is ask. Family?” His hand extended and Zain walked us forward as he reached over and shook it.
“Brothers.”
Chapter 26
Zain
The flight was mostly silent. Lily and I were both lost in our thoughts and the only comfort I got from the memories was the fact that she was curled into my side. As the scenes played out, I barely recalled how the mountains turned to hills and then became mountains again. The large estate brought me back to reality as we lowered to the helipad. Even the exit from the helicopter seemed surreal. It was as if I was still stuck in some dream state. The last few weeks had been more than what most people could take, and although I liked to think of myself as a strong person, the events had taken their toll. All I longed for was the one who I held close to my side as we entered the large mansion. Statues and large paintings decorated the space. My fingers pushed into her bicep as I led her past the entrance to greet the staff lined up before us.
“Ms. Roberts, it’s good to see you again. Mr. Collins, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Harold and I’m in charge of the staff. This is Mrs. Evans. She’s the main housekeeper.” He gestured to a short, older woman with gray hair. She reminded me of a grandmother, if I had ever had one. I liked her instantly. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled.
No one seemed to bat an eyelash at the fact that my slave’s face was immensely bruised. It was odd, but I pushed it away as Harold went over meal times and excused the rest of the staff.
