My mother’s alive. Where has she been?
Did I really care? For fourteen years, I had lived without her.
But Joseph, how could he be my step-brother? My heart broke into a million shards. He knew who I was.
He knew… And my sobs returned.
27
Track
“Get out! All of you… Get. Out!” Brynne slapped my hand away and ran for the bathroom. I followed, but she slammed the door in my face and locked it. There was a thump like she sat on the floor. And then more crying.
“Brynne.” I knocked rapidly. “Let me explain. Please let me explain.” Panic and fear pumped through my veins.
“Have you fallen in love with my daughter?” Tina asked accusingly. “I trusted you.”
I pressed my forehead on the door. “Please let me in, baby.”
“No.” Tina backed away. “Get him out of here, Raul. Get him out!”
I ignored them when I heard Brynne throwing up. I twisted the doorknob, desperate to get in there and help her.
“What do you need, boss?” Copper asked.
“Get him out of here,” Dad replied.
“I was talking to Track, VP. He’s in charge here when Bone is gone.” Fucking Copper, I owed him everything.
“The hell you say?” Dad hissed.
I glanced out of the corner of my eye. Dad was in Copper’s face; they seethed at each other.
Brynne gagged louder, and her wailing raked down my spine. She needed me like I needed her. “Goddammit, I will break this fucking door down,” I yelled, on the verge of losing what little control I had left. I needed to help her.
“I’ll say it again. What do you need, boss,” Copper asked in a more forceful tone.
“The key,” I told him. “Get me the key so I can go inside with her.”
“Done.” Copper left.
“She’s my daughter, Track. She needs me.” Tina came to my side, calmer than before.
“She needsme.” I stared at her, unyielding. “He will have to drag me out of here because I am not leaving my woman.”
“You son of a bitch! How could you betray us?” Dad shoved me away from the door and punched me in the face. Once. Twice. A third time. I didn’t react or defend myself. I deserved his fury.
“Nu-huh, VP.” Espada got between us and pointed his finger at my old man. “This ain’t your territory,ese. Stand down.”
Cash and Ryder joined Espada as a show of force. My boys. Damn, they made me proud.
“Fuck you!” Dad shouted. “Fuck all of you!” He turned toward me. “You and me. I want a sit down with Storm on the phone. Now!” He stalked out of the room.
“I got the key.” Copper returned and handed it to me.
I listened at the door. Brynne was silent.
“I’ll bring her out and give you some time together. Be gentle with her. This is a lot for anyone, but more so for her, because we’re in love. She’s my everything, Tina.”