My vision goes black as Cage’s words filter through my brain. She’s going to fucking sell her? It’s bad enough that she’s fucking abused her for the past two years, but to sell her too?
I storm toward the house, my father hot on my heels. “Take a deep breath, John,” he instructs, but I’m too fucking pissed to do that. “We have no proof that she’s doing this. Nothing that’s admissible in court. John. Think.” He grips my arm and pulls me to a stop, just meters away from the door.
“What?” I bark.
“That woman is Reli’s guardian; you’ve taken her from her care. That’s kidnapping. Right now, we have to play this right, otherwise if that bitch calls the police, she could end up having Reli back and we can’t have that.”
Fuck. He’s right.
“What do you propose I do?” I ask him, my head too fucking messed up to think straight.
“Kill her,” Lance comments from behind.
Dad glares at him. “I’ve been working on making sure that Talia can’t take her,” he tells me. “Son, I’m asking you please, to let me talk to her first.”
What the fuck?
“Trust me, please,” he pleads and I relent by nodding. “Thank you; as soon as I get what we need, you can talk to her.” He holds his hand out to Cohen, who hands him some papers.
I step back and allow him to walk ahead of me. I move so that I’m away from view, as do the rest of my brothers and Lance.
Dad knocks on the door and we wait for a few tense moments until she opens the door. “Hello, Talia.” Dad’s voice is dark and full of aggression; I can’t remember the last time I heard him this angry.
“Markus,” she responds cheerfully. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Cut the shit. We both know why I’m here.”
Talia laughs. “So the little bitch ran to you. I should have known. What lies did she tell you?”
Dad reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. “She didn’t have to tell me anything. The doctors have detailed notes on all the broken bones and injuries that Yoreli has sustained while in your care.”
“There’s no proof that I’m the cause of her injuries. She’s very clumsy. Besides, what is it to you?” The bitch has some gall. She really doesn’t give a shit.
“You’re going to sign this; it gives Sharon and I guardianship over Yoreli,” Dad says, handing her the papers he has in his hand.
She laughs once again. “And why should I sign them? I should call the cops and have you arrested for kidnapping.”
“Call them; I’m sure they’d love to hear this,” Dad says as he does something on his phone. Next thing, Talia’s voice fills the air.
“She’s gone…. Yes, I know what we had arranged, but she’s not here!” I realize that Dad’s playing a recording of her phone call. “I’ll find her… I said I would… Look, I’ll find her and then you can pay me the two hundred thousand dollars and then she’s yours to do as you please.”
My anger resurfaces as I hear her words. She was selling her for two hundred thousand dollars.
“I’m sure the police would love to know that you’re trying to sell your step-daughter.”
“You bastard.” She gasps. “Give me the damn papers.”
Finally, I start to relax; she’s going to sign them. She’s not going to get her hands on Reli ever again.
“You come near Yoreli again, Talia, and I’ll make you wish you’d never met Paul. He fucking loved you, and this is how you treated his daughter.”
She barks out a fake laugh. “Oh, this is priceless. I didn’t love that bastard, he only cared about that stupid bitch. I was with him for his money.”
“I’m done here. Heed my words, Talia. Leave Yoreli alone.” Dad turns and walks away; it’s my turn now.
“You!” She gasps when she sees me. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I should probably introduce myself,” I say as my brothers move so that they’re now in view. “I’m John Princeton.” Her eyes widen as she realizes who I am.