B - stard (Royal Bastards MC) - Sapphire Knight Page 0,45

tiny self.

My father jerks his cell from his inside breast pocket, pressing a speed dial. The person on the other end must answer instantly as he barks, “Marissa!” That one word is all I need to hear to know what’s about to happen.

An older, dark haired woman dressed business casual descends the jet’s stairs with grace. I recognize her immediately as my father’s personal doctor. She’s with him at all times when he’s busy campaigning to make sure he remains as healthy as possible. The traveling, germs, weather, and everything else combined takes a serious toll on the body.

“Please,” he waves toward my sister.

Marissa reaches into her slacks, coming back with a shot. She plucks the plastic protector off the needle and adjusts the plunger.

“I hate you all!” Madison shrieks in outrage, vibrating with fury.

Marissa coos, attempting to come off as soothing. “Shh, darling, this will help you relax. We don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

Powerhouse and my father’s man both struggle to hold my sister still for the doctor. Marissa somehow squeezes in, sinking the shot into my sister’s thigh. Madison wails during the entire process, and my stomach spins with unease, making me want to puke. None of this should’ve ever happened.

One quick glance at Blow shows he’s about to lose it himself. He won’t do anything until Ripper gives him the okay, though. I think that’s the only thing saving anyone from him right now—his respect and loyalty for his president.

My sister grows quiet within moments, her body becoming limp. Powerhouse looks to Ripper before handing her over. Once he has the okay from his prez, Madison is exchanged and is instantly carried to the jet. Marissa follows behind. She’ll monitor my sister, checking her vitals and such once they get her laid down on the plane. I know Madison will be taken care of, but it still has my heart racing for her. I hate that this happened and especially like this. My stubborn younger sister will hold a grudge against me for who knows how long.

The tears I’d been fighting trail down my cheeks. It makes me sick seeing my sister so distraught, and knowing I’m partially responsible for setting this exchange up claws up my insides. I’m overfilled with guilt and turmoil.

My father steps to me, drawing me into his arms. His spicy aftershave that I’ve sought comfort in so many times in the past, only makes me feel more nauseated. I can’t believe everything went this far today. It’s crushing to process. I’m in shock that he took it to this level. If she wanted to stay so badly, why didn’t he offer up security and just let her have her way? It doesn’t fit his narrative, but when is it ever going to be too much to him?

“I’ll make sure Madison gets the help she needs. Marissa will take good care of her. Once your sister is back around your mother, she’ll come to her senses. Don’t you worry about this anymore, honey.”

I nod, sniffling. I don’t believe that, though—not anymore. I won’t say it aloud after witnessing my sister get drugged to stop fighting for her freedom. I could be next at this rate, and that thought absolutely terrifies me. The person I’ve believed in just showed his true colors, and I can no longer place my trust in him. That revelation is life altering. I’ve always been a daddy’s girl; now, I can’t stand the sight of him.

He pulls back, holding my shoulders to meet my teary gaze. He offers me a smile, the kind one he’d often only share with me in the midst of his busy days. It always made me believe that I was his favorite. I was stupid. “Ripper tells me you’ve been enjoying it here. That’s good to hear, honey.”

I bite my cheek. There’s a lump in my throat that feels as big as a baseball. I offer a silent nod, not wanting to upset him and taste the repercussions. I’ve always thought that I knew my father completely, but apparently, I know nothing.

He squeezes my shoulders affectionately, the smile lines around his eyes crinkling. “After so much traveling, you deserve a chance to relax. I was planning on us having a celebration when you came home, but Ripper made another suggestion.”

I can feel the man in question’s gaze burning into me, but I don’t dare break eye contact with my father. If I show him any disrespect, he shuts down. He’s been like that