Here Lies a Saint (Here Lies #2) - C.L. Matthews Page 0,80
excusing myself.
I think of that night and every night after. That’s the most she’s touched me, and it’s unwanted to say the least. The Bridger news was new to me. He made it seem like they were fucking on the regular. Why did he lie?
Thinking of him and all the times he left to be with Melissa has me wondering where the fuck he was the entire time and why he used her as an excuse.
What was he doing?
Why am I getting an uncomfortable feeling about it too?
“There they are,” Colt says as we reach the boardroom in the north hall. It’s huge, one Father uses for his biggest meetings with international board members.
We creep forward, listening to them.
“What the hell are we supposed to do now?” Midas hisses at my father.
Tasha’s standing there, seemingly out of place.
I’ve heard things about Tasha, but nothing I can believe. They call her a shark, but sometimes, I think she’s more of a fish pretending to have big teeth.
“Where’d your daughter go?”
She shakes her head. “You act like I should know her every step, Midas.”
“Yeah, actually, I do fucking expect it.” Midas paces.
After they finish their little bitch fit, we walk in. My father’s eyes hone in on me, and before I can get a word out, he’s backhanding me in front of everyone.
Colt yells profanities while Tasha grabs her, and there’s a huge commotion.
“Not fucking here, Elijah,” Midas barks. Even the biggest fuck of them all has more manners than my own old man.
Coming toward me is Ross’s dad, Merit. His face is filled with disgust. “Hitting your son in front of others, especially us, that’s disgraceful.” He leaves, grabbing Ross who looks at me with pity.
That emotion is something I hate experiencing. Don’t pity me. I was born into a society with parents who hated me.
It’s not my fault they’re more interested in power or, in my mom’s case, death itself.
Midas touches my cheeks, and it’s insanity to see him being calm. His face softens, and it’s the most disturbing expression I’ve experienced. Like usual, I don’t rub my face or touch the bruise already forming.
Father loves his rings, that’s for sure.
Colt’s sobbing form is being held by her mother, who is in extreme shock. I’m not sure if that’s from the simple fact that she would never hurt Colt or that she’s surprised that my response is to stand straighter.
“Where the fuck is he?” my dad growls. It’s not a tone I’m unused to, but somehow, it’s more embarrassing than his usual since we’ve an audience.
Ten comes from the far back and grabs my arm. “Let’s go.”
I shake my head, and my dad looks at me with expectance. If I leave, it might be in a body bag later.
“Go, take Colt and Tasha with you,” I say.
He hides his fear and nods, masking better than I’ve ever seen. He cradles Colt’s face for a moment, kissing her face all over in a sweet gesture, one that’ll surely get him backlash. He obviously doesn’t care, and I’m grateful since Colt seems to settle a bit.
Once they’re gone and Bridger’s dad files out as well, I’m alone with Midas and my father. Midas nearly blocks me as Elijah gives me the scariest death glare.
I’ve seen him hateful. I experienced it my entire life, but this is different. One thing I’ve never understood is how I’ve never seen him raise a hand to Max or Noah, but I’ve always been the punching bag.
“Leave, Midas.”
“Not a chance. You’re not calm. The anger and resentment you’re feeling is for me, my decision, and my choice to go behind your back. It has nothing to do with your son.”
I’m so shocked at his words that my eyes prick, and it takes everything not the blink away the tears. Not ever in my life has anyone stood up to my dad, and now one of the most notorious and abusive men has.
He turns to me, blocking my father’s face from my view. “Go find Lennox, Jordan. I know you’re emotional right now, but the sooner he comes back, the easier this will be.”
None of this makes sense, not his kindness, his softness, or even that he’s not raging like my dad. Before Lux took Colt away, he was pissed. He looked ready to beat Lux into a bloody pulp, yet here he is, not looking anything like that man.
When I turn to go, my father hollers, “If you walk out that door, don’t come back here.”