Chapter Twenty-Two

Lyrical

I open the door of my childhood home and walk to the living room, spotting my mother reading a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I haven't stepped foot in here in several months, but I note that my mother has kept the smell of lavender in the air. I eye the new furniture my parents now have: leather brown couches and matching end tables.

I clear my throat. "Hi, Mother."

I haven't heard from her since our phone call, and I have to admit, I've been avoiding her because she wants to speak about planning the wedding.

"Lyrical. Did you get my text messages about the wedding?"

I shake my head. "No, I haven't. I've been busy," I lie. "I'm here to see Dad. Where is he? He's not answering his phone."

"Clemon is in his study, dear. Next week, I need your approval on what type of cake you would like."

"You can pick it ou—"

"I hope we will use this time as bonding. We barely spend time together anymore, especially after you started this semester."

Shame washes over me like a tidal wave, knowing I let her down. We never talked about the car accident, even when I stayed locked up in my room all summer after rehab.

"Okay, Mother. We can have lunch next week and speak more about the wedding."

She waltzes up to me, bringing me in for a hug. I squeeze her tight. I do miss her so much. Her fruity perfume engulfs me.

Turning on my heel, I head upstairs, open the door to my father's study, and find my father typing away on his computer. My phone rings and Snow's name pops up on the screen, but I hit the Decline button. I don't want to deal with his shit right now.

I'm so tired of him dictating what I do. Controlling my every move.

"Father." I clear my throat.

"Hey, sweetheart." He pushes himself from the chair, walks toward me to give me a hug, and drops a kiss on my forehead.

I flop into the leather chair in front of his desk. "How come you're not picking up your phone?"

"Busy with work." He sits on the edge of the table. "What brings you here?"

I pull out a picture of Bailey and the guy, handing it to him.

"You recognize this tattoo?"

My father's face scrunches up, and he nods. "Where did you get this picture from?"

"Bailey's stuff. She was seeing the man in this photo."

"He's part of the mafia in South Haven. They sex traffic women. It's their symbol, but since his is marked out, it means he was kicked out of the organization."

I frown.

"We don't allow membership at the club to them. The last time we had one of their members there, they were kidnapping college girls from North Haven and selling them off. They got busted with the FBI. We had no idea."

"When did this happen?"

"Four years ago, the semester before you started. That's why I told you to wait before starting college. I was worried they might traffic you," he tells me. "So, you're saying Bailey was dating this guy?"

I nod. "I think he abused her, and she was worried he was stalking her. I found some disturbing pictures she had drawn. I think our accident was set up because I remember getting pulled over by a cop, but I don't remember what happened after he reached my window. Next thing I know, I'm in a hospital bed and told I was in a car accident."

"Are you sure you were drugged? You and Bailey used to take substances."

"How did you know that?"

"You don't think I know what goes on with you? I know everything about you, I don't let you know because I want you to trust me."

I sigh. "Father, I was drugged. We were both drugged and no one believes me. Not even Snow."

"If you say you were, I believe you. Let me look into your medical records. I know a few people who work with the North Haven police department. I'll see if I can find the guy."

"Don't tell Mother about this. I love her but I don't want her to have any part of this."

"Okay. If I find out someone was after Bailey or you, I'm going to make them pay."

My father never gave me the impression that he killed people. They aren't allowed to speak about it to their family and loved ones.

"Do you kill people? Have you ever killed someone?"

My father sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "What makes you ask that?"

I want to say Snow, but I also don't want to rat him out.

"I heard things about Snow's dad and the other owners."

He grabs my hand. "Listen, sometimes I have to do wh—"

"I'm not spooked, Dad. If you do, I want the truth."

He sighs. "Yeah, I do. Not because I want to, but because I have to, and I'll kill for you and your mother if I have to. I have killed for your mother before, and I'll do it again. I'm not ashamed of what I do or did, sweetheart."

I nod as he clears his throat.

Snow sends me a message in that moment.

Snow: You need to come home.

I roll my eyes and shoot him a message.

Me: No.

Snow: It wasn't an option. Come home now.

Me: Hell. No.

Snow: If you don't show up, I'm going to turn your ass black and blue.

His words turn me on. I like the dirty shit he does to me, and I want to be punished—but at the same time, I need to stand my ground with him. I don't have to bow down to him or any man.

Me: Do your worst.

Snow: *devil emoji*

I say my goodbyes to my father and give him a big hug, then I leave my parents' home.

Once I make it to the farmhouse, I kick off my shoes and set them on the rack. Needing something to eat, I head to the kitchen.

Just then, Snow flips on the light switch, stalks up to me, and tosses me over his shoulder.

"It's time to play, Blue."