Mackenzie

While Logan naps, I busy myself in the kitchen. I take my first batch of chocolate chip cookies from the oven, replacing it with a second tray, then set the timer.

When Theo’s phone rings, I ignore it. But after the third attempt, I pick up, not wanting the constant buzzing to wake Logan.

“Mackenzie?” My mom’s raspy voice sends a chill down my spine.

“How did you get this number?”

“Don’t be rude. I came to visit you. To meet my granddaughter.”

“You’re here?” I glance around the room nervously, like she somehow teleported into the room. That was my irrational fear with her, I always felt like she was around, hovering over me, listening to every conversation.

I shake it off, knowing she couldn’t get past Theo’s security system.

“Let me in, Mackenzie.”

“Logan’s napping. It’s not a good time.”

“It’s never a good time,” she whines into the phone, her voice slightly slurred. “I brought her a gift.”

Shit.

“I’ll come down.”

I hang up before she has the chance to argue. There’s no way I’m letting her up here, or anywhere near Logan. It sounds callous, I know. But the whole‘honor your parents’ and all that crap is a bunch of bullshit. The woman is toxic. If it weren’t for her and her terrible choice in men, I wouldn’t be in this Stefano situation.

When I open the back door and see her pale, gaunt face, and the deep lines etched into her tired face, my stomach does a little flip. A sliver of guilt wedges its way into my conscience. Despite everything, she’s still my mom. She’s not evil like Stefano, she’s just selfish, narcissistic…weak.

“Hi, Mom.”

“You look awful,” she says, reaching out to touch the bruise on my face. “Did that boy hurt you? I always knew he was no good.”

“It wasn’t Theo.” I push her hand away and sigh. I almost tell her about Stef, and let her know what an asshole the man truly is. But what’s the point? She never believed me where he was concerned. “You said you have something?”

She frowns, looking over my shoulder and up the stairs. “You’re really not going to let me in?”

“Logan’s sleeping, and I don’t feel comfortable having guests over when Theo isn’t home.”

“I’m not a guest. I’m your mother.” She sounds indignant.

“What do you want, Mom?” My head begins to hurt, and my good mood is starting to turn sour.

“You’re doing well. Got yourself all set up here.” Her eyes light up like it’s fucking Christmas morning when she nods at Theo’s GT350. “Time to repay the debt you owe me.”

I should have known this was about money.

“I don’t owe you anything. Don’t come back here again.”

I start to shut the door. Her fingers snake out, grabbing my wrist so tightly her nails dig into my flesh. I watch her expression turn to one of rage.

“You selfish little whore. After everything I’ve done for you.” Her other hand strikes me hard across the same cheek that’s already bruised, and I see stars.

“That’s enough, Terri. We don’t want to damage the goods. At least, until we receive payment.” Stefano steps from the shadows, a gun pointed at my head. “I told you the bitch wouldn’t cooperate without a little motivation.”

“What have you done?” I look at my crazy mother, fear rolling over me, my mind spinning.

“Put the gun away, Stef. She’ll come with us.” She tightens her grip on my arm. “Won’t you, darling?”

“Just get the damn kid, and let’s get out of here.”

“No.” I step out of the doorway, letting the heavy metal slam behind me, and hearing the click of the lock. “I won’t let you hurt her.”

My mom drops my arm and rushes to the door, yanking on it with no success. “You stupid girl.”

A click of metal and the gun is at my head.

“We don’t have time for this shit. Get her in the car.” Stefano nudges me with the gun.

My heart is pounding in my ears.

“You can’t let him do this,” I plead with my mom, whose eyes are wide, looking between Stef and me.

“Just keep your mouth shut. He won’t hurt you. We just want our money.”

“Your money?” Tears are streaming down my cheeks. The betrayal of what she’s done, of what she’s doing, is too much for me to process.

“No more talking,” Stef growls.

Something hard hits the back of my head. I collapse on the pavement and the world goes dark.