Chapter 24

Taylor

 

“What do you mean?” I ask my dad, shocked by what he’s saying to me.

“It means that I don’t trust the people who are out for me. You are going back.”

I shake my head. There is no way I’m going back to Rome. I’m an adult! I’m sick of being treated like a child and told what to do.

“I’m not going. You can’t force me to go.” I cross my arms over my chest as the world around me slowly starts to sink into the darkness. I’m not leaving here.

“Then you will be left to fend for yourself. I won’t be paying for any of this, which means you will be on your own. I will not have security on you any longer! Whatever happens, happens,” he states in a matter of fact tone.

I see him more clearly now more than ever. The man who never wanted me. The man who despised his own child. The one who me blamed so easily for a death that couldn’t have been my fault.

“Fine!” I growl. I walk away from him, heading into my bedroom. I grab a small bag and toss some clothes in before walking back out to find him leaning smugly against the wall. The devilish look on his face pisses me off. I ignore him and reach down to pick up Minnie. I cuddle her to my chest before grabbing her bed.

“Glad you see things my way.” He grins. Arrogant bastard. He isn’t as smart as he likes to think he is.

“Your way? No, Dad. I don’t see anything your way. You threw me away when Mom died. You blamed me! I was just a kid! All I wanted was my dad and to be loved like any other kid!” Tears slowly fall down my cheeks as hurt overwhelms my heart.

“Oh, come on! You are an adult, Taylor! Why are you acting so childish?” He questions me.

I swipe at the tears on my face before I laugh. “You’re right. I’m an adult, and I don’t need your damn protection or your money!” I storm past him and out the door. He doesn’t come after me. Is that a good thing or bad? I didn’t really expect him to, but then again, he is my dad. I walk down the road suddenly feeling vulnerable.

I pull my phone out and debate calling Beth. I know she’s working right now. I could call Brooke. Yeah, I’ll call Brooke. I dial her number as I hold Minnie close to my chest. I’m all too aware that I feel insecure out here alone. I’ve never had to do anything like this. I’ve always been sheltered. Just like Mayhem said I was.

“Hey, Taylor!” Brooke answers happily.

“Hey. I need a favor. My dad just gave me an ultimatum. I kinda left,” I say softly, not sure how much to let her know, but I do know I can trust Brooke. She’s never given me a reason not to.

“Oh shit! Where are you? Are you ok? Do you want me to call Mayhem?” she asks quickly.

Do I want her to call him? No. No, I can’t see the look in his eyes anymore. He can’t be what I need. He is too lost in his past for that. Too lost to see me.

“No, don’t call him. Can you come get me? Maybe I can stay with you for a few days?” I hate asking. I don’t like asking for handouts from anyone. That was never my style but there really isn’t anything left for me to do.

“Of course! Text me the address. I’m leaving now.”

The line goes dead, and my heart picks up. Maybe this will be my new start. I can live without my dad’s money. I can live without all that comes with being his daughter.

I quickly text Brooke the address before sitting on the bench at the bus stop. I glance around at the people continuing on with their day as if nothing else is happening in the world. Maybe for them, there isn’t. My phone vibrates in my hands. I glance down and see a text from Mayhem.

Mayhem: Gotta go out of town for a while. Need to find myself again. I’m sorry I hurt you, Tay

My chest tightens as I read the message over and over again.

Taylor: I’m glad you’re trying to work yourself out. You deserve happiness.

Mayhem: I want you to come down in a few weeks. Will you think about it?

What the hell? Come down where? Why does he need me there?

Taylor: Why?

Mayhem: I don’t know, Tay. Just think about it, yeah?

Taylor: I will

I set the phone in my lap as I think about that. Why would he want me to come down there with him? The fact that he doesn’t know doesn’t sound too promising to me. I sigh before I look up and see two bikes flying toward me. As soon as they stop, Brooke jumps off one.

“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry! I tried to get the idiots to bring the truck! They wouldn’t. Are you ok?” She reaches for me, pulling me into a tight embrace. One that I welcome.

I sob into her shirt as she runs her hand up and down my back.

“It’s ok. Everything will be ok,” she says reassuringly.

“Thanks for coming.” I pull back. Brooke reaches up and wipes my cheeks with a smile.

“Let’s get you back to the clubhouse.” The word sends a chill up my spine.

“I thought I could stay with you at your place?” I ask feeling a little confused.

“I’m at the clubhouse most of the time. We’ll figure it out. If you want to, we can go back to my place.”

God, I feel like such an asshole for putting her in this position. It isn’t her fault that I’m a complete fuck up.

“Come on, darlin’. You’ll be safe with us,” Declan says, taking a step forward. I nod and take Monster’s extended hand.