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Until my childhood friend Ollie ended up dead when Bear mistook him for his criminal brother. With my heart broken, I did what I never did and disobeyed my family.
All those years spent around the willful and wild O’Malley sisters—Siobhan and Carys—had likely rubbed off on me. After rounding up my fake ID, cash, and a bag of summer clothes, I headed for Key West.
Two hours into my escape, a torrential rainstorm forced me to exit the highway. I found a quiet bar, where I planned to ride out the bad weather. I’ve always suspected Andrew roofied my drink. I have no memory of meeting him or going to his house.
Before I could call a rideshare the next morning, my broken heart fell in love with two smiling babies abandoned by the people in their life. Unable to save Ollie, I had found my new purpose.
After Roman dismisses me, I return to the SUV to find Jacinda awake and staring at Leon. She smiles at the sight of me. Climbing in the back seat, I whisper how we’re going to my old house.
The Thibeaux Mansion hasn’t belonged to anyone with that name in a hundred years. Various power players have called it home. The massive house on pristine land is prime real estate in Banta City. The last three men to live there also ran the city’s crime syndicate.
In the front passenger seat, Leon texts on his phone as we arrive at the manned security gates. I peel my gaze from the sight of the mansion lit up ahead and focus on Jacinda next to me.
She’s such a beautiful, happy child. Jacinda and Hector charmed me immediately with their silly energy. I never want them to lose that spark, but expectations at Thibeaux Mansion can be oppressive.
As soon as the SUV parks on the circular driveway, the estate staff appears to help me with the children. Jacinda grips her Abby Cadabby doll and says hello to each person. Hector finally wakes up and hollers at the sight of so many people. Once he notices his sister talking, he wants to meet everyone.
“Big,” Hector says as we step into the three-story-high foyer.
The staff files past us, taking bags up the dual staircases to the living quarters.
I remember how much I adored my room when we first moved here. I thought I was a princess, and this was my castle. I quickly learned how every prize comes with a cost.
The clicking of my mother’s heels alerts me to her approach before the staff creates an opening to allow Katja to own the room. My mother is a beautiful woman, even as she reaches her sixties. Her shiny, fair blond hair has gone gracefully gray in places. Her makeup is impeccable as always. She wears black slacks and a cream cashmere top.
Her pale blue eyes hold no warmth at the sight of me. Tapping her right heel, she alerts the staff to vacate the space. They disappear like a flock of startled birds. Next to me, Leon seems stuck in robot mode. I see no humanity in him.
“Did you think your tatínek wasn’t aware you were shacked up in that dingy house with its shit-colored siding?” Katja says in a voice laced with her native Czechian accent. “Viktor allowed you to remain in that life out of pity. Next time, he won’t show such mercy, no matter how much I beg.”
“I understand.”
My mother’s stern expression warms. “Then, let’s get you settled in for the night. A doctor is waiting to check you and the children. The kitchen is ready to feed you. The staff has set up two child-sized beds inside your room. They can be moved to another location when your future is clearer.”
“Thank you.”
Rather than offer a hug, Katja turns away and leaves me in care of the staff. I’m soon standing in my old room. Everyone leaves except for a single woman.
“I am the night nanny,” she tells me in an accent so thick, I’d understand her better if she spoke Czech.
I don’t ask why my parents need a nanny. Siobhan hinted Petra was back in Banta City. Is my sister at the mansion now?
Once the nanny leaves, I look around and exhale deeply. Dropping to the ground, I hug my babies to me.
“Boo-boos,” Hector tells me as his fingers brush across my battered eye before touching his sister’s bruised throat. “Dad hurt me.”
“Yes, but we’re safe now.”
Jacinda looks around the room and licks her lips burned from Andrew’s rage. She shows Abby Cadabby how there are three beds.
“This was Mommy’s room when she was young. See, the pictures?” I ask and point toward a tackboard covered with photos. “The lady downstairs is my mommy. This was my house.”
Hector is quicker to explore. He sees his things from the suitcase set out around his bed. Jacinda sits on my leg and stares at me.
“Dad hurt us,” I tell her. “Dad’s gone now. We’re going to stay here. No more boo-boos.”
Jacinda hugs me and mumbles about her sore jaw. I kiss her lips and then her throat. She then kisses my eye and lip. Hector thinks he’s missing out and runs to us. We take turns kissing each other’s boo-boos, even the ones from the day at the park.
Rather than resting, we’re soon visited by the estate manager followed by the doctor. The night feels chaotic. Soup is ordered from the kitchen. Medicine is given to the kids. I skip pain pills to keep my mind sharp, but I still reel from all the activity around me.
