Page 134 of Watched

“You’re a stupid fucking kid, Rain. You really think you have any chance of winning this?”

Blade chuckles, Xander holding in a laugh. Placing the laptop aside on the coffee table, I lean forward. “Unless you want your wife and daughter to die, I’d watch your fucking mouth.”

He’s going to die tonight, and he knows it, I say good riddance to the fucking roach.

My heart thuds as the laptop chimes. Looking at the new message, I smile.

Unknown: Hello, Rain.

“Down!” Blade yells.

I grin at Graham as I drop to my stomach. His eyes barely have enough time to widen before the window shatters and his head kicks back.

“That’s what you get for beating your wife, you pathetic fuck,” I spit, watching crimson pour from the bullet wound in his head. Sliding the rifle out from under the sofa, I crawl forward and plaster myself against the wall, away from the windows.

“You really think he’s come here himself?” Xander asks from across the room just as a shot is fired, a piercing scream following.

“I know he has.”

I should’ve killed the sick fuck six years ago. I had never killed someone, though, and I wanted him rotting in a prison cell. I was egotistical then; I thought he’d never find out it was me. The only upside is the police investigation it started, but none of it has been worth the pain I’ve caused the people I care for. Still, Rome’s safe right now, and that’s all that matters to me in this moment.

Chapter fifty-four

ROME

“Rome,” Mum calls softly, from the corner of the couch. “Are you okay?” she asks, looking to my bouncing leg.

“Y-yeah.”

“It’s a good thing he won’t be getting out. Whatever lawyer Rain has proved to be very good.”

I nod and turn my attention to Kilah beside me, trying to find anything to distract me. I’d asked them to stay again tonight, and they were more than happy to keep me company.

My already aching chest tightens at the sight of the yellow bruise on Kilah’s left cheek. “How are you feeling, K?”

“Rome,” she groans. “Please stop feeling bad. You were out having fun for once. You didn’t know he was coming. You didn’t do this to me.”

“I didn’t protect you, Kilah.”

“Yes, you did. You always have.” Placing her cup on the coffee table, she tucks her hair behind her ears, exposing the healing scar on her hairline. Encasing my hand in both hers, she gives me a stern stare. “I’ve never seen you get violent, but when you saw what Dad did, you didn’t hesitant.”

“That’s not the point, Kilah.”

“It is. You can’t be everywhere at once. You deserve to be living your life. You’ve put everyone else first your entire life.”

“She’s right,” Mum agrees with a soft smile, tears spilling over her bottom lashes. “The day we brought the twins home when you were four, I remember you promising them you would protect them, and you have, Rome. I didn’t. Don’t blame yourself for something I should have done. I drove him to your house. The girls opened the door because of me.”

“You tried, Mum,” Kilah whispers. “You were fighting him the best you could.”

I grip Kilah’s trembling hands, ready to promise them a better life, but all our heads turn to Indie stepping down into the living room, with green goo all over her face.

“What?” she asks. “Why is everyone crying? Please don’t tell me Rome still feels bad.” Before anyone can speak, she points at me. “Stop feeling bad.” Kilah bursts out laughing and Indie hikes a hand on her hip. “Don’t be a bitch, K.”

“Your face,” Kilah wheezes.

“I’m trying out a new mask. When my face is glowing and radiant, you won’t be told what it is.”

“Honey.” Mum smiles. “Is that avocado?”