Page 108 of Royal Desire

I let go of Ruby to go to her. I lean down to get in her face and force myself to ignore the stench. I’ve made this plea so many times throughout the years—before Dad was convicted and after. I’ve all but given up.

But this could be my opportunity. I have to go for it.

“If he comes here, I’ll deal with him. In the meantime, let me send you somewhere to get help. Prove to everyone that he didn’t break you. I’ll protect you from him, but I need you to do this. Do it for my future family.”

Her eyes flare. Her expression in her yellowing complexion falls. “Your family?”

“Yes.” I stand straight and turn to look into Ruby’s eyes. I’m not sure this could have played out worse, but I started it, so I need to finish. “Ruby and I are getting married and starting a family as soon as it happens.”

Mom gasps.

Ruby smiles. It’s small but I see it in her soul.

It’s a big, fat fucking yes to the shittiest marriage proposal in history.

I look back to the woman who is so far from perfection when it comes to anything, but especially anything maternal. She was selfish and weak and did nothing to protect me from my father.

But I’m not her. “The best thing you can do is prove that he didn’t break you. I proved it by coming home and running the business he built, and I do it better than he ever could. I took his house and vowed to live a life better than he did. The least you can do is try. If you don’t do it for yourself or to get back at him, then do it for me.”

She shakes her head and tears form in her eyes. “I don’t think I can. I’m not like you. I’m not good or strong.”

I continue to push her. Challenge her. “You have no idea unless you try. Commit to a month. I know where to take you. Hell, I researched places years ago. While you’re there, I’ll figure out what Dad is doing. He won’t be able to find you, let alone get to you.”

She puts her elbows to the marble, and her face falls to her hands.

“You can do this, Tallie,” Ruby says. “My mom ran away when I was twelve and never came back. But you’re here. It’s never too late for a mother to be a mom. Do it for Payne.”

Mom presses her trembling fingers into her eyes so hard, they turn white.

When I put my hand to her back, she trembles. “Try. That’s all you have to do. Just try.”

She nods.

It’s small, but it’s there.

It rocks my world.

My gaze shoots to Ruby. Her expression is as surprised as I feel.

I refuse to let Mom change her mind. “It’s settled. I’ll make the call. Go get cleaned up. I’ll pack your things.”

Her hands fall from her face, and she looks up at me through eyes more bloodshot than normal. “I’m scared.”

She should be. Hell, I am too. But I’m not about to tell her that. “It’s one of the best facilities on the West Coast. I wouldn’t send you anywhere but the best. I trust them to take care of you.”

She nods and stands on weak legs. “I’ll try. I can’t promise anything more.”

I put my hand to her back. “I’ll walk you up and start packing.”

As I usher my shuffling mother out of the kitchen, I glance back at Ruby. She brushes a tear from her cheek and mouths I love you.

I don’t know what the fuck kind of rollercoaster the big guy upstairs buckled me into, but it’s knocked me on my ass more than once. This is no different. I need this to happen.

I thought waking up every morning to see if she drank herself to death in the next room would be my life until it became a reality. This is something I stopped allowing myself to hope for a long time ago.

I’m damn sure not going to let her change her mind now.

Ruby