Stand Of Redemption(25)

“I had a date.” Ria licked her lips, trying to alleviate the dryness in her mouth.

His sardonic laugh had her wincing at how immature she sounded. “So I heard. You’re seeing Nicholas Brooks?”

“I’ve been out with him twice,” Ria confirmed. “I don’t think he’ll be asking me out again anytime soon.”

“Your date did not go well?”

Ria couldn’t believe the direction the conversation was taking.

“Not really. I guess I’m not his type.”

As Emiliano’s eyes traced over her body, Ria tried not to shift uncomfortably, conscious of her black slacks and cream-colored blouse.

“I don’t suppose you are.” Emiliano straightened, going back behind his desk. “I also was informed you’re working as a waitress in a bar. I was disappointed to hear that a family member has sunk to such a low level as to have men groping her while she serves them their drinks.”

“I needed the money until I could pass my paramedic test. I won’t have to do it much longer.”

“You’re right about that. I’ve already given your notice. I believe Chris will make sure that your boss knows you will not be returning.”

She took a step toward his desk. “If you hurt him—”

“He is fine, Ariel. Calm yourself.” His hard gaze pinned her in place. “I have a job that you can do for me. It will be much better suited for you, and I can guarantee that no one will touch you.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Why would you want to refuse? Unless you are enjoying having your body displayed for men’s enjoyment…”

“No. I told you it was only temporary.”

“Good, then you won’t miss it.”

“I guess not.” She had been trapped by her own words. “What job do you want me to do?”

“I have a vacancy in the organization that isn’t dangerous; it merely requires common sense. In return, I will care for your mother and see that you are moved into a much better apartment where I can keep an eye on your safety.”

“I want my mother back; that’s non-negotiable.”

“I wasn’t negotiating. Your mother will stay here because you’ve proven incapable of caring for her needs.”

Ria’s pride took a hit.

“I’m trying to undo the damage of years from your family’s abuse in a few months. So, no, I wasn’t doing a great job, but I was doing the best I could.”

His face became even colder. “Which wasn’t good enough. She was taken off drugs that she has taken for years without any medical back-up. She has been suffering needlessly. I’ve moved her to a facility that can ease her transition, which will be infinitely less painful and more humane.”

“Please, don’t put her back on the drugs. I’ll do whatever you want… please don’t.”

“Ariel, I will do what is best for her. Trust me.”

“Can I see her?”

“No. It will be best if you don’t until her treatment is completed. Now go home and pack. Mitchell will drive you to your new apartment.”

Ria could only nod. She had no other recourse as long as he had her mother. She turned toward the door when it opened and Mitchell stood waiting.

“Ariel.”

She glanced back at Emiliano.

“Don’t let me down.”

* * *

“I’ll kill you like I killed your mother!” Nick heard the voice as he tossed and turned in his sleep. The words were replaying over and over in his mind. Then a flash of a knife and blood were in his thoughts. A sense of calmness passed over him, knowing the threat was gone. It was then replaced with panic as he heard his name being called, creating an urgent need to run and hide.

Nick awoke from the nightmare, covered in sweat. When will the nightmares stop?

Nicholas thought back to the events that led to the beginning of his nightmares. He had been sixteen and had picked up Melanie from school that day. They had then gone to get their mother from the high school she had taught at.

Their mother had been a teacher at one of the rougher schools, but she had successfully obtained a grant to make the school safer, and they had celebrated her accomplishment the night before. She had asked Nick to pick up Melanie then her, so she could take them shopping for an upcoming spring break trip.

Nick recalled the circle of students—the universal sign of a fight occurring—when they had entered the building. He hadn’t thought much of it at first—it was a school known for violence—so there were fights every day. However, when he had looked over the crowd, he had seen his mother trying to stop the fight. He rushed to get to her and was just in time to watch the boy stab his mother with a knife.