Sweet Retribution (Rydeville High Elite #3)(26)

“Good call.” If I can’t protect Abby in person, I’m comforted knowing Drew can. An idea pops into my head. I can put a guy on Charlie. Someone to shadow him discreetly so I can see what he’s up to. And who knows? Maybe we’ll find some dirt we can use against him. While I’m at it, I’ll put someone on Abby too. They won’t be able to guard her too often because they won’t be able to shadow her in school or at Charlie’s house, but I like the idea of someone being close by in case I need backup, and he can tail her whenever she leaves the house.

I make a mental note to chat to Lauder about it in a while. His father has an expert team at his disposal. He got himself in deep with the wrong crew a few years back, and he’s had to watch his back ever since. The Lauders are well versed with taking protective details with them whenever they step out into the public domain. Lauder’s old man wanted to sic someone on him when we moved here, but it was too risky in case it gave the game away. I know Lauder has enjoyed not feeling someone breathing down his neck or watching him twenty-four-seven. Even though it would’ve come in handy when we were attacked at the airport.

“What about me?” Jackson asks. “I want to be involved.”

“You’ll act as back up to all of us, slotting in wherever you’re needed.” I’ll ask him to keep tabs on Abby in school, because I can’t risk being seen looking at her or engaging with her even if Abby threatens the other students into silence.

“In other words, you’ll be our bitch,” Rick jokes. Lauder flips him the bird, but he takes it in his stride.

“Rick and I will work on the plans for Atticus,” I confirm. I refuse to call him Father. He lost that right when he murdered our mother, brainwashed me into believing Abby was the devil’s spawn, and gave up our two youngest brothers for adoption.

Hunt shifts, his eyes narrowing. Dude never misses a thing. “What don’t we know?”

“Atticus killed our mom,” I say, forcing the words out of my mouth. “It wasn’t Hearst; although, he set the whole thing in motion.”

“What the fuck, bro?” Jackson’s jaw slackens.

“What are your plans for him?” Drew asks, his gaze dancing between Rick and me.

“We haven’t worked that out yet. We’re still processing.” Both our initial instincts were to end him, as soon as possible, but neither of us will do anything to jeopardize the main plan.

“Good.” Drew straightens up, adopting a grave expression. “I know what you’d like to do, but you need to hold back. Your father is a necessary cog in the wheel. We need him to continue to exert pressure on my father. He’s stressed with the upcoming vote, so let’s give him something else to worry about. We need him distracted enough not to pay attention to us so we can get to his board and get into the vault. If he’s preoccupied with other shit, we should pull it off.”

“You want us to play Atticus,” I surmise, and he nods.

“In what way?” Rick asks.

“You need to manipulate him. He thinks he’s square now with Hearst because he’s given him back everything he stole. You two need to convince him it’s not enough. There should be compensation. He should suffer for all the years you’ve suffered.” He smooths a hand over the top of his head. “Make it clear that Atticus has not gone away as a threat, so Father is looking over the other shoulder. I’m sure you get the gist.”

“We know what we need to do.” Rick and I exchange a knowing look. I’ll enjoy screwing over my father. He’ll think we’re completely on his side. When we’ll be setting him up for a fall.

And when the day of the vote arrives, he’ll see what happens when you cross family.

He will regret killing our mother.

And if he thinks he lost everything before, he’ll realize it’s fucking nothing compared to what we are going to take from him now.

Because he will have nothing and no one once we are through with him.

And D-day can’t come fast enough.





CHAPTER ELEVEN


Abby





I tiptoe into my bedroom, holding my breath, almost collapsing with relief when the sweet, soft rumbling sounds of snoring tickle my eardrums. Charlie is still passed out on top of my bed, oblivious to the fact I’ve been gone for hours.

I sneak into the bathroom, shed my clothes, and grab a quick shower, trying to pretend like my heart doesn’t feel like it’s been cut up with a machete.

I love spending time with Kai, and I was relieved to see he was okay, but it was painful too. Because every time we part, it gets harder and harder.

The truth is, Kai makes me weak.

Because I can’t shield my emotions around him. He knows me too well. Plus, I want to give in to them when I’m with him. I want him to cradle me in his strong arms, whisper reassurances in my ear, and let him carry some of the burden. But that is a luxury I can’t afford to indulge, and it’s the sweetest form of torment.

The other truth is, being with Kai makes me stronger. When I’m with him, I feel invincible. Like I can achieve anything with his hand in mine. With his infallible belief in my abilities.

And then he’s ripped away from me, and doubts creep in again, when I can’t allow them to. One false move is all it will take to bring everything tumbling down around me. And then we’re all up shit creek.