Redemption Road (Vicious Cycle #2)(63)

My hands momentarily hovered over the keys as I closed my eyes and mentally went over the opening of the song. Within seconds, it all came flooding back to me. My fingers hit the ivories and I began pounding out the opening of “Great Balls of Fire.” It was actually a song I had wanted to learn back in the day, especially since my parents hated me to do anything that wasn’t classical or tasteful. Regardless of the fact that he was a musical genius, it would be hard to argue that Jerry Lee himself was very tasteful.

As soon as the guys recognized what I was playing, a roar went up among them. I was treated to catcalls and whistles, which fueled me to play even harder. A pleasant warmth ran through me as I was mentally able to slide another piece into the puzzle that made up my former self.

I finished the song in a flourish. Strong applause rang through my ears, sending a flush to my cheeks of both embarrassment and pride.

When I dared to look over my shoulder at Bishop, I found him grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Damn, Uptown Girl. I’m sure as hell glad I didn’t put money on that. You would have owned my ass.”

I laughed at his summation. “Once again, I think I have to do a song just for you.”

Sweeping a hand to his chest, Bishop replied, “I’m touched.”

Although I would have loved to play “Uptown Girl” for him, I didn’t know it, so I had to settle for another Billy Joel classic, “Piano Man.” When he recognized the tune, Bishop clapped his hands in appreciation. “I need to get my lighter!” he shouted over the music.

As I laughed, I couldn’t help feeling more alive than I had in a long, long time. It was something about my converging worlds. If I was honest with myself, I probably felt more alive among Rev and his brothers than I ever had back in my old world.

“Annabel.”

At the sound of that voice, my fingers froze on the keys. No. This couldn’t be happening. Before panic could set in, I whirled around on the bench. Seeing him caused my chest to clench in agony.

“F-Father?”

He forced a smile to his face—one that didn’t reach his eyes. “You look well,” he said, as if he was surprised to find me in one piece or not covered in tattoos and piercings.

“I am well. Thank you.” I fought the urge to add, I’ve told you as much on the phone. But I didn’t.

His hands fidgeted with his gold cuff links. “Your mother is outside in the car. She wanted to wait to make sure you were all right before she came in.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at that statement. Of course she had refused to come inside. She probably thought she would get some disease simply from being around some of the Raiders.

It was then I knew I had to ask the question that was weighing heavily on my mind. “How did you find out where I was?”

My father didn’t answer. Instead, he glanced behind me at Rev. I pinched my eyes shut as the sudden horrible realization crashed down on me. It couldn’t be true. Rev wouldn’t do that. He respected my feelings on the subject of my parents. More than anything, he knew how much that would hurt me, how it would ruin every perfect thing between us.

Slowly, I turned around to face him. His ashen expression told me everything before he said, “I did. I called him.”

As his betrayal washed over me, I literally staggered back, my legs bumping into the piano bench. When Rev reached out to steady me, I slapped his hands away. “Don’t you dare touch me!” I hissed.

“Annabel, please.”

My mind spun with questions. What had Rev been thinking, calling my parents? How could he possibly not know how much I didn’t want to return to Virginia and my parents? After our time together, was it possible I had completely misjudged who he was? After taking several deep breaths and letting the initial shakes run through me, I regained my composure. There was no way in hell I would break down in front of all these people, nor would I go off on Rev in front of his brothers. Although I felt he had disrespected me in the worst way, I wouldn’t do the same to him.

Instead, I walked on trembling legs over to my father. “I’ll go get my things and meet you at the car.”

Relief flooded his face. I’m sure in his mind he had prepared himself for some kind of showdown in which he would have to resort to taking me kicking and screaming back to Virginia. But after what Rev had done, there was nothing left for me here, and certainly no reason to stay.

As I started for the back door, Alexandra came to my side. “Would you like some help?” she asked softly.

“No. I can get it myself.” When I looked over at her, I saw tears in her eyes.

“I don’t mind.”

I shook my head and reached over and hugged her. “Take care of yourself and the little man.”

She sniffled. “I will.” She pulled back to stare intently at me. “I don’t care what Rev did or how you feel about him. You do not have to go back with them. You would always have a home here.”

Her words touched me deeply because I knew they were sincere. Regardless of what Deacon or Rev might say, she would insist on having me stay. It was the truest example of a female friendship I had ever experienced. “I wish I could. But I can’t.”

After gently placing a hand on her belly, I kissed Alexandra’s cheek and walked out the door. The tremors that ricocheted through my body made it difficult to walk. I stumbled several times. I hadn’t made it halfway down the street before Rev chased me down. “Would you just stop for one minute to let me explain?”