Their Time.

Chapter 17 - Truthful

Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, my school year is finally over so I will be updating a lot more than before.

When I walk into the kitchen to get something to eat, my stomach grumbles as if it has heard my thoughts.

Getting the components for a yogurt-topped fruit dish. I cut up strawberries, blueberries, and cherries then combine them with the yogurt in a bowl and mix.

I had to search the pantry for 5 minutes just to find the granola and other nuts. I crush them down into smaller pieces and toss them into the mixing bowl. I get a bottle of water and take a seat on the island to enjoy my meal.

I decide to go outside in the garden after I'm finished. It's really lovely outside. Though I'm curious about Holden's whereabouts, I haven't seen him yet. I haven't been awake for a long time.

Whatever the case may be, I make sure I have my phone and book before stepping out the doors and into the garden.

Why are there so many people standing around? I'll have to remind myself to ask Holden about it. It's a little creepy, to be honest, like why are there so many large men standing around the estate?

I walk along the path to the garden's center, where there are benches and swings. I took a seat on a bench and began my book.

I started hearing movement in the bushes and soft whispered murmurs about a half-hour into my reading.

I stepped up and took out my phone after closing my book. I sent Holden a text wondering if anyone was supposed to be in the garden today.

When I got a 'no why?' response, I started to freak out. He answers by stating he's on his way with Lynx after I tell him what I'm hearing. My phone dies, thus I don't respond.

You've got to be fooling me right now. Couldn't have died at a more inopportune moment?

I put it in my pocket and take out my book, hoping it would assist in some way, though I'm not sure how.

I turned around as I heard heavy footsteps and raised my book to fight the individual.

I begin slamming my book wherever I can reach as soon as they appear. He thuds to the ground after receiving a moan. 

I was about to restart when I heard a familiar voice calling my name from behind me. When I turned around, I spotted Holden.

I looked back at the individual, perplexed as to why he seemed so calm yet amused, only to see Lynx.

"Are you okay, omg? I didn't realize it was you, but the bushes are that way now that I think about it." I say, becoming increasingly ashamed as I speak.

"It's ok; my apologies for not identifying myself. But why a book? That fucking hurt like hell." While answering, he stands up.

He sighed with relief as he felt Holden grab my hips and pull me into him. "Did you see anyone other than Lynx and me?" He inquired.

"All those enormous males that stand like statues, that's what I'm talking about. What are they up to, to speak about them?" He clenches his fists in response to my question.

"Let's have a conversation inside." He informs me before grabbing my hand in his and leading us into the house.

I knew I'd have to inform her as soon as possible. But I didn't expect to have to do so today. Oh, no. I take her into my office to have a conversation with her.

I hold her hand as we sit on the couch facing each other, seeking some type of physical contact from her right now.

"I haven't been entirely truthful with you. I didn't tell you everything because I was afraid you'd leave me. I know it's not fair, but I can't bear the idea of you being afraid of me." I'll begin.

Her expression changes to one of bewilderment, but she remains silent. That gives me permission to proceed, so I do.

"It wasn't just anyone that killed my parents, and it wasn't an accident. One day, we were all at home, enjoying the weather and eating lunch outside. Until six men barged into the yard and grabbed my father, mother, and sister."

She interrupts me before I can continue. "You have a sister?"

I corrected her before continuing on. "Had. Two of the six held me and Tia so we wouldn't get in the way. She was older than me by 5 years. I was just 10. I had no clue what was happening. She did. She knew the family secret and who these men were. So she fought and fought hard, only to lead to one of them slicing her throat to shut her up."

"I'm very sorry, Holden," she says.

"After they pulled her body away, there's more. My mother was once taken captive by the men who formerly held Tia so that the others may beat up on my father. I was perplexed as to why they were acting in this manner. I was terrified. They stabbed my father numerous times after shattering his jaw, two ribs, and dislocating his shoulder. They wanted him to die slowly. Meanwhile, the other men were caressing, molesting, and abusing my mother before snapping her neck. I've always been curious as to why they didn't kill me as well. Why did you keep me alive?"

By the time I ended talking, my hands were trembling, and I needed a break. I left the gore scenes out since I knew she didn't need to hear them.

She keeps silent, just holding my hand and rubbing her thumb across the top, giving me some space.

I go on, "My uncle must have sensed they were in trouble since he arrived shortly after they had left. He discovered me wailing over my mother's body. He drove me to his house, washed me, fed me, and put me to sleep. He told me everything the next morning. My family has been a part of the Russian Mafia for decades, and I'm the next don. How the Italians have always been our adversary and have attempted to assassinate our family on several occasions."