Her Lost Soul 2

Chapter 19

Once the dog comes back in I help Riley off the counter. I shut the door and we walk into the kitchen. Riley hugs Abigail as she cooks. "Honey, you scared me." Shit, I totally forgot to scold her for upsetting Abigail.
     "I love you."
     "Oh honey, I love you too." She kisses Riley's head and then Riley's off again. "Was she okay last night?"
"She was in a lot of pain. Your daughter is very insecure, I don't know how clear I can make things. She's so emotional at the moment."
"I imagine it's because of him honey, not because of you. He let her down, time and time again. Just keep reassuring her, that's all you can do."
I frown when I realise it stems from him, of course it does.
The doorbell goes and Abigail hurries out the door. I open the fridge and grab some apple juice. I find a glass and pour some in.
I notice Hayden sat reading the paper at the table. "Fucking hell, old man. You're a creeper."
He raises his eyebrow as he peers up at me. "You need to be more aware of your surrounding if you want to be a detective, mush."
Miley runs in and climbs on Hayden's lap. "What you reading, Pop's?"
"A newspaper." Tyler walks in and plops on a chair. I take a sip of my drink. "I like to read it so I know what's going on in the town."
He looks at me and I frown. Is James in the newspaper? I take the newspaper from him and scan it until I find the article. I set it on the table in front of Tyler so he can read it too.
Local man James Webber was arrested on Christmas Eve. It was reported that he was armed at the Christmas Fare.
Pete Dunkinson witnessed the event. At seven pm James openly forced himself on Riley Blake in the funhouse balcony.
Riley looked at him lovingly as he kissed her. She likes it rough. James leaped over the barrier pulling Riley with him.
The police say he's being questioned for attempted murder, rape, domestic violence.
I slam my fist on the table. "Riley looked at him with love? She was terrified! Will it harm her case that he's said she likes it rough?"
"Unless he's an actual witness in court, his comment to the press is invalid."
"Riley can't see this, Hayden. She will hate that her dark past is in the newspaper." He nods in agreement.
"Fucking Pete, I'll kick his arse. He's bloody old and he's obviously fuck my sister."
"I'm telling Mommy you said a bad word again." Hayden smirks and pats Miley's head.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you're a brat?" She pokes her tongue out at him.
"You shouldn't say bad words, Uncle Tyler."
"When do you think he will learn not to swear?" Hayden asks me. He probably will never learn, even if Riley finds out.
"Probably when Riley murders him," I shrug. He laughs loudly. I slide Hayden the newspaper back and walk to find my girl.
I wonder what trouble she's causing with her bad mood? I walk into the living room and I freeze at the scene before me.
Riley is topless on the couch next to the younger male doctor. "The fuck is this?" I growl. He has his hand on her tummy and she's looking most uncomfortable as she looks into my eyes.
   "Calm down, Honey, the Doctor is examining Riley," Abigail explains. She hastily pushes his hand away and I frown.
    "Calm down? He's touching my girlfriend topless." Riley rolls her eyes at my jealousy.
   "He's a Doctor Flynn, he's a professional. He has no interest in my daughter, leave the room or sit down and be quiet." Fucking Doctor touching what's mine. I'm not leaving, he needs to be carefully watched.
I grumble and sit down next to my girl. I take her hand and rest it on my lap. Just keep breathing, don't hurt the doctor. "Boyfriend? You're all grown up Riley. Right, I need to check your heart."
   "My heart is fine." He places the stethoscope on her chest and she recoils into me. The doctor frowns as he listens.
    "She has heart disease, Alec. It's always elevated."
   "Heart disease? Riley what did you do?" he gasps.
   "What makes you think this was me?" she growls. I don't know why she's defensive, she was the one that did it to herself.
   "Well, generally heart disease occurs after fifty," he continues to listen to her heart. Once he's done he places it near her lung. "Take a deep breath in." She inhales but soon coughs. She gasps in pain, I feel helpless. He moves it to the other side. "Again," he orders. "Deep breath, Riley." She sighs and ends up coughing. "Did they tell you about breathing deeply?"
    "Riley is very stubborn these days Alec. She was told, she doesn't listen though. The day after she was discharged she got the bus from Duke and carried two heavy bags and a child without painkillers."
   "Riley, that's probably why you feel poorly."
   "I never said I was poorly! I said I was fine!"
   "I like this new you," he smiles at her, I clear my throat, I don't like the way he's looking at her. Abigail glares at me but I don't care. Alec reaches in his bag and pulls out a thermometer and places it her ear.
   "Can she put her top back on already?" I don't like that fact she's topless in front of him. In front of anyone.
   The device beeps and he pulls it out her ear. "Oh right, yeah. Sure." I retrieve her top and help her into it. She feels cold so I grab my hoodie too and hold it out for her to wear. She slides her arms in and I move it into place. "Riley, I'm concerned about your heart and the pain you're in."
    "Pain is fine," she dismisses.
   "Right now, how bad is it when it's close to your next dose?"
   "It hurts like a bitch but at least I can talk now. That was the worst." She leans back into me. "The drowsiness is a bitch too." I liked her drowsy, this version is hell.
   "Talk?" he looks at Abigail.
   "When she was strangled it damaged her throat. She could only speak a few words at a time." Riley looks at me sleepily and I waste no time in bringing her onto my lap and she buries her face in my neck. "The painkillers are taking most of the pain away but she sleeps most of the day."
   "Maybe we should think about a different type of painkiller. You shouldn't be this drowsy." I like that she rests. I slide my hand up her top to check her temperature and she feels cold.
"Can you chuck me the blanket please Abigail?" She nods and retrieves the blanket from the other couch. She helps me cover her with it.
   "Is she eating okay?" Not as much as I'd like.
   "It's hard enough getting her to take the liquid painkiller. She's not going to take any tablets. Her throat is sore so we can't get her to eat much."
    "She's lost a lot of weight since I last saw her. She needs to be eating regularly. All these factors aren't good for her heart."
   "So what do we do?" I'm sure whatever it is, I'll have to deal with it.
   "I'm going to prescribe antibiotics. She needs rest and to eat regularly."
   "No," she mumbles.
   "Ri, shh."
   "What's wrong?" the doctor asks.
   "She hates taking tablets," I explain. "It's hard enough getting her to take her heart meds."
   "I can prescribe a liquid form. I will come by in a couple of days and see how she is. Let me know if you are concerned, Abigail. Lots of fluids, she needs to move around a bit to help shift the mucus. There is still lots of swelling around the ribs so regular ice pack."
Fucking hell, he's coming back? I'll have to make sure I'm around for that. "Thank you, Alec. I'm sure Riley appreciates you coming out, don't you Lee?"
   "He should be thanking me. What with seeing me topless." She's a sassy thing, the doctor only laughs.
   "Riley, why are you being so rude today?"
   "It's okay Abigail, honestly. I like this Riley, I look forward to New Years." What happens at New Years? I'll have to ask Tyler.
   "Sure, Alec, our new year's party will be the talk of the town again." Party? Oh hell no.
   "I'd better get going. You should start feeling better in the next couple of days once you start antibiotics. Nice to meet you, Flynn." The feeling is not mutual. Riley clings to me and I stroke her hair. I'm not going anywhere.
I hear Miley crying, fucking hell. She's high maintenance. Riley sits up as if it's second nature to comfort her.
    She stands up. "I can get her," I offer. Not that I can calm her like she can. Riley shakes her head, probably a good thing. We don't need her screaming the place down.
   "Miley?" Riley calls and starts following the noise. She's obviously in pain as she's clutching her side. Miley runs into the room and requests to be picked up. Riley groans as she picks her up.
   "Mommy!" she cries.
   "What's up, baby?"
   "Uncle Tyler is being mean." Riley hugs her as she gently rocks her.
   "Well, I happened to know many ways to get back at him. You with me?" Miley stops crying and they fist pump.
   "Riley, you shouldn't be lifting anything. You have a daughter? Why didn't I know this?" Alec asks and she turns.
   "She's Flynn's sister. I adopted her, she needs me so I'll do as I wish." I roll my eyes, such a Riley thing to say. She whispers something to Miley and sets her down. She runs out the room and it amazes me how quickly she can settle her down.
   "All I'm asking is a week without lifting. Can you manage that?"
  "No, not really." The doctor laughs as he shakes his head.
"Rest Riley or you'll see me more often. I'll have to keep you on bed rest and I don't have a nice bedside manner." Fucking hell! I'll have to work harder to keep her under control so he doesn't return.
   "Fine, don't need you holding me hostage in bed, there will be arguments." I scowl at Riley. Why? She leaves the room and I grumble.
"She really must take it easy, Abigail. I can see she has a mind of her own."
"Flynn is the only one she will listen to, I'm sure he will do his best." Abigail puts her hand on my shoulder.
"I'll see you in a couple of days, give me a call if she needs anything." He brings out a pad and writes on it. He rips it off and hands it to Abigail. "Here's her prescription, she will need to start it as soon as possible."
"Thanks Alec." I watch as they head towards the front door. I walk into the kitchen and Riley is asleep on Tyler's lap. Miley clings to her as well.
"Hallelujah, she's asleep. It will give us five minutes of peace and quiet," I smirk. Hayden and Tyler laugh.
"Only if your sister doesn't have a meltdown again," Tyler grumbles. Miley reaches up and ruffles his hair. "Kid, enough. I need to look good when, Ruby arrives."
Hayden chuckles and shakes his head. "She's got the best of you, son." I lift Miley away from Riley and settle her on Hayden's lap.
I bring Riley into my arms and carry her into the living room. I settle her on the couch and cover her with the blanket. She clings to me but I hush her and prize her hands away.
When I head back the kitchen Abigail is starting breakfast, I'm starving. Miley is helping her, I say helping, she's being a hindrance but Abigail doesn't seem to mind.
I sit at the table. "This New Years party, how big we talking bro?"
He looks up from his phone. "Bigger than big. Most of the town comes. Dinner, dancing, fireworks."
"You lot have more money than sense," I mutter. What did they need a huge New Years party for?
Hayden chuckles as he leaves the room. "You're a party pooper, bro. Alcohol, music, food. What's so bad about that?"
I hear the TV turn on, he better not wake her up. Maybe I should have taken her to bed. Speaking of which, I need to get Miley dressed. I stand up and walk towards her. I bring her into my arms and she starts screaming.
"Smiley, we need to get you dressed. You can help Nana in a minute." Her tears come in full force. I hear a chair scrape and I see Tyler quickly fleeing the scene.
I carry Miley upstairs as she struggles in my hold. "Miley, calm down. It's not the end of the world."
She starts hitting me and I grumble. "I hate you! I want to help Nana." I roll my eyes as I kick the bedroom door open.
I sit her on the bed and she gets to her feet and runs for the door. I quickly grab her again. "Miley, enough. You need to get dressed."
I hold her on my hip with one arm whilst she kicks and screams. I dig into her bag with my other hand and pull out a white unicorn top and black leggings.
I find panties and socks. That will do. It's not a fashion show. I lay her on the bed as she thrashes around. "Miley, chill."
I pull her top off her as I struggle to keep her still. I shove the top over her head and wrestle to put her arms in. "Miley! Do you want to help me with breakfast."
Jesus, I didn't hear her come in with Miley's screaming. "Yes!"
"Then stop screaming and be a big girl and help Flynn get you dressed. You're old enough to dress yourself. Only big girls help me cook."
She instantly stops screaming and I sigh with relief. I mouth thank you to Abigail and she nods. Miley instantly jumps off the bed and starts dressing herself.
I sit on the bed and let out a lungful of air. Abigail heads downstairs once she's happy that Miley is doing as she's told. "Flynn, can you brush my hair please."
She passes me her hair brush. She turns before I've answered. I've never brushed hair before so I don't really know what I'm doing.
I do my best anyway. I wince every time I come to a knot expecting her to start screaming again but she doesn't seem to mind. Once I'm done I set the brush down on the bed.
I vaguely hear Riley shouting for Tyler. She's awake already? Fucking hell. I bring Miley into my arms and carry her down the stairs.
I settle her on the counter with Abigail. "Flynn!" Tyler yells. What has she done now? Miley seems happy helping right now so I head into the living room.
They both look white as a ghost as they stare at the TV. I sit by Riley's feet. What's going on? "Lee thinks James killed Britney."
     "What? She's dead?" How do they know she's dead?
     "Yeah, Bro, Lee saw it on the news. Death by strangulation."
     "The fuck? Would he do that?" I ask Riley. She knows him better than I do.
     "He said he would but that was when I thought he wasn't real. Considering he assaulted that waiter for talking to me. I wouldn't put it passed him."
     "Christ! What do we do?"
     "I'll speak to my Dad, see what he suggests." Tyler gets up and releases his grip on Riley's arm. I think he's disturbed by this news.
     "Is Miley okay?" I nod, she is now anyway. I lay down next to her and rest my head on her tummy.
    "She loves spending time with your Mom and your Mom is so good with her." I slide my hand up her top to her ribs she squirms and I worry I'm hurting her. "Is it painful?"
    "No, the opposite." I smile that I help ease her pain.
    "Guys, breakfast is ready!" Abigail calls.
    "Your family have brilliant timing." This could have gotten interesting. I stand up and assist her up. I let her walk because Miley's tantrum wore me out. I don't need Riley stressing me out. I rest my arm on her shoulders and she hugs my waist.
    We all take our usual seats. Riley rests her head on my shoulder as Miley climbs on her lap. I look down at her and she smiles as she lets her eyes close. "You sleep way too much." Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, it gives us peace for five minutes. "You need to eat, Ri."
    "Hurts. . . tired," she whispers. I sigh, I don't have the energy to force her right now. I wrap my arm around her and let her snooze.
"What do you think about Britney?" I ask Hayden. He glances at Riley and then back to me.
"If he did kill her, his DNA will be on her body. I'll contact the police after breakfast. He will get longer prison time if he did kill her, it's evidence. Even if we can't pin the other charges on him. It may be the break through we need."
"How are you doing, bro?" he's awfully quiet as he eats his food.
"It just feels surreal. I wasn't attached to her or anything but someone I know was murdered. It could have easily of been, Lee. I saw him strangle her in front of my eyes." He looks over at me, "What if he killed her? The person I love the most."
"When I watched the CCTV, if I didn't know she had survived I'd have been convinced he did kill her. She's here, bro and she's being a real pain in my ass." He chuckles loudly and Riley snores for a moment and then stops.
She's cute. I eat my breakfast. It doesn't take me long as I'm starving. "Mommy!" Miley whimpers. Riley groans sleepily and lifts her head from my shoulder.
    "Yeah, baby?"
    "When are we going home?" I'm content in staying her for as long as possible.
    "In a week or so, why?"
    "I'll get you all to myself then." All to herself? She's an Angel stealer.
    "What's wrong honey?"
    "Too many people, Mommy," she whimpers.
    "You want it to be just us?"
    "Yeah," she cries. Fucking hell. She's bloody emotional too. Riley stands and she gasps. I watch as she carries her out the room.
"You need to get her to eat, Flynn." Yeah, I know. I'm working up to it. I down my coffee and then grab her plate as I stand.
I make my way into the living room and Miley is fast asleep on Riley. "What was that all about?"
    "I think she's tired, a lot has happened over the last few days." Tired? No, she's just a devil in disguise. I lift Riley up and sit behind her.
     "You need to eat." She stubbornly shakes her head. "Ri." I place the plate on her tummy and gently cup her neck. I stroke her hair with my other hand. She still makes no effort to eat so I shove food in her mouth.
I keep feeding her until she's eaten enough. I put the plate on the floor and grab the TV remote. I flick through the channels to find something to watch.
Twenty minutes later the doorbell goes and I see Tyler running to the door. He's hilarious. I quietly laugh to myself. Tyler returns with Ruby, they're holding hands. "Hey," Ruby says. "This is my brother, Ricardo."
They move aside and I take in Ricardo. You can definitely tell they're siblings. He has long black hair. Longer than mine but not overly long.
I frown, Riley likes long hair. Will she be attracted to him? His eyes zone in on my girl. "Alright bro." I stroke her hair and she groans.
    "Who is this hot chick?" I glare at him not that he's looking at me.
    "Back off bro, that's my sister," Tyler growls. Good, he's warning him away so I don't need to.
    Riccardo laughs. "Is your sister out of bounds?"
    "Yes, to you she is," I growl. Surely he knows she's taken what with her laying on me. She reaches up and slaps my face and continues to slap me until she covers my mouth. "Shh," she grumbles and we all laugh. "Flynn." She removes her hand from my mouth.
    "Yes baby?"
    "Get him to. . . leave."
    "My pleasure baby. Ruby, can you get your brother to leave?"
     "Actually, my brother is staying for a few days," she says awkwardly and Riley groans. Riley gently pushes Miley over and stands up. She groans as she holds her side.
She brings Miley into hers and starts walking out the room. "Ri!"
"Lee!" He curses. "What is wrong with her now? I apologise on behalf of my sister. You're both welcome here."
Tyler brings Ruby to the couch. Riccardo flops on the couch next to me. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Yeah, he's been like a lovesick puppy waiting for your arrival." Ruby blushes and Tyler glares are me. Riccardo bellows out a laugh. I've already decided he's annoying.
"Hasn't stopped talking about it," I continue just to piss him off. "Must have combed his hair about fifty times." I laugh as he continues to glare at me. "My hair must be perfect for when Ruby arrives."
"Bro, do you not have anything better to do? Like, teach my sister to manners?" I raise my eyebrow at him.
"Do you know how I do that?" I smirk. He frowns as if he doesn't understand. I stand up and walk to the doorway. I pause and look back at him. "I fuck her into submission. She's quite amenable when I'm inside her."
"Motherfucker!" he growls. I hastily make my quick get away. I laugh as I jog up the stairs. He's too easy to wind up. It's true but it's still funny.
I put my hand on my bedroom door handle and turn it but it doesn't budge. She locked the door? When was the last time she did that? "Ri, what are you doing? Why are you locking me out?"
    "Go away." What's going on?
    "Ri, this is my room. Open the door." I hear the lock slide open and the door opens. She only opens it a little bit and I frown. "What's wrong?"
    "Does it matter?" I gently push the door open and she doesn't put up any resistance. She leans against the wall. I walk in and shut the door behind me.
I lock it behind me. There's obviously a reason she wants to lock the door. I don't mind locked doors when I'm in here with her. I stroke her cheek and look into her eyes.
She's scared, why? "Tell me."
    "Stranger," she whispers. "Vulnerable." She's worried because of Riccardo? She doesn't like a stranger in the house. Is this because of her recent abuse?
    "Ri, I will never let anyone hurt you again. I feel sick that I let him hurt you in the first place. You are safe with me under this roof. I hate him here too but you're safe. Why have you put makeup on?"
     "Only family get to see me with no makeup." She closes her eyes. She's not as brave as she makes out. I crush my lips to hers. She slides her hands up my top and I growl.
     "Don't do that or we won't leave this room." I pull away and look into her eyes again. "You're so beautiful and all mine."
     "Yes, yours."
     "And I am yours. Always." I take her hand and place it over my heart. "My heart literally beats for you." She gasps as she feels my pounding heart. She gasps as she feels my rapid heartbeat. I claim her lips once more.
I urge her with my lips, my touch to feel my love for her. I'm hers, I will always be hers.
     "Bro!" Tyler calls.
     Fucking hell. I look into her eyes and she's still feeling vulnerable but it's fading. "I'm literally going to kill him if he keeps cock blocking me." I peck her lips again and open the door.
I walk out but I don't feel her with me so I stop and look back at her. "You coming?" I hold my hand out to her and she glances at Miley in my bed. "She will be fine." She slides her cold hand in mine and I lead her downstairs.
They are congregated in the hallway by the front door. "Bro, we are going to the cinema. You coming?" Tyler looks to our locked hands and frowns.
     "Only if you're going." I don't want to go without her. She shakes her head.
     "No, you go. You need to get out and have fun, I can't leave Miley."
     "Then I'm not going either," she sighs. I went to the pub yesterday. It's her that needs a break. "Think of all the trouble you could get into."
   Abigail chooses that moment to make an appearance. "Lee, go. I'm not going anywhere anyway. I can watch Miley until you get back,"  she still shakes her head. "Honey, she will be fine. She can't be attached to you for the rest of her life. Go have fun."
   Riley frowns and I kiss her temple. "Thanks Abigail." I start pulling her to the door. I slip on my shoes. "I have my phone if there's a problem."
      Riley plants her feet, "I never agreed!"
      I roll my eyes. "Why must you be so hard work? It will be good for you." She crosses her arms.
     "You don't want to spend time with me Darlin'?" Riley's eyes flash to Riccardo and she looks him up and down.
    "Not really, no." Good.
    "That's insulting, Darlin', I was looking forward to spending time with you."
    "Stop calling me that."
    "What?" he says innocently. "I think it suits you," he winks at her and I growl. Right, I've had enough. I toss her onto my shoulder and bend down and to pick up her shoes.
I grab her a coat as I leave the house. "Flynn," she whines. "You don't need to go crazy." I slap her backside.
    "Yes, I do." I set her on her feet by the car. I open the door and she goes to get in but I stop her. I slide in first, there is no way she's sitting next to him.
I reach out and pull her into the car. She closes the door. I put her belt on then mine. Riccardo gets in and Riley knowingly smirks. Yeah, I'm a jealous guy, we all know it. "What are you smiling at?" I know why but will she call me out on it?
   "Nothing." Tyler and Ruby get in the front and Tyler starts the car and pulls away. I pass her the shoes and she slides them on her feet.
    "Are you happy now, Sissy?" Ricardo says. "I don't see what the fascination is. You made me drive you here and he's not even that good looking. All your crying for what?" Arsehole, I doubly don't like him.
   "Ricky, stop," Ruby protests. Riley kneels and leans behind me and I hear the thud as she slaps his head. Ouch, her hits hurt. Wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
It does make me smile though. He curses. "Ahh, you have a fucking painful hit Darlin'. What was that for?" I laugh loudly and I can't stop.
    "How dare you say my brother isn't good looking!" She growls. "Arsewipe!"
    "Arsewipe?" Ricardo chuckles. "I'm sorry, did I offend you Darlin'?"
    "Offend my family and you offend me." Look at her getting all defensive of Tyler.
   I place my hand on her leg, "Can you sit down properly?" As much as I'm enjoying her putting him in his place, I want her safe. "Settle down."
   She does sit back in her seat properly though. "Sorry Darlin', I'll bear that in mind."
    "Don't apologise to me. Apologise to them," she snaps. At least her anger isn't aimed at me this time.
    "Why?" he says disgusted.
    "For one, you embarrassed your sister. Secondly, you said my brother wasn't good looking so you owe him an apology."
    "Don't waste your breathing, Riley. He doesn't apologise for his mess," Ruby looks at her and smiles.
    "Oh, he will apologise." She leans around me and gives Riccardo a death stare. Fucking hell, she's creepy. "Won't you?" She somehow intensifies her glare and I raise my eyebrow. "Don't make me say it again."
     "Fucking hell, what are you? Some demon?" he looks to the front. "I'm sorry." No, my sister is the demon.
     "Now say it again, like you mean it," he looks back at her.
     "Fuck Darlin'." He sighs, "I'm sorry." She leans back in her seat and smiles. Ruby looks back at us and frowns.
I bring my lips to her ear. "Angel," I counter. Not demon. "I love you." I nibble her ear before pulling away. Even though she frustrates me like no other, I still believe she's an Angel. My Angel.