Deadly Desire

Chapter Seven- Being Followed

Rachel pov:

"I've had enough look at you! I cannot take it any longer. I ban you from fighting again; there are other ways to get money, and we will devise a strategy." She fixed me with a fierce glare. She means business; there is no getting around her. Everyone in the family understands that it cannot be changed once Jane Cole has made up her mind

"I can't handle my baby girl getting hurt like this." Tears were gathering in her eyes. I feel guilty seeing her this way. I didn't plan to make her weep; I just wanted to keep our heads above water financially. I try to console her and say, "I apologize, Mom, for causing you to worry like this. I'll find another way to get money." My father enters my room and asks us questions.

"What is the ruckus about?" His eyes widen with dread as he stares at me. Rachel, are you okay? What happened? "Were you mugged?" He rushes to my side. Before I can say anything, Mom answers for me. "No, she wasn't mugged. She's been fighting. "In kickboxing tournaments?" he asks me, looking bewildered. "No, Dad, I have been fighting in the underworld club," I inform him.

A few emotions flash across his face, and he sits on my bed, holding his face in his hands. "How long have you been doing this?" He asks me, his voice sad. I never intended to make my family feel this way; I only wanted to bring additional money to help cover our expenses. I lean over and hug my dad. "Dad, I only did this so that we could pay for everything. I never participated in a fight I couldn't handle."

He looks up and gives me a tight bear hug. Squashing my ribs, oh, that hurts! "When Ryan got hurt, I got caught up in this bubble of supporting your brother and being his support system. I lost focus on everything else, and I am very sorry that I didn't notice that I had left everything to you and your mother to handle." My mother grins and places her hand on my father's shoulder.

"We girls are stronger than you think, Bryan." I carefully stand up and go over to hug my mother. "I apologize for the stress, Mom. I swear I won't go to the fight club anymore. Also, with the recent earnings I received, I believe we will be able to get by for a time." My mother hugs me back before releasing me to wipe her eyes.

"I appreciate everything you have done for us, darling, but I don't enjoy it when you are hurt. "We can grow as a family and get back on our feet. " My father stands up, walks up to us, and gives us both a hug. "I will help as well, focusing on getting the gym back up and running." Get some rest, honey, and we can chat about making arrangements later." Today has started emotionally, and there is a lot that needs to be paid, but we will be fine for the time being.

I can focus on helping my brother get healthier and returning to my culinary education to advance my job. Later, when I go downstairs, my parents are watching television in the living room, and Ryan calls me as I walk past his room. "Can you come here for a second, sis?" I stroll into his room and am surprised to see him crying. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" I start freaking out and want to call Dad, but he stops me. "I am hurt, but not physically."

I stop and turn around. I approach him, and he motions for me to sit. I go and sit in the chair next to his bed. Ryan is clearly furious, as evidenced by the glare he gives me. "Look at you!" "Why didn't you tell me?" He raised his voice. I had not seen my brother become angry in a long time.

"I just wanted to help, okay! You were hurt by that idiotic drunk driver, and the costs continued to pile up, stressing everyone out. So I seized the opportunity when it presented itself." I say, my chest heaving up and down, my body trembling."

How much did it cost you? I do not want to witness my young sister beaten up like this! I am your big brother, and I am expected to protect you, not the other way around." Ryan covers his face with quivering hands, his chest pounding up and down. "I love you so much, I wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to you, especially when I'm useless like this." I get out of the chair, go to my brother, and hug him very hard.