Page 35 of Tye
“Beautiful.”
“It’s more than that. Like a scene from a film,” Demi whispered as she looked out.
Amongst the snow and fairy lights, Rivendell indeed did look magical and like something from a movie.
“I didn’t realise these were working cabins,” Demi said.
“Yeah. We use them when Mom has everyone around. Between this and the Ewok cabins, there’s plenty of space.”
“Can I ask something?”
“Yes. If I don’t want to tell you, I’ll say so,” I replied with a warm smile. I wanted Demi to feel comfortable asking whatever she needed.
“I saw the attack on you by that other player. It was horrible. What’s happening to him?”
“West has been charged with assault, and my lawyer is pushing the DA to file attempted murder charges. It’s pretty obvious from the way he was smashing me into the ice that he intended to kill me. The guy’s always been aggressive, but that was beyond anything we’ve ever seen in hockey,” I explained.
“Are you frightened of going back?”
“No. If I allow fear to rule me, I’d trust no one. We had enough on the streets. I won’t live like that again.”
“Are you serious about dating me?” Demi asked, and I felt that. There was uncertainty in her question.
“Fuck, yes.”
“Why?” Demi looked confused.
“You are funny, a straight shooter, loyal, you own your mistakes, and I like what I see. Of course, you’re hot as fuck, which helps a lot,” I replied and laughed as Demi whacked my stomach lightly.
“I bet it’s the hot as fuck that matters,” Demi complained, but there was a twinkle in her eye.
“No. Never. I’m not bragging… I could date models and actresses, but they’re shallow. It is always about their looks and image. I deserve someone genuine. Dating you because you are beautiful is cheapening both of us. Your personality calls to me, even when you’re being abrasive, because I could tell that was defensive.”
“I agree, I was being defensive. My story is out there, your club knows it, others know it. How people treat me is now going to be different. Ice, I don’t want pity or compassion and being treated with kid gloves. The victim is my mom, but even then, she’d argue with you. Mom and grandma both refuse to be Fury’s victims, although I think it’s harder on Grandma. Grandma has a lot of guilt that she did not stop Fury doing what he did to my mother. But she didn’t know about it, and luckily, he only raped her twice before she fell pregnant.”
“I’m not sure what’s lucky about being raped twice.”
“He could have done it multiple times or offered her to his men. Make no mistake, Ice, I know exactly what Fury is. When I was younger, I asked Mom if I could have a blood transplant, so I didn’t share his blood. I was a kid, but I knew what evil looked like. Of course, I did not know the full truth. Not until I turned eighteen. None of the cousins know, either.
“We’ve taught them to watch out for strangers and what to do if we’re attacked, but they are unaware of the stories. Those kids deserve to grow up happy like I did. But they’re trained just as I was. And I don’t regret any of it. Out of my family, I’m the best shot, and that’s saying something. I love shooting and want to compete, but Pops was frightened Fury might find me that way.”
“Does he know about you?”
“No. Uncle Deke got Mom out before Fury realised she was pregnant. He has no idea about me.”
“Can’t say I like your circumstances, but I am fuckin’ over the moon you exist. I got good feelings about us,” I said, and Demi blushed.
“I’m attracted to you, Ice, I won’t lie. But you’re in the spotlight, and I can imagine that anyone you date would be scrutinised. I am terrified the truth might come out, and so many people know it now.”
“Nobody in our circle would out you to the press,” I insisted.
“Easy to say, but it could happen. I’m frightened, and not for me, but for my family. They’d be under attack, too. Kid’s lives would be made hell on earth at school. The little bastards there would ask if they’re inbred, too. The people we work with would eye us suspiciously. The truth of my birth hitting the media would cause a shit storm.”
“Yes, it would. And I can only begin to imagine the headlines. But everyone here would stand with you,” I argued.
Demi cupped my face and looked deep into my eyes. “Tell me, Ice. Would your friends and allies really stand behind the daughter of their worst enemy? Or would they pay lip service and then leave me out to hang?”
I wanted to immediately jump and say yes, we would take her back. But my mind flipped to McKenna and how she was now in a psychiatric ward. Hawthorne’s were baying for blood, with Dylan and Davies tying for first spot. And it wasn’t just the men who worked for Hawthorne’s, the entire family was up in arms.