Page 74 of Cage
At first, I open my mouth to argue with him. I am kind of sleepy, though. And everything feels heavy, including my eyelids.
He takes the juice box from me and slides something soft and furry into my arms.
Spike.
He remembered to bring my dragon.
I want to thank him. To tell him I love him and ask if we can make this not temporary. To ask him to love me and be my Daddy forever. Maybe when I wake up, I will. Right now, I’m too tired.
As soon as I open my eyes, I sit up straight. This isn’t The Ranch. As I look around, my stomach gets so tight I think I might throw up. I’m on a plane. Oh, God. Ireallygot on a plane.
“She’s awake.”
I look to my left to find Dom next to me, holding an IV bag in the air.
“Hey, sunshine,” he says gently. “Breathe. We’re on the ground. We landed about thirty minutes ago. This is flushing the tranquilizer out of your system, so you’ll be good to go in no time.”
Cage comes over and sits across from me. “How’s your tongue?”
Tilting my head, I squint in confusion. “That’s a strange question.”
He smirks then reaches over and cups my cheek. “Do you remember why we’re on a plane?”
Because my father is a backstabbing asshole who has failed me all my life. Instead of saying that, though, I just nod. No point in talking about it. Right now, I just need to focus on what I’m going to say to him.
“He’s at home. I’ve sent a few of my brothers ahead of us to do a quick survey of the place to see who is with him,” Cage explains.
Part of me wants to tell Cage to turn the plane around and take me back to Bend. Another part of me wants to vomit. The biggest part, though, wants answers.
Was my mom’s death a true accident? I can believe that my father would use me to further his career, but killing my mother? I don’t think he would do that. Even if he was having some sort of affair.
Once Dom removes the IV from my arm, he and Cage lead me off the tuna-can death trap to a waiting SUV.
Cage holds my hand the entire ride to my father’s house. He helps me out of the car and keeps a supportive hand on my lower back as we make our way to the front door. They seem like small things, but if he only knew how much it means to me to have him at my side, helping me, backing me, reassuring me. His brothers,too. They don’t have to be here. Yet, here they are, one flanking me on the other side to Cage; two in front of me and two behind, as if I’m someone special to protect.
I was already briefed in the car that if I want to leave during the conversation at any point, Cage will get me out immediately. He’s also reminded me about two dozen times to obey him or his brothers if they give me a command.
Gunner and Koda part at the front door, giving me space to knock. When I hold my arm up to do so, I pause. No. Fuck this shit. This is supposed to be my home, too. I quickly put the code in the automatic locking door then open it and step inside.
The only place I expect him to be is in his office. That’s where he always is. Even though I’m pretty sure he just spends most of his time drinking instead of working in there.
As soon as I walk through the open threshold, my father bolts up, his gaze taking in the group of men with me.
“Ember,” he says almost breathlessly, his gaze darting around. “I’m surprised to see you.”
Not surprising, considering he probably has GPS on that bug we purposely left in Bend.
“Father.” My voice is shaky. Like a frightened little mouse. I hate it. I have an army of men behind me.
“What are you doing here? It’s not safe.” My father shifts uncomfortably, moving his hands to his keyboard.
“Don’t touch that. Don’t touch a fucking thing, Griffin,” Cage growls from behind me.
Then he puts his hands on my shoulders and leans down to my ear. “Say what you want to, firefly. I’m right here to back you up. I’ve got you, baby.”
My tummy flutters, and the scared mouse disappears, replaced with something much more pissed off. I take a step forward, crossing my arms over my chest.
“You used me,” I snap at my father.