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I Stole The Billionaire's Heart 83
I nodded. “We—it—happened so fast, Mom.”“Are you hurt, Raelynn?”“I wish I was, instead of him.”“Oh, sweetheart.”She wrapped her arms around me and I sobbed against her. Iheard myself wailing. I felt my chest heaving. It was almost like an out of body experience. My heart fluttered so wildly I thought I’d burst out from my chest and take off toward the rising sun. My legs locked up, shaking and trembling as my stomach slammed against my ribcage. It felt like my entire body was rebelling. Fighting back after years of being caged.I shook against Mom, soaking her robe with tears as she stroked my back.“I’m right here. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”“They ran him off the road, Mom. They wanted to kill him.”“Who did, sweetheart? Who wanted to kill him?”“Those dumbass drunk boys!”I shrieked it so loudly that Mom clung to me tighter. She stood up, pulling me against her as she slowly moved us from the kitchen to the living room. We fell to the couch and she pulled me into her la
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I sighed. “Better. But the doctor also just pressed my morphine button, so…”“I was on morphine once, you know. A little ball drip thing fastened around my waist in a fanny pack.”“That when you got your boobs done?”I didn’t catch the question before it flew out of my mouth. But I was kind of glad I didn’t. Because it launched Cecilia into another story of her life I would have never expected from her.“Actually, yes. It was a reconstructive surgery I got when I was twenty. Saved up almost my entire life for it.”I paused. “Reconstructive surgery?”She giggled. “Yep. I left home when I was seventeen, after graduating high school early. And in between part-time classes at the local community college, I took on a job. Saved up as much as I could while living with three other girls in a two-bedroom apartment to save up enough money to have it corrected. And boy, was that a surgery.”“What was the defect?”“Its technical name is ‘tubular hypoplasia,’ or something like that. It essentiall
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I sniffled. “I take it Michael filled you in?”She nodded. “On everything. Especially once you didn’t show up at school yesterday.”??I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just—”She squeezed my hand. “No need to apologize, crazytown. I’m not upset. I’m just glad you guys are okay.”“Even Clint?”Michael nodded. “Even Clint.”Allison had the bright idea of picking up fast food and sneaking it into the hospital for Clint. Which shocked me, because that was something she’d do for me. Was it possible they were finally considering Clint part of our group? A friend, even? I hoped so, in the pit of my soul. Allison stuffed the food into her purse after we were done eating, and even managed to prop up a soda in one of her pockets so it wouldn't tip over.And after sneaking through the hospital corridors, we finally found Clint’s room.“Holy sh—”I held up my hand, stopping Michael’s sentence in its tracks. Clint was fast asleep, and no one was in his room. This couldn't have been planned any bette
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I slid off to his side. “But, I thought you said—”He sighed. “He and my stepmother got into another fight last night. I mean, a really good fight. The hospital threw them out. I haven’t seen either of them since.”“Then maybe your father is still in town. Just not allowed back in the hospital.”“He called me to let me know he’d be back before I was released.”The flatness of Clint’s voice turned my stomach. I took his hand, lacing our fingers together as I rested my head against his good shoulder. He drew in broken breaths, trying so hard to stay strong when I knew all he wanted to do was be weak.I kissed his arm. “It’s just me. You can let it out.”“He fucking left me, Rae. To rot in this hospital bed. And Cecilia isn’t allowed back in the hospital. At least until tomorrow morning. And I have no one. Just the doctors and the nurse staff who come in here with their pitiful glances and their small talk.”“You have me.”He snickered. “Thank fuck for that.”I nuzzled against him. I wat
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I looked over at her as I chewed my food, watching as she set her salad down. She looked at me with pride in her eyes, and I wondered what had her so worked up in all the best ways.“I talked with your father. And meetings are going well. He said he’s going to video conference in tonight and hang around with us. I have the laptop in the car, I’ll just have to go out and bring it up here once he tells me he’s ready. He’s going to text, I’ll get the laptop, then boom! Howard’s here with us.”She beamed with happiness, and I tried to give her the kindest smile I could. But I knew how my father worked. He’d get busy with something, or pissed off at something, and suddenly he’d forget all about me. I didn’t have the slightest bit of hope he’d video conference in, much less remember to text Cecilia about it. But she looked so happy about it. So bright and vibrant with hope.I didn’t have the heart to destroy it.“That sounds great. It’ll be nice to see him.”She picked her salad back up. “H
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I mouthed to my stepmother, “He wants to know the money.”Cecilia shook me off. “They say six to eight weeks. Then, a re-evaluation to see if he needs another course of it.”Dad sighed. “Great. I’ll get started on finding a home nurse or something. Which’ll cost me an arm and a leg.”“Howard.”I shot Cecilia an ‘I told you so’ kind of look. For my father, it was all about money. How much I cost him. How much he spent on me. How much it took to apologize. What he had to dip into in order to cover the cost of something I’d done. I had no idea how to speak with my father. Well, scratch that. I knew exactly how to talk to my father. I just didn’t care to. This entire time, all I’d wanted was for my father to come home and take care of me. Come home and visit. Field the doctors since he knew the bulk of my medical history.But, now? Even just this video conference changed my mind.He could stay wherever the hell he was for all I cared.Cecilia whispered. “Howard, be kinder to your son. He’
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I shook my head at the two of them as I turned around. And even after only a couple of days, Clint looked worlds better than he had. His neck wasn’t braced. He didn’t have oxygen tubes running up his nose. He only had one I.V. as opposed to two. And his face seemed a lot less swollen. I walked over to the edge of his bed and sat down, taking his hand within mine. And as I brought it to my lips to kiss, I felt him bend over. Freely.To kiss me on top of the head.I smiled. “You look amazing.”His lips lingered in my hair. “I feel amazing, now that you're here.”“Do you want to get started on history first? Or math?”“First, I want to hear all about school. I’m sure there’s been a circus act you’ve had to field.”I snickered. “I mean, whatever you’re thinking is probably right. Roy and Marina have approached me a couple times, too.”“Oh, I’m sure they’ve had lots to say.”I rose up, looking into his eyes. “I think Roy has kind of become the schoolyard bully now. He’s picking a great dea
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“You know you don’t have to do that, right?”She scoffed. “Nonsense. I’m going to help you out around here. I might not have to wipe your butt or anything. But that doesn’t mean I can’t get you your medication whenever you need it.”I smiled. “I appreciate it. Thanks.”“You need anything right now?”“You mean other than a nap?”She giggled. “Yep. Other than that.”I paused. “Oh! Yes, actually. A friend of mine is bringing my homework and stuff to me from school. She’s helping me keep up with my studies.”“She, huh? Anything special about this… she?”I snickered. “We’re just studying.”She winked. “For now.”I chuckled. “Is that all right, though? If she comes by? I don’t know if she will. She works sometimes. But I think this is her weekend off.”“If she pops by, she’s more than welcome. I’m going to cook dinner tonight, so she can stay and eat with us.”“Dinner? I didn’t know you cooked.”“What in the world do you think you’ve been eating for the past four years?”“Uh, takeout?”She
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Because I knew this meant taking another step for Clint and me.A step I felt we’d both been ready for.“You want to rehearse?”I peeked over at Michael. “What?”He snickered. “Rehearse. You know, what you’re going to say to him tonight.”I shrugged. “Nah. I’m good. I usually wing it with stuff like this.”“You’re going to wing it when it comes to telling Clint how you feel for the very first time>”“I mean, I usually wing it with my English speeches and I do just fine with those.”He paused. “You didn’t plan out that speech you gave last year?”I shook my head. “Nope.”“That massive speech you gave on 1984 sort of applying today.”“Are you not hearing me right? Clean out your ears, Michael.”He chuckled. “Holy shit, you’re amazing. You know that?”I smiled. “And I hope that’s one of Clint’s many reactions tonight.”“If it isn’t, I’ll kick his ass for you.”“Michael!”“What? Come on, Rae. I see how happy he makes you. I see how much this boy means to you. And if he doesn't love you o
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And I decided she would be. If she knew what was happening right now, she’d be proud. Possibly screaming at me like Cecilia currently was. But she’d be proud after the fact.Not today, Dad. You’re done with this shit today.The only thing I processed was the smell of alcohol. The only thing I felt was my father’s storm unleashing against me. He held so much anger within him. He had such fury in his fists. The only thing I saw were his angry eyes coming at me as I shoved him in his chest, listening as Cecilia screamed in the background.“Stop it! I’m calling the police if you don’t cut it out right now!”Her voice faded away. Fell into the background as I moved and ducked my father. Whatever this storm brewed from, I wasn’t going to be my father’s punching bag any longer. If he wanted a fight, a fight is what he’d get. And I’d make sure to repay him for every fist that ever connected with my face. I’d repay him for every bruise he ever wrung around my neck. I’d repay him for every knee
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I felt myself blush. “Okay, yes. We are officially together. So, yeah. We’re going to prom together.”“You still don’t sound too sure of that. Is everything going okay with his recuperation?”I shrugged. “I mean, he’s always struggling with his dad. Which I’m sure is affecting his recuperation efforts. But he’s okay. Far as I can tell.”“I’d like to get his dad in a room for a few minutes.”I scoffed. “Wouldn't we all.”“So, how are the two of you? You know, now that he’s on the mend?”I felt myself blush deeper. “I guess we’re good.”“You guess, huh?”“You’re a dick, you know that?”He chuckled. “Maybe a bit. Can I ask you something, though?”“Of course. I mean, you have to spit it out soon because I only have one more minute, but—”“Do you love him?”The question didn’t catch me as off-guard as I figured it would. In fact, it was easy to answer. I bit down onto the inside of my cheek as I turned to face Michael. And with a nod of my head, I answered his question.“Yeah. I really thi
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I stopped for one last breather a couple of blocks away from my house. I watched it looming in the distance, sparkling underneath the harshness of the sun. Sweat dripped down my back as I sighed. I watched the off-colored white glisten against the deep red shutters of the house. During the entirety of my childhood, I remembered that house in three distinct ways. Three different sets of colors that all popped more than the houses around it. Maybe it was the fresh coats of paint put on it every year that kept the house lively. Maybe it was the fact that it was the biggest house on the block. Or, maybe, it was the fact that we had the only house with a wrap-around porch as well as a wrought iron front gate that was barely utilized.Either way, it stood out.I picked up the pace. I went from standing still to walking. To speed walking. To jogging. I burst into a sprint, pumping air through my lungs and feeling them expand into my back. I felt the last pangs from my ribcage fall free, rele
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“What? I mean, seriously. Come on. Your dad can’t actually think any of this was your fault. They almost killed you. They were drunk, from what I could gather from that night. They should be rotting away in jail. Or juvie. Or something.”I shrugged. “My father pretty much showed his ass in that office. Said things like I needed to be focusing on school instead of chasing down four guys I’d provoked.”Aly’s jaw dropped open. “What!?”“He also said I’d been a problem child my whole life. Essentially tried to paint me as some bad boy trying to get the one-up on someone before they got the one-up on me. He told the lawyer that he didn’t see those boys pressing assault charges on me when I started the fight. So why should I press attempted murder charges on them simply because they were seeking out revenge like most young boys do?”Mike’s face turned red. “Is it always like this with your father?”I sighed. “I mean, let’s just say I’ve talked a big game in the past with bruises I’ve come t
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I snickered. “Which is apparently not very good. I know something’s wrong. Do you want to talk about it?”Clint dropped his bag. “Just—that shit with the lawyer yesterday.”I nodded. “What happened?”He leaned against the brick wall of the school. “Dad’s back in town.”“Oh, no.”“Oh, yeah. I told Cecilia time and time again not to tell Dad about the fucking lawyer. And of course, she didn’t listen. She’s awesome, but she never fucking listens. It’s like she thinks Dad’s actually gonna be this decent-as-fuck person one of these days. Then she gets shocked and hurt and scared when he loses his shit. She’s been married to him for four years! The fuck is she thinking!?”I placed my hands against his chest. “Deep breaths. Come on, take them with me. There we go.”I walked Clint through some even breathing. He was shaking against my hands, and I needed him to settle down. That explained everything. With his father back in town, shit always popped off. I smoothed my hands over his torso, try
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I paused. “I’m not sure if that makes me feel any better.”Cecilia butted in. “You have to do something, Clint. They really did a number on you. Even if you simply sue them for the hospital bills or something—”Dad snickered. “Yeah. Pay me back some of that money.”“Howard!”I rolled my eyes. “Please excuse him.”“Did you just excuse me for someone else?”I looked over at my father. “I did. Because you’re acting absolutely insane right now and I’m tired of it.”His eyes lit up with fire as he stood up from his chair. His eyes panned toward the lawyer as he buttoned his suit coat. Cecilia got up quickly and followed him out of the room, trying to talk some sense into him. And as the door closed behind them, I cleared my throat.“I’m really sorry for that.”Omar shook his head. “Not your fault, Mr. Clarke.”I sighed. “So, if I wanted to press charges, what would we do?”“We’d gather evidence and serve each of their families with a formal subpoena. The boys are being held right now, so t
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“Uh huh.”“Then, Clint drove off and they followed him. Pursued him, right?”I nodded. “Yep.”“And even though Clint tried shaking them, they kept following him. Until they ran him off the road.”I swallowed hard. “Yeah.”“In my eyes? The only thing Clint has accountability for is getting their focus off you. That was his fault, and it had good intentions. Good motives. Everything else was spurred on by those boys. From pulling up to you guys in the first place to chasing him down, no matter what. To me? The charge should be attempted murder.”And after a brief pause, I nodded.“You make a very good point about that.”Allison scoffed. “There’s no point about it. Drunk or not, those boys knew what they were doing. If they had enough sense to keep in control of that car long enough to be able to ram Clint over the edge of that bridge, then they had enough sense to choose not to.”I grinned. “You sure you don’t want to be a lawyer or something?”She giggled. “Nah. I’m just really good at
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But all she did was shrug.“You guys ready to go?”I nodded at Cecilia’s question, then felt her ease us out of the driveway. I wanted to press the questions. I wanted to pull out of her what was wrong. But I didn’t want to do it in front of my stepmother. Rae wasn’t okay, though. And I had a feeling it had something to do with last night.I watched as Rae gazed out the window. She watched the world pass us by as she sank heavier and heavier into the leather seats of the car. She didn’t speak. Not one fucking word. And I desperately wanted to ask her what the hell happened after I left last night. I called Cecilia to come get me around midnight, and D.J. was still there. Her mother and D.J. had still been downstairs, going back and forth at one another. It was like they never stopped. She’d say one thing and he’d clap back. He’d say something wrong and she’d chew him out for it. It made me sick, leaving Rae in that kind of environment last night. I almost had a mind to ask Cecilia if
