บททั้งหมดของ Club Red: Sin And Seduction : บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 40

Sandra Those thoughts bring tears to my eyes, and I sniffle as Rico reaches over to gently rub my shoulder. A moment later he's out of the car and on my side again, scooping me up in his arms. But this time I struggle and he puts me on my feet. With an arm around my shoulders, he guides me toward the front doors. He talks to the nurse’s station, and they quickly guide us to my dad's room. I can't think straight, can't speak, can't even imagine what we're about to see. But I feel Rico’s warmth pressing into me, the comfort of him, the sturdiness of his body as I lean against him.All too soon, I'm standing outside the door of my father's room, glancing through the window to see him looking frail and pale underneath the sheets in a hospital gown. Rico knocks on the door, and my mom glances up from where she's sitting, guarding my father. She quickly motions us in and Rico opens the door, guiding me into the room.I can only stare at dad as we approach, thinking how small and pale thin

RicoSandra bites down on her lower lip. “I can't really afford to take time off.”“And my company offers paid time off. You’re going to be well taken care of, Sandra.”A smile crosses her face, and she brings a palm to her forehead. “How could I forget that?”I let out a chuckle. “I'm not sure, but I also wanted to offer to bring you back to my place. That way I can make sure you're well fed and taken care of, and I don't have to stress about how you're doing. Is that acceptable?”She nods her head but seems unsure. “Are you sure the company can spare you, or that the club can spare you?”“I have contingency plans for things like this.” We step into the elevator side by side, and I push the garage button.“Of course you do.” The words aren't said with a snarky attitude, but a calm, sweet tone as if she sees this as a plus side of my personality rather than a downside. Clearly, she likes the fact that I'm prepared. The elevator doors open with a chime and let us out into the parking g

Sandra “Promise me you won't let the food get cold while we talk.” A slight smile tugs the corners of his handsome lips, and I want to pull him in for a kiss, but I'm not sure now is the time.“I promise I'll do my best.” With that, I pick up a piece of bacon and bite down on the crunchy perfection.He chuckles and reaches out to touch my cheek before settling into a more comfortable position on the bed. I love this easy intimacy we share, even though it’s all brand new. Even things I thought would be important to me, like losing my virginity, aren't as big of a deal as I made them out to be. But this right here, knowing that he's sitting here listening, ready to talk as soon as I am, means the world to me.My heart squeezes as I think about the possibility of him walking out of my life and I decide I don't want to go there, even in my mind. Instead, I focus on the topic at hand, and the things I want to discuss with him and get his perspective on.“I was thinking about doing a once

RicoShe stopped pacing and turns to face me, letting out an angry groan. “Have problems with their parents. All parents have problems with their kids. It's just part of growing up. At some point as an adult, you need to put the past behind you and accept that family is important.” Tears sparkle in her eyes, and I sense there's something more behind her words. But I'm not about to pry. Not when she's throwing these kinds of accusations at me or telling me that I don't have the right to cut my very toxic, abusive mother out of my life.“Oh really?” I stand up, feeling fury flowing freely through my veins, even though I keep my voice low and controlled. “And how should I go about forgiving the woman that tried to kill me? The woman that left me in a dog kennel in the middle of a flood to drown?”Her eyes widen as I speak, but I have more to say. “What's the protocol for forgiving someone who locked you in closets, forgot to feed you for days on end, who mocked you in front of their fri

Sandra“Oh, honey, not every mother's a good mother.” My mom pulls me into a hug, then gets back to preparing the salmon for dinner while I sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper on asparagus that’s been laid out on a cookie sheet for baking.I don't need her to tell me that I messed up. I already know that I screwed things up, possibly beyond repair with Rico, and I don't know that I can ever forgive myself.“I know that, but I didn't know that his mother wasn't a good mom.” I bite down hard on my lip until the salty taste of blood fills my mouth. I can’t bring myself to share the stories that Rico had shared with me. Not that I have any intention of discussing anything personal about him with anyone ever again. I know I can trust my mom, but some things I just can’t say out loud.“But you did know that he didn't want you to discuss his personal life with anyone else.” Mom gives me a sideways glance, and I want to get snarky with her and tell her that I'm currently discussing him with h