Claim - Page 69

“He’ll pay good money for the boy,” my father said.

I carefully peered around the corner of the door. They didn’t see me. I was good at not being seen.

My mother’s brow creased. “To take him? Like, adopt him, or something?”

“No. For a few hours with him.” My father wiped a hand across his mouth. “He promised he wouldn’t leave any bruises.”

My mother was silent and my rapidly beating heart had kicked in my chest. Was she finally going to defend me?

Then she licked her lips. “How much?”

I’d run. I’d already seen the way some of their friends looked at me. Especially one tall man whose dark gaze always followed me around. He gave me the creeps.

“My parents wanted to make money off me.”

Bell lifted her head and frowned. “Put you to work?”

“No. They wanted to sell me to a guy who liked young boys.”

“What?” Bell exploded off the couch. “Sell their child to a pedophile? You can’t be serious?”

I sat up. “Bell—”

But she was too steamed to listen. “What was wrong with them?” She threw her arms into the air. “I don’t care if they had addictions, they still know right from wrong. They were supposed to protect you.” She spun, her face draining of color. “Did… Did he hurt you?”

I grabbed her and pulled her back to me. “No, angel.” I settled us back against the couch and into our original position. Her body was tense. “I ran. The cops tried to take me back, butI told them what happened. That was when I ended up in foster care.”

“Where are they now?”

“No idea. I haven’t ever been interested in finding them.”

She sucked in some deep breaths. “And if they’re still junkies, and knew you had money…”

“Yeah.”

She turned, hugging me hard. “A mother is supposed to sacrifice for her kids. A father’s supposed to protect them.”

“Not everyone’s cut out for it.” I smoothed her hair back. “You miss your mom?”

“Yes. We’re close. I’ve sent her a few letters when I could. Dad died from a heart attack when I was in high school. It’s just been the two of us for a while.”

“You’ll see her again, Bell. I promise.”

She made a sleepy sound and nuzzled my chest. “She’d like you. She’d say you were tough, caring, and hot.”

I felt her body go lax as she fell asleep.

I’d never get to meet Bell’s mom. I knew that wasn’t in the cards for us.

But I made a vow that one day, Bell would get back to her mother, and they’d both finally be safe.

28

BELL

Iwas busy checking inventory in the gym. I’d slept surprisingly well after the previous night’s drama.

Beau was busy in the back equipment room, doing a weightlifting session with a client. Karina had stopped by for a quick workout and a chat. She’d given me her cellphone number and made me promise we’d get together for lunch soon. I smiled. I think I’d made a friend.