The one that left him scarred and unable to trust anyone. Bellelicked her lips and tried to sound calmingandsoft.
"Yourwhat?"
"I'm his mother, Isabella Morgan." His mother came closer and seemed like she wanted to hug him. He stepped away. Tears fell down the woman's face. "Peter, thank goodness you're okay. You've grown so handsome. Where are your brother andsister?"
His hands clenched again. "Safe from you. How did you getinhere?"
She pointed toward the door. "My kidnappers delivered me. They said Mr. Morgan expected my delivery. I thought it was yourfather."
"My fatherisdead."
A smile grew on her face that she quickly masked. "Then it was you whofreedme."
Belle asked as she shook herhead, "What?"
Peter didn't move. His shoulders were tight. Belle glanced out the window and sawthe SUVs. "Those are MorganEnterprisecars."
His mother wiped her eyes. "Yes, your father refused to let me get divorced. He had me transported to a compound in Argentina, where my only contact with other humans was my children and his staff. I was so worriedaboutyou."
"You left me. You certainly didn'tcontactus."
The words had sounded etched in pain. Belle squeezed hisarm to let him know he was fine. If her mother ever walked in the door, she'd have no idea how she'dreact.
His mother's face went as white as his. "I didn't. I was kidnapped right from the front door. Your father ensured I was kept under lock and key while all my needs were met, except the most important one of all. You and my other children. Pleaseunderstand."
"I don't." He thenstepped out of her arms and walked toward the window to stare at the SUVs. "If you were the merchandise I had delivered to my house then you were living in a condition most people cannotafford."
His mother shook her head. "Peter, I couldn't ever leave the villa. Your father had me. I would never have left my children. You mustknowthat."
"Why would I know that?" Peter's voice hada desperate edge that he never showed. He knew better than to show hisemotions.
Belle had no idea what to say, but this story sounded believable. Peter had told her plenty about Mitch. She swallowed and wanted to know howtohelp.
Peter's entire body was stiff. "I saw you walk outthedoor."
His mother's eyewidened. "What?"
Peter kept his head high, but his wordsheld fury. "You and Dad fought. Then you stormed out the door and nevercameback."
His mother took a step toward him. "I went to get air that night. I needed to pack your things to take you with me. I wanted adivorce."
"I don't believe you." He avoided her touch, but returned toBelle'sside.
"Your father cheated on me and then refused to let me go. He was a horrible husbandand everyday I prayed that youweresafe."
Peter's hands clenched. This was fast, but Belle wanted to help him. She reached out and grabbedhisarm.
"Peter, she's your mom. You told me yourself that your father went on to ruin everyone who ever stayed in the house with you. If she is your mom, then the worst thing he could do to her was take herchildrenaway."
He shook hishead as he stared at her. "Don't defend her, Belle. If she's telling the truth, then she can talk to Rafe. He's on thepolice."
"Rafe Soliz? Pilar’s son? He's a cop?" His mother walked over to him and reached out. Peter flinched, but let her touch his arm. "I'll talk to him. Peter, I have always loved you. Your father wanted to cut me out of your life, so he could mold youintohim."
His lips parted as he stared out the window. "That's exactly whathedid."
Tears flew down his mother's cheeks again. "Peter,no."
He walked out of their arms and pacedtheroom.
