“Exactly. You, Holt, Jace and Beckett were rushed to MTV’s studios for the LIVE Q & A with your fans for their MTV Music Special. They had asked to keep it to only the band members and your manager. I stayed behind with Gideon.”
“Fuck,” Rod exhales a deep breath, his eyes filled with anguish. “It was crazy that night. It was the height of our career, but I couldn’t take you with me. They were pretty strict about it since so much can go wrong when shows are live. I still remember how many screaming fans were waiting for us outside their studio. I also remember how happy I was you wouldn’t be caught in the chaos and you were somewhere safe. It put my mind at ease.”
“Gideon counted on that.”
Rod pinches the bridge of his nose. “I trusted him,” he growls. “I told him no one touches you.”
“I think he took it as a personal challenge,” I say. “Of course, he isn’t man enough to own it, so he waited for when he knew we’d be alone and there was no way you were going to be close enough to save me. No one could. Gideon made sure we were in a remote area of the arena. I was too naïve to pick up on his evil plan.”
“What do you mean?”
“He promised a big screen TV, popcorn, pizza and dessert. I just wanted to see you shine. We headed to one of the tour buses parked way out in the VIP area.” Rod and his band had a few tour buses on hand regardless of the city. They were more like big game rooms than anything else, but they were far cozier than most hotels. “Gideon really had transformed it into a comfortable sitting area. He opened a bottle of champagne and poured two glasses. I reminded him I was underage—”
“What a douche bag,” Loki growls.
“He wanted me drunk,” I say looking at him. “He waved off my protest, stating that it was a big celebration. A little bubbly wouldn’t hurt. One glass turned into a few too many and suddenly I started feeling lightheaded. I told Gideon I wanted to go back to Isobel and Rory’s place and wait for Rod there.” I was fully emancipated from my mother by then. “But he cajoled me into staying a little longer. After a while, I was feeling uncomfortable being around him, so I got up to grab my phone. That’s when he turned into someone I didn’t recognize. He snatched my phone from my hands and threw it on the floor. For good measure, he stomped all over it, smashing it to pieces. I was so confused. I think the champagne had lulled my senses. I tried to run to the door to escape, but he laughed and blocked my way. When I looked into his eyes, I saw a monster, but I didn’t know yet he’d hurt me.”
Isobel slides her hand between mine and Loki rubs my shoulder.
“I wish I’d known you were still around,” Loki says. “I must’ve been somewhere packing equipment. I was certain you’d gone with Rod since you guys were always together. I didn’t know you were in danger.”
“It isn’t your fault,” I tell him. “I had no idea I was in danger. I didn’t know I was supposed to fear someone who had become a friend,” I inhale a shaky breath.
“What happened next?” Rod asks.
My gaze slides to his. “He wrestled me to the floor.”
“Fucking asswipe,” Rod grunts.
“I fought back, kicking and screaming, but I wasn’t strong enough. Then he punched me and knocked me out—”
“I should’ve ended the motherfucker’s life,” Rod yells, pointing an angry finger at me.
“Calm down,” Rory orders. “Let her finish.”
Rory nods my way and I continue my sad story.
“The next thing I remember is him over me—” I let out a low shaky sob.
“Jesus Christ,” Loki grumbles. He pulls me into his embrace and I drop my head against his chest. “I’m so sorry, Dom.”
“I’m going to fucking rip his goddamn head off before castrating the son of a bitch by ripping his balls from his body before stuffing them into the mouth of his decapitated head,” Rod roars. This time he leaps out of his chair.
His brothers are quick to restrain him.
“Sit the fuck down, Rod!” Rory shouts.
“The motherfucker deserves to die,” Rod argues, wrestling to free himself from his brothers’ hold.
“You want to end up in prison for a pee on?” Rory challenges.
“Damn you. He violated her. I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Rod spits out.
“You need to calm the fuck down. That’s what you need to do,” Rory retorts. Rod doesn’t budge. “Sit! Now!”
Rod pulls out of Rory’s grip and does as he’s told.
Rory and Isobel exchange a knowing glance.
