Chapter 232 Leaving the Hospital
Dakota's P.O.V.
I don't like the sound of this man called The Widow Maker. I need to talk to Galdino as soon as possible to find out if one of his employees has gone rogue. If so, he needs to be dealt with right away.
The doctor comes in to assess Aubrey and says she should stay at least the night, but he will let her go as long as she is not going home alone. I reassured him that I have a house full of people and that a nurse will start tomorrow.
When we reach the SUV, Xavier jumps out to lift Aubrey from the wheelchair and into the back seat. A couple of her ribs are broken, so it's hard for her to walk. I was going to ask Ari to lift her into the SUV, but I'm glad he didn't have to, because seeing his ex-girlfriend in his arms isn't something I really want to see. I get into the back with Aubrey, and Ari sits in the front while Sarah sits on the other side of me.
"I know I keep saying this, but thank you for letting me stay with you," Aubrey says softly. I can tell she's in more pain than she's letting on. It broke my heart when she said no one has ever treated her as kindly as I have. Everything she has done in the past is beginning to make sense. She was lonely and just wanted someone to care enough to see it. I reach over and gently take her hand. The way her eyes light up with gratitude can't be faked.
"I'm glad you agreed to stay with us. Our house may be getting a little full, but there's still plenty of room for more. Can I ask you something personal?" I slide over in the seat so I'm sitting right next to her.
"You can ask me anything," she replies.
"I know you said your mom died, but what about your dad? Do you have any family?" Aubrey looks out the window and shakes her head.
"My dad is the reason I am the way I am. I know that sounds like an excuse, but it's true. He taught me that the only thing women were good for was pleasing men. The first time he forced himself on me, I was sixteen, and he always said it was to make sure I was ready for the men I would be with in the future. He was the only family I had after my mom died, so I did what he wanted. He still thinks he can have me whenever he wants. You know, the reason I didn't like you in the beginning wasn't that you were with Ari. It was because you were so strong and self-assured. Men and women look up to you in a way I can only dream about." I have to calm myself so she doesn't think I'm angry at her. Her father sounds like a piece of shit that I would love to use as a punching bag. How could he force his daughter to have sex with him and tell her the only thing she's good for is giving men what they want? I don't understand men like him. It's no surprise Aubrey has used sex to get what she wanted, but that's about to change.
"I'm so sorry he did that to you. Have you ever told anyone?" I whisper.
"No, never. I was too ashamed. I thought people would think it was my fault that I let it happen." Aubrey turns to me with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Will you let me help you? I will help you find what you're good at so you can be successful. Once you heal, I would also like to train you to fight. I'm training several other people who come from bad situations, too. I want you to be able to defend yourself." She looks at me in surprise and doesn't say anything at first.