Chapter 233 The Video
Dakota's P.O.V.
"Are you doing this because you feel obligated?" she asks.
"No. I'm doing this because you deserve a chance that no one has given you. Has there ever been something you desired to do but were too scared to try?" I ask as we pull through the compound's gates.
"I never told anyone this, but I have always been good with numbers. Most people would laugh if they knew how much I love math and solving equations." I smile when I hear the excitement in her voice.
"I'm going to have you talk with Gabe. He's staying with us and attending school to be an accountant. Maybe you can talk to him about his classes and see if it's something you would be interested in." Her whole face lights up, and I can't help but chuckle. I have never seen anyone so excited about math before.
"That would be great. Thank you. I swear to God, Ari, if you hurt this woman, I will kick your ass. I'll know how to after Dakota trains me." I look at Ari and raise my eyebrows as he turns around to stare at us in shock.
"I don't know if I like this arrangement. It feels like everyone who gets to know Dakota is threatening me. I'm going to be walking on eggshells my entire life." We all start laughing as we get out of the SUV. Xavier lifts Aubrey out, and she insists on walking, but I walk with her, keeping my arm around her waist. I help her inside and to a bedroom on the first floor. There is no way I'm having her climb the steps in her condition.
"Your phones are on the nightstand, and there are clothes for you in the dresser and closet. The police have the hotel room sealed off while they investigate, so we'll get your things as soon as we can. Do you need me to help you change into pajamas or something?" I ask her as I help her sit on the side of the bed.
"I would say no, but I'm afraid I won't be able to do it on my own," Aubrey replies. I get a pair of silky pink pajama bottoms and a matching top from the dresser. I carefully help her remove her clothes and try not to gasp when I see how bruised her body is. After putting on the shirt and pants, I help her lie down and tuck her in.
"Do you want a pain pill?" I ask. They gave her some to take home from the hospital pharmacy.
"No, just being in bed is enough for right now. Thank you." I smile and turn off the light.
"Call me if you need anything. I'll check on you first thing in the morning." It's already after midnight, and I'm exhausted. Ari is waiting for me when I step into the hallway.
"I have to say I never thought I would see my fiancée taking care of my ex-girlfriend," he says as he puts his arm around my shoulders.
"Me neither, but you see the changes in her, too, don't you?" I ask as we reach our bedroom.
"Yeah, I can't deny that she hardly seems like the same woman. I could hear you talking, and she never told me anything about what her dad did to her. It does make sense, though, why she acted the way she did. I hope she's serious about changing for the better because it may not be as easy as she thinks." I pull him into the bathroom and turn on the shower.
"I'm going to talk to Gabe and ask him to spend some time with her. They are complete opposites, but they both love numbers. They may be good together, not necessarily as a couple, but I think he will help her feel as though she doesn't have to use sex every time she talks to a man. I'm hoping she will help him with his self-confidence because, as much as I hate to admit it, Aubrey is a beautiful woman. I doubt Gabe would have the nerve to talk to anyone like her without encouragement." Just as I'm about to remove my clothes, someone frantically knocks on our bedroom door, and I hear crying. I run out of the bathroom, and when I open the door, Valentina is standing there with tears running down her cheeks.
"What's wrong?" I ask her. She hands me her phone and sobs.
"He said he had to meet someone and would be home in a couple of hours. I just received this video." I try not to scream when I see what's on it. There's a video of Galdino lying on a metal table in nothing but his boxer shorts. His hands and feet are tied to poles at both ends of the table. I can't see who is with him, but they have a gun, and they run it up and down his body. As the screen goes black, there's the unmistakable sound of a gunshot.