Chapter 256 Sam's Past
Samantha's P.O.V.
"Can I ask what happened?" Dakota asks me softly. I glance at Addy, who is already falling asleep on the seat beside me.
"The man I was dating was married; he didn't tell me until I found out I was pregnant. He wanted me to get an abortion, but I refused. I told him I didn't want child support or anything else from him, but he didn't believe me. When I was eight months pregnant, I was walking to the store, and as I was crossing the street, he hit me with his car. Addy was born early, but luckily, she wasn't injured. I sustained a spinal injury, but the doctors are hopeful that I'll be able to walk again." Dakota takes my hand and squeezes.
"I'm so sorry. Where is he now?" she asks as everyone gets into the SUV. Dakota and Ari sit behind Addy and me.
"He's in prison in Tennessee for attempted murder. Addy and I moved here right after his trial three years ago." I don't feel anything for Travis anymore. I thought I loved him, but now I think I loved the idea of being in love.
"I'm glad you moved here. You'll be safe at the compound. There are a lot of people there right now. Everyone says I have a bad habit of taking in strays and letting them stay. However, everyone that I've brought home has needed help. I think of everyone under my roof as part of my family. You and Addy will be no different. I just don't want you to get overwhelmed with all the people." I have never heard of a mafia family that takes in people who need their help and lets them stay in their house. She said that Addy and I would be family. She doesn't know how much that means to me. My dad is the only family we have other than each other. I turn to look at Dakota.
"Are you sure we won't be a burden?" She smiles and shakes her head as we begin driving to New York.
"I'm positive. It will be good for Enzo to have Addy around to play with. He is growing up way too fast. Ari's dad is engaged to Enzo's mom, and they just found out they're having a baby." I have so many questions about Dakota and Ari's families, but I don't feel comfortable asking them yet.
"My wheelchair won't be an issue, will it? I can get around fine, but I don't want to be in anyone's way." I'm still self-conscious about being in a wheelchair. Sometimes it seems like people only see the chair, not me.
"Honestly, I doubt anyone will pay much attention to it." Dakota looks like she's ready to pass out, so I turn around and lay my head back on the seat.
When we get to New York, it's after three in the morning, and as we pull past the gates, my mouth falls open. I can't believe I am at the Kondrati compound. Sarah helps me out of the SUV and into my chair while Dakota carries Addy.
"You can put her on my lap," I tell her, but she shakes her head.
"I'll carry her. Ari and Xavier will get your suitcases while we take you to your room." Sarah helps me get my chair over the entry steps, and she pushes me inside. I look around in amazement. This place screams money, but in a subtle way that shows it's old money. I let Sarah continue pushing me down a hall so I can look around as we follow Dakota. We enter a large room with dark bamboo floors. The king-sized bed and all the furniture are white, looking beautiful in contrast to the dark wood.
"I hope this is okay. It's one of the last rooms I have on the first floor," Dakota says as she gently lays Addy on the bed and covers her.
"It's perfect. Thank you." Ari and Xavier carry our suitcases in and put them on the couch.
"Do you need help with anything?" Dakota asks.
"No, we're fine. Thanks again." I'm surprised when she leans down to hug me.
"Make yourself at home. Good night." She waves before leaving, and I continue staring at the door after it closes. Dakota and the other three are nothing like I imagined a mafia family to be. I could tell they all clearly see Dakota as the leader just from how they act and speak to her. I roll my chair over to the door to turn off the overhead light when I hear something that catches my attention. It's Dakota and a man whose voice I don't recognize. They're talking about my dad.
"Did Russell tell you anything else while we were gone?" I hear Dakota ask.
"Yes. He told us the name of the man who hired him. It was Edward Channing, Aubrey's father." I turn the light off and go to the bathroom. Who are Edward Channing and Aubrey? The better question is, what did this Edward guy hire my dad to do? I've only been here for a few minutes, and I already feel like I'm living in a story that is still being written.