It Comes In Three's

Chapter 54

Aler POV

I take a deep breath, preparing to reveal the truth about my father’s past life of crime…

I recount the stories he used to tell me, painting a picture of a man deeply involved in the underworld of New York City. I explain how he rose through the ranks, gaining power and respect, and how his reputation as a feared gangster earned him both allies and enemies.

“Lottie, my father’s name was Vincent Colt,” I state, the memories of his tales vivid in my mind.

“He was known for his ruthlessness and from what I’ve been told, the streets of New York trembled under his influence. He was really big on the scene well into his early thirties. It was not long after my Mom gave birth to me before he attempted to retire by moving out here. I speak.

Lottie’s eyes widen further, a mix of shock and curiosity evident on her face. She leans in closer, hanging onto every word.

“Things changed when he met my mother, I continue, a touch of sadness seeping into my voice.

“She was different, a true angel who always saw the good in him. They fell in love, and my father started questioning the life he had chosen not long after 1 was bom.”

I pause, gathering my thoughts, before deciding it was time to reveal the tragic event that altered the course of my life… not many people know…

“One day, when I was twelve, my parents were driving together. They were attacked by a rival gang, seeking revenge against my father from something he had done years before back in New York. I begin, my voice filled with a mixture of pain and sorrow.

“In the resulting accident, my mother lost her life, and my father was left scarred, both physically and emotionally.” I grit out, as Lottie opens and closes her mouth – choosing not to speak.

Lottie’s eyes well up with tears, her hand reaching the confidence to continue

at to clasp mine tightly instead. I squeeze her hand, finding solace in her presence, which gives me Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

out

“My father knew then that he had to go the extra mile to protect us. He once thought that we had escaped the life of crime by moving us out here to Westerfield… until what happened with my Mom. After the accident, he began to relocate a lot of his men out here to be with him.” I swallow harshly, before pushing on-

“After my Mother died, I didn’t actually see my Father much. He began dabbling in different crimes again, one of which was organising the illegal fights with Freddie – who funnily enough – I became the top fighter for!” I come full circle with a laugh, as Lottie continues to listen intently.

“Everything was ok, we had money, a nice home, and nothing had happened for a couple of years, that is until I turned fifteen…” I drag a hand down my face, lost for words.

“You’re doing great Alex… I appreciate you telling me all of this… it’s really brave.” Lottie whispers, before I take a deep breath to finish-

“When I was fifteen, my Father attempted to smuggle guns into the country and was shot by a rival gang… in a matter of years, I was left with no parents and had to fend for myself…” Lottie can’t stop the gasp that leaves her lips next, before she smacks her hand over her mouth and apologises for

the reaction.

“Don’t apologise… it’s shocking! From then, I lived alone in my house, had more than enough money in my Fathers account to pay the bills and keep myself going, and I did that for two years before moving in with Del when his parents left! Jace’s Mom also helped me sell my house, so I had even more money from that too. I’m doing pretty ok for someone with no parents. I shrug and laugh dryly, as though it were nothing, before I watch a single tear fall from Lottie’s eyes.

I reach out and gently wipe away the tear from her cheek, my heart aching at the pain now etched on her face. It’s not easy reliving these memories, but I know she deserves to know the truth about my past.

“Lottie, I didn’t tell you all of this to make you feel sorry for me, I assure her, my voice filled with sincerity. “I want you to understand who I am, where I come from, and why I’m so Sercely protective of the people I care about.”

She sniffles, nodding as she tries to regain her composure. “I appreciate your honesty, Alex. It’s a lot to take in, but I’m glad you trust me enough to share your life with me.”

I give her a gentle smile, my hand still holding hers. I trust you, Lottie. You’ve become the most important person in my life all within a matter of weeks, and I want us to be open with each other. If I know about your past, you should know about mine.” I state.

Lottie takes a deep breath, her gaze meeting mine. “I want the same, Alex. I want us to face everything together, no matter how difficult it may be, and with that, you have a right to know more about my past instead of the small slip ups you’ve overheard me telling Anna… Lottie states warily, as I study her

She’s ready to tell me more..

“Are you sure doll? You don’t have to tell me if you’re uncomfortable,‘ I tell her honestly, as she shakes her head.

“I want to…” Lottie’s voice comes back firm, as I nod and remain silent–willing her to speak.

I maintain may gentle grip on Lottie’s hand, giving her a reassuring squeeze. I can see the turmoil in her eyes, the weight of her past bearing down on

Taking a deep breath, Lottie begins to speak, her voice quivering with vulnerability. Before I came here to Westerfield, my life was horrific and I realise now to the extreme of how bad it actually was now that I’m out of there.” Lottle mumbles, as I nod and bite my tongue.

“My Mother…wasn’t like any normal mother. She was abusive, both physically and emotionally ever since my father left us for another woman. I now realise that my Mom no doubt tormented him for years until he packed up and left, and that’s when her hatred switched towards me.” She explains, as I shake my head at the thought alone.

My heart sinks as I listen to her words, anger and sadness welling up inside me. I fight the urge to interrupt, letting her tell her story in her own time.

“My Mother soon made her reputation known around town, and wasnt liked by many other females having been known to sleep around with their husbands – or really any man that would look at her for longer than five seconds.” Lottie sighs, as I can only imagine the type of woman she was.

“Since a young age, I was bullied because of it. She would often pretend to be Mother of the year to our neighbours and the school, however rumours pot around and the kids at school began making fun of me too.” Lottie’s voice trembles, before she clears her throat with a cough in an attempt to regain her composure.

“Unfortunately, that’s when Jason, Tommy and Holden got involved. It was silly things at first, like stealing my lunch, hitting me with stones and calling me names. But the older we got, everything heightened, and their abuse quickly turned into a manic obsession. They began taking things to the extreme–seeing how far they could go each time knowing that I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. As long as the marks were hidden, they were off the book” A tear falls from her eye as she speaks, avoiding eye contact now,

“Bastards!” I spit out the word, unable to hold it back any longer, as she nods once.

“My Mother would constantly make me go outside too, for two reasons. She hated the sheer sight of me, and wanted me gone for when her men would come to visit her. The boys soon realised this, and as you can imagine, my summers outdoors were like being in hell.” Lottie continues to softly cry, as I allow her the space to get it all out

“They dragged knives along my skin regularly, would strip me and tie me to things just to hit me with stull, and they even dangled me off a bridge above a waterfall once. It seemed that they thrived off of the adrenaline at my expense of course.” 1 End my own eyes water now, having never understood the full length of the abuse she had encountered

That day… when I stabbed him and left town… they were going to rape me Alex Lottie concludes, as she closes her eyes, her body shaking with the memory.

1 instantly pull her to me, wanting to protect her from the outside world for as long as I shall live.

“You will NEVER be hurt like that again Lottie… mark my words I will fix this… because I love you.”

The words leave my lips, and I don’t regret them, as I hold her to me tightly and allow for her to cry….

She’s mine now… Ill do everything I can to fix her….

R