Family above all

chapter 2

Three years later

Elaine's POV

Tomorrow is the anniversary of their death. I remember every single detail of that night and the events that followed. That painful memory nearly caused me to end my life.

I looked down at the scars on my wrist and covered them up because of the emotional pain that remained. I would have tried this again if it wasn't for the burning desire to bring who ever thought they could get away with mercilessly murdering my parents a lot of pain and suffering as they made us go through. Just the thought of them caused my blood to boil.

The day when the police decided to give up and call it a cold case, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I wasn't about to just sit around and watch as they got away. All my life I let people use me, push me around and treat me as if I only existed to please them. I wasn't about to be so submissive any more.

A year ago, I moved out of the foster family's house with Ethan and Coral. We moved back to my home town where we lived before. Apparently, my father had a large sum of money saved up in a secret emergency bank account for me to access when I turned 18.

He was always prepared for any type of situation, but the account made me question why he was always taking so much precaution. What was even more odd was the fact that the back account contain 2.5 million dollars. Where the actual hell would he get that amount of money.

When I moved back to the neighbourhood, I started digging around to figure out where my father got all that money and more importantly who was behind the attack on my family.

So far, the only clues I have are a gang called vipers who might have something to do with the murders that occurred that night. It's baffled me that my father would go against mom and get involved with these types of people especially considering what happened to him when my mother was pregnant with me. I nearly lost him before I even had the chance to meet him.

Even after nearly getting his life ended, he continued putting himself and his family at risk. My father was always hanging around a night club by the name lux. It was known for the high-risk area it was in. It wasn't very rare to find that someone had been shot or even murders around that place. That was my next stop.

Dylan is now 9 years old and Coral is 13 years old and I'm now their legal guardian. I would let anyone adopt any of them so they put us I foster care until I turned 18 at which point, I would become their guardian.

I also tried to look for my grandparents from my father's side which wasn't exactly very hard to do, they lived 49.5 miles away. I wasn't hoping for a warm welcome all I wanted were answers.

I got up from my bed and strolled over to the bathroom, still tired from the night before. My life drastically changed after I they died. I have anger management issues, anxiety, depression. All this combine does not make for a very stable mind state which I guess is why I spent a night in jail for beating up a random stranger.

My bail was paid by Tay, but I paid her back immediately after. To be honest I don't even remember why I did that mostly because I blacked out because I was 'too' drunk.

The judge made me choose to either take therapy or something like boxing to help me control my anger and some prescribed medication for my depression.

Obviously, I picked boxing because I wasn't about to sit there and talk to a shrink who just going to sit there and judge me. Long story short boxing has really put a toll on my body. It aches everywhere.

I let the warm water hit my skin and soothe my painful body. About 15 minutes later I was finished with my morning bathroom routine. Today I wore a grey skin-tight dress with black boots and a leather jacket. For makeup I went with a natural look for my eyes and a nude lipstick

I made my way to Coral's room to wake here up and then to Dylan's to do the same. With the money in the back account I bought us an amazing home and got myself a car for taking them to school.

I kept my bike and my mums car and I bought a house for us with some of my dad's money. We had to bathrooms so no more waiting in line for the person to get done with the bathroom. The money that was left over I still haven't used.

I got myself a full-time job, so I didn't go to university although I did get accepted into the one, I had applied for before my parent's death. I decided I would stay home and look after my siblings instead.

About 6 months later I ended up quitting because of the no-good fucker Mason aka my ex-boss. That p***y f*****g tried to f**k me like he hasn't already got a good wife for that s**t.

I swear Mary is a saint for staying with that s**t for brains disgusting sorry excuse of a man like seriously if you're going to cheat just get a f*****g divorce or break up instead of hurting someone like that.

Coral: ELAINE!? *From upstairs*

Elaine: WHAT Coral!? *from the kitchen*

Coral: WILL YOU STOP BY TARGET AND GET ME SOME SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

Elaine: WHEN DO U NEED THEM CUZ I'll BE BUSY TODAY.

Coral: ITS FOR TOMORROW....I'LL WRITE A LIST.

I roll my eyes in annoyance. Great...just fantastic more work for me to do. Half an hour later they were ready to go so I dropped them of and got back home to collect some things for my trip.

Today I was going to make a trip to meet my grandparents and then when I got back, I was going to the club. Of course, I'm not going alone I invited Tay and Talia.

Talia is a friend I made whilst I was in my foster home. She came to live with the Helvant's a couple of weeks after we did. She is quite but sweet and doesn't normally go out as much.

She was pretty much terrified of anything and everything, but I feel so sorry for her, so I offered to help her deal with her anxiety.

So, you can imagine that she wasn't exactly exited to go out but if I'm going to help her, I'm going to have to push her out of her comfort zone.

Despite that we became really close in a short amount of time because of some similarities in our lives. She doesn't have any of her parents because they passed away when she was 14 due to a car accident. The circumstances in which we met weren't exactly ideal, but she is now like a sister to me.

Taylor on the other hand.... this is basically a normal Friday for her. She always has been the type to go out every other Friday for any reason. But it's mostly to meet men. Sometimes I question her sanity.

The drive to my grandparents' house house was only going to be 1 hour so I was just going to use the car. I packed some snacks cuz I love eating and double checked the address. On the way I blasted Rihanna in the car singing along to disturbia.

When I got there it was one of those beautiful neighbourhoods. I couldn't help but think what my life would have been like if my parents weren't kicked out of their homes. It was such a random thought because I wasn't one to fantasize about such things.

I pulled up to a nice home sort of like the one I was currently living in. The grass was recently cut and a beautiful shade of green. The house was beautiful and looked like one of the houses from a TV show like Modern family or the Full house.

I looked down at my Palms and of course I had started to sweat. It happens when I'm nervous, but I never expected to be nervous when I meet them.

'They mean absolutely nothing to me, they didn't want me to exist' I told myself. 'I was only here to ask some questions' I repeated to myself in my head. I shook of the nerves and rang the doorbell.

I was treated by an old, tall, skinny man. His hair white as snow. He was like an older version of my father. I don't know why but I felt a certain pang of pain at the realisation that my parents would never get to grow old together with us like they always told us they would.

'Come on focus on our objective, don't get off track' my inner voice spoke stern.

He asked in an irritated but stern deep voice " what do you want? ".

" Are you by any chance William Evermore" I answer in a polite but hasty tone.

His Eyebrows furrowed and his head turned to one side. "Who are you and how do you know my name" he asked in a more curious but still stern tone.

I reached out my had to shake his and a small smile appeared on my face. " My name is Elaine Evermore daughter of your son Richard Evermore, and I have some questions for you and your wife".

His face quickly change from a curious expression to a surprised, no shocked expression as I finished my sentence. His eyes filled with excitement and then changed to disappointment as he looked past me and towards my car. He looked back at me and asked, "where is my... son". His voice cracked as he said son.

He doesn't know?!, I thought as my eyes looked down at the floor. I was trying to hold back the tears as the memories flooded back. I shook it off as soon as I realized what I was doing.

" My father...he...he's dea-" I cut myself off mid-sentence and my expression changed from sadness to anger. " Wouldn't you like to know" I snapped which caused an old lady to come out from behind him and like him she had blonde short hair and she was slightly shorter than he was. She had my father's beautiful blue eyes.

"What is this ruckus about?" She asked me annoyed. The old man stared at me sadness clouded his once bright green eyes as if he had heard my first sentence. An awkward silence amongst us.

"Come in" he said breaking the silence. "Layla please make us some tea" he asked the woman next to him. I followed him in and closed the door behind me.

" I'll ask you one last time.... where is my son Young lady " he asked whist sitting himself on the sofa. I hesitated at first thinking whether he deserves to know, I know what they did was wrong, but it was his son " my father is dead" I answered trying to fight back the tears.

" To be more specific he was murdered". He looked at me as if he was trying to figure out if what u said was the truth.

His wife came back and set the tea down on the table before us before sitting next to him on the sofa across me.

" Well is anyone going to explain to me what is going on " she asked in a sarcastic tone. He looked at me and then at her then back to me as if he was asking for permission. I nod giving him the okay as I reach for my cup of tea.

I explained everything they needed to know to them and got what I needed. They both seemed somewhat happy and were asking to meet my younger siblings.

I didn't want to put them through that do I made up an excuse as to why they can't come. After all, if they wanted to get to know us they should have never kicked out my parents.

The drive back home was tiresome, so I knocked out as soon as I got home. I set an alarm to wake me up an hour before I had to leave for the club, I charged my phone and laying my bed. It didn't take long for me to pass out.

1 hour later...

I got up and had another shower and repeated my morning routine. I need to hurry up and get dressed before the girls got here. Lucky for us Talia doesn't drink so she was going to be our DD (designated driver) which meant I was going to get s**t faced tonight.

10 minutes later I was done with the bathroom and I trying a knock at the door. I presume that it was the girls, so I made my way down the stairs to meet them. I didn't really care that I was in my towel because they're my friends. I they followed my upstairs into my room where we would all get ready.

I work a black long sleeve crop top and white jeans. Since I was going out, I decided to be some jewellery and some hoop earrings. I straitened my hair and let it hang loose.

Taylor decided to wear something slightly more revealing. She curled her hair and wore a white top with a deep V-neck and a grey almost metallic skin-tight skirt.

Talia wore a plain black skin-tight shirt sleeve dress paired with a small chain.

" Damn girls we all look like snacks......no scratch that we all look like full course meals" Taylor stated, and we laughed at her remarks. It was nice to have a girl's night out sometimes.

It made me feel normal. We all got into my car and I gave Talia the keys. On the way to the club we blasted music and sang along like complete imbeciles. Taylor even stuck her ass out of the car and started twerking and I was sticking my head out.

When we got to the club we headed straight to the bar and order tequila shots. The loud music made it extremely hard to focus on a conversation, so we just decided to go to the dance floor.

We were slightly tipsy.... well me and Taylor were. We danced dirty, grinding on each other and at some point, a random stranger grabbed my waist and we danced for a while whilst I waited for the guy who I was supposed to meet here.

I got a call in my pocket and excused myself. I made my way to the bathroom in hopes that it wouldn't be as loud. " Meet me out side". I was about to reply but he handed up on me.

I sighed and started making my way out of the club. His information was helpful. He told me that my father way possibly double crossing a gang called the vipers and their way of neutralising the threat was murdering my father.

But it doesn't add up to what my grandfather told me about his family's involvement in another gang called the blue dragon.

Either way I was a bit too drunk to try and figure it out, so I paid the guy a large sum.

I can't keep spending money like this I need to get myself a new job. I made my way back to the club and got myself another shot then I got back to my friends.

Killian's POV

Tonight's delivery was over with quickly. I wasn't planning on spending the night one so me, Sarah and Chris are going to lux.

After Sarah's little stunt with the vipers I locked her up in the basement without food or drink for a week. I told her if she survived, she was forgiven and like the fighter she is she made it just barely.

We're back on somewhat good terms but I still don't trust her with information like that. I make it a point to avoid making the same mistake more than once.

Lux is one of the best paying clubs I own. I meet most of my one-night stand there. Chris and Sarah made their way to the VIP section whilst I want to order our drinks.

Bartender: what will u be having today sir

Me: get me a bottle of rum and some shots. And their them to the VIP section.

I turned around to go back to the VIP section, but something catches my eye. Two clearly drunk girls and one DD were heading to the bar.

They were leaning on the DD for support which was kind of hilarious to watch. I let a small laugh escape my lips which caught one of the girl's attention.

As soon as she turned to face me i noticed she looked so familiar to a person I used to know.

Elaine's POV

My feet were killing me so I so me and the girls decided to head to the bar where we could relax our feet for a couple of minutes. Me and Taylor leaned on Talia for supposed. By the corner of my eye I noticed this guy laughing and staring at us.

Without thinking I pushed myself of Talia and dragged my body towards him. "Would you mind explaining to me what's so funny" I said I a very annoyed tone. What the f**k am I doing.

He looked down at me with a shocked expression on his face. Then a smirk appear on his face and he grabbed my body before I could lose my balance. Talia rushed over to me and apologized to the d**k who was laughing at us as she pulled me away from his grip.

"What are u do... doing?" I asked Talia as I pulled away from her grip nearly falling but once again but he caught me. He chuckled as he picked me up and sat me on the bar stool.

"Bartender can I get a water for these two" I heard him ask in the deep sexy voice. I felt my panties dampen and crossed my legs. I'm so wasted I take the water and had a sip.

"Thank you" Talia finally spoke.

" No problem you look like you have a lot in your hands" he said giving me a sly smirk.

I was too drunk to care so I just ignored him. "I better get them home. Thanks for your help." Talia politely said.

" Do you need help" He politely asked.

Without thinking I quickly answered 'yes' still sipping on my water and holding the glass in case I drop it.

I know what you're probably thinking, Girl what the actual hell are you thinking. Didn't your mother ever teach you stranger danger.

Yes, my mom taught me stranger danger but, in my defence,, he is the hottest man I have ever had the pleasure of encountering and I was drunk so irrational choices were made.

My judgement may be impaired right now but mama want some d**k and the consequences ill deal with tomorrow... if I can remember that is.

Killian's POV

I couldn't help but stare at the familiar looking drunk girl in shock. She was so hot. I didn't expect her reaction. I didn't know how to respond to her question, and I didn't notice when a smirk appeared on my face.

I saw that she was about to lose her balance so i instinctively grabbed her waist and pulled her body towards mine. I could feel her tense up at my touch but relaxed a second later. Her much more friend whom she was leaning rushed over to her and pulled her away from my firm grip and apologized for her behaviour. I didn't really mind since you was quite funny to watch.

The drunk girl resisted and questioned her clearly confused friend. She pushed away her friend and stumbled, yet again my instinct kicked in and I caught her just in time. I couldn't help but chuckle while I put her down on one of the bar stools.

Her friend did the same with the other girl they were with and I ordered them both a glass of water. She thank me and apologized again.

I could see that she has a lot to Handle especially with a problematic friend like her. On the corner of my eyes I noticed she was starting at me with an intrigued look, so I smirked at her.

After a short silence, the sober friend finally spoke. "I should get them home" and she thanked me again. I could tell she was embarrassed by her friends' actions. Without thinking I offered to help them home and I didn't expect her answer.

Elaine's POV

The glass of water had helped me sober up a little bit. He looked at me sceptical of my answer.

" what are we waiting for" I put the glass down and opened my arms indicating I want to be carried. He continued to smirk at me.

"Are you sure Elaine?" Talia asked worried.

" Yeh Talia, take Taylor's drunk ass home and can you stop by the house for me and check on them. I can't go home looking like this, so I'll just stay in a hotel."

" Yeh no problem be safe" she said with a tired voice. I could tell she was sceptical of my decision to leave with a stranger...to be honest I would be too, but I was curious about him.

She hugged me and took Taylor with her. I turned to the stranger and smiled. " Shall we" I asked as I got down from the stool and he lifted me up with one arm and put me on his back.

YAASS piggy back ride.

" Yeh just give me a second to tell my friends" he said as we walked to ward the VIP room.

"You know we're not supposed to be in her right". I stated clearly confused as to why we were in the VIP section. "Why not I own this place" he spoke in a smugger tone. To say I was shocked would be in understatement.

The guy I had meet earlier told me that lux was a bar owned by a member of the blue dragon. He didn't specify who, but I had intended on looking him up the day after.

So, imagine my surprise when I ended up ridding on his back. I couldn't let this chancy go by, I had to learn more about him. Wow looks like my horny-ness was going to come in handy some day

When we got there, he chatted with his friends for a bit and introduced me and then made me sit on his lap. I took this opportunity to listen in on their conversation, but I eventually got bored and got up to walk away.

Ok it was rude of me, but I don't really care. He said he was only going to be one minute and then that minute turned to 30 and I wasn't really in the mood.

I know I'm a bad detective but I'm also a sleepy detective. Sherlock Holmes would be proud of me.

I excused myself and didn't really give him a chance to reply and walked outside to get myself a cab.

On my way out this old pedo grabbed my arse knowing full well that I could see him and shouted at me like I was one of those f*****g morons who would hang out at places like these looking to get f****d.

"Nice ass sugar". I was clearly not in the mood to handle any more bullshit from people tonight, so I twisted his arm trying my best to hold back my punches whilst my teeth were grinding.

He was clearly under the influence of alcohol, so I went easy on him. "Want to repeat that" I asked with the calmest voice I could muster which was a growl.

He was clearly shaking and apologized almost immediately. I can't even begin to explain how much men like him made me laugh.

It makes no sense to me what they are trying to do. Do they think s****l harassment is going to get them any good p***y?

I continued out of the club and whistled for a taxi but before I could get in the car, I heard Killian call my name.

I just rolled my eyes and watched as he strolled towards me with the look of annoyance on his face. "Where are you going" he asked as I rolled my eyes.

" to a strip club, where the f**k do you think I'm going? my feet feel like I'm walking on needles and my I'm pissed of my ass " I looked at him sarcastically.

He didn't respond so I just added " so if you will excuse me, I'm going to leave now" and I turned around opening the door to the taxi before he could even reply.

He grabbed my arm and spun me around like we were on a f*****g dance floor and looked at me. His once beautiful brown eyes turned dark. "DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN" he yelled.

"WHO THE f*****g HELL DO YOU THINK I AM YOU f*****g ASSHOLE". I yelled back whilst ripping my arm away from his tight grip my vision reddening.

" I AM WARNING YOU, TALK YOU ME LIKE THAT AGAIN AN-" I was cut off by a pair soft lips on mine.

My eyes grew wide with surprise but then I forgot about what I was saying. I am confusion. He licked my lower lip asking for entrance.

My mouth opened as if by command and he didn't hesitate to slide his tongue in. It was like fireworks going off in my mouth. Wow

We pulled away for air and I blushed furiously. I bit my lip trying to hold back a smile. " Wha- WHAT THE f**k MAN? " I asked now the angry expression was replaced by confusion. "

I said I would take you and I will" he replied calmly completely ignoring my question.

He took my hand gently this time and lead me to his beautiful black car. "HEY, LET ME GO!" I yelled trying my best to get out of his grip.

He ignored me yet again which was only making me angrier. He opened the door for me and gestured for me to go in. Me being the ignorant brat I am just stood there freezing my ass of trying to prove a point.

I brought my arms to my chest and crossed them with the angry expression still on my face. He finally spoke breaking the silent atmosphere

" your cute when your angry". Before I could even say another word, his lips were again attacking mine. "Please get in the car, I'll take you home as I promised. Reluctantly I obliged and got in.

Don't judge me. I've just been kissed twice in the las 1 minute and now I'm hornier than before and my feet were about to fall off.

The drive was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I was busy trying to process what the hell just happened back there, and I guess he was focusing on driving.