Arabella Rivera My father was all sorts of things, a cheater, a liar, a manipulator and I can go on and on. But a murderer? That was something I couldn't swallow or visualize. My vision blurs. "You're lying." I accused, shaking my head in denial. The man who shared the same DNA with me can't be a murderer. He was my father for fuck sake. Yes, he was overwhelming but a killer? I shook my head more aggressively as if Haiden's words will just magically fly out of my ears. But they had already taken root in my brain and now they were sprouting. "Bella, " Haiden's hand shoots out to grasp me but I backed away, shaking my head. "You're lying Haiden." I whispered shakily. It felt like my life was crashing down and there was no escape, no tunnel to get out of. No sun. And a miracle? Waiting for a miracle or hope was now impossible. In a matter of a few hours, my life had completely turned to ruin. "Oooh trouble in paradise?" Gwen's nasty voice sang as she walks towards Haiden and I. Her eyes clash with mine and she fakes a pout. "And I thought you two were end game. Guess I was wrong." Shrugging, she giggles walking past us and disappearing behind a corner. I ignored her. She wasn't the biggest issue of them all. If what Haiden said was true, then telling mother about father's unfaithfulness was the least of my problems. "Bella listen to me," Haiden manages to grip my arm and tug me forward. I slam into his chest, choking on a sob for feeling safe in his arms. It was like my body knew that he was telling the truth. But my mind just couldn't wrap around his words. I looked up at him through a blurry vision. "You're wrong about him Haiden." I croaked weakly. "You said no more secrets between us, so I'm going to tell you everything. I'm not risking losing you because I wanted to keep you from the pain. If it hurts you I'll be there to mend it. I will take your anger, I will take your hate but I'm not losing you Bella," He whispered. "I will start at the beginning." Drawing in a breath, Haiden starts. " I've been participating in the illegal fight because I owe Snake more than fifty grand," I shot Haiden a 'what the fuck' look. Fifty grand was a lot of money to be owed. How the hell did this even happen? Wincing by my stare Haiden looks behind me in embarrassment. "I got into a stupid bet that I could beat one of his guys. Fucker played dirty and Snake being a bastard had me fight to pay him." "So that's why you couldn't get out. You put your life on the line for a stupid debt you owed," Without giving him much time to react, I punched his shoulder. He winces yet looked down at me in shock. "What made you make that stupid bet in the first place with a criminal!" I punched his shoulder again, this time harder. Haiden winces again, now rubbing the spot I slammed my fist on. "Because I needed the money for college," He admitted, looking embarrassed. " I have no money for college Bella, and getting a scholarship is out of the picture. I needed fast money and that was the only way I saw out of the hole." I shook my head, feeling sorry for him but not showing it on my face in case it would upset him. Haiden hated pity. "You could've come to me Haiden. " I whispered. Haiden scoffs. "We weren't together as yet when I made that stupid bet. And besides, I couldn't exactly come up to my girlfriend and tell her I was completely penniless and the chances of going to college to make a future for myself was pretty darn low." Haiden sighs when he sees my face. Lifting his hand he rubs the skin between my brows. "You see I didn't want you to worry about me like you're worrying now." I slapped his hand away. "Baby we need to talk about your sudden aggressiveness- The glare I sent his way shut him up. "This is exactly the problem Haiden. Everyone thinks I can't handle the truth, everyone keeps secrets from me because they think I'm some kind of doll that would break!" "Bella- "Just continue Haiden. I need to know everything. Tell me everything." I demanded, lifting my chin as I stared into his brown eyes. I hated that he was breaking my resolve with his stare but I was hell-bent on getting the truth out of him. Sighing loudly, Haiden continues. "Yesterday after you left with Gwen. Snake tried to bargain with me for sparing your life. He wanted me to join his boys on the street." The pieces start to come together quickly. "Drugs?" I whispered looking at him in shock. Snake wanted Haiden to deliver drugs? He really was a sick and twisted bastard. Haiden nods. "But he needed permission from his boss. Which happened to be your father. I swear I hadn't known he was involved in this shit Bella. If I had known-"You wouldn't have told me," I cut in with my whisper and tore my eyes away from him. " Because you'd want to protect me. You'd not want me to fear the man who's my father. You'd think you were doing me a favor." I pointed out. "I'm sorry Bella. I should've told you last night but I couldn't seem to let the words roll out of my mouth." He admitted, stepping forward. I let him this time without pushing or stepping away. I let him hold me because I knew that he needed this. And I was stupid to think that I didn't need this too. "He's dangerous Bella. You're not safe with him." Haiden whispers in my ear, holding me tighter until I swore the air is forced out of my lungs. I know. And the realization scared me. "Did he threaten you Haiden?" I whispered, still unable to wrap my head around the fact that my father was a murderer. Haiden takes a few seconds to answer. "He did. But I'm not letting you go easily." He grunts, burying his nose in the crook of my neck. I gripped him tightly. "I know. And I'm not making him come between us." I promise, pulling away from him. My father had proved to be a bastard. And if what Haiden said was true, he was very dangerous. Haiden looks at me confused as I pulled away from him completely. "Bella, what are you going to do? Don't do anything stupid," He whispers, looking around the hallway. His voice was a mix of anxiety and dread. "I'm going to ruin his perfect reputation and take him down. If he's as dangerous as you say he is, I need proof. And I know just the place to get it." I mumble, turning around and walking away.