Speak To Me

(Bruce Remington)

I knew the moment I saw that Martinez girl again..there was something odd about it. It's been twenty years since the last time I laid eyes on her and with the way she left things, I figured we wouldn't see her again.

I won't lie..I know my sons might not be the most responsible men..hell, I have had my own moments which ended in another heir to my wealth. But Roger, I could honestly say that he did care for that girl before she broke his heart.

When it came out that he wasn't the only one she was sleeping around with..everything fell apart. Then once the talks of a baby came into the mix, I had to take charge. So I dropped her off at the clinic, ready to get the DNA test done sooner rather than later and the girl ran. She was only fourteen at the time..so I can't blame her..but when she claimed to have lied about the pregnancy just to get Roger back, I dropped it. Teenagers do crazy things..hell, I was a teenager once and I had a few psycho exes of my own. Roger wanted nothing to do with her and things went back to normal.

But seeing her again at the hospital..it brought things back..and when I saw that woman with Rylan Walters, I had a weird feeling about it..very weird. I didn't get a good look at her face but something about her felt so familiar.

Then I did some digging..that's where I found the birth certificate in public records thanks to a few connections I have acquired over the years.

She did have a child after all..and on the birth certificate, there was no father listed.

So once I heard the rumor mill going around at the country club about Caroline's party, I couldn't fight that nagging feeling and had to see for myself. She should be here right? If not...I will fake some pleasantries and get on my way. "Bruce? What are you doing here?" Caroline asked, seeming flustered as she smoothed down her dress nervously.

I knew Caroline through her husband Edward. We have played a few rounds if gold throughout the years and I frequent their restaurant, using it to meet up with clients.

"Can't I come to celebrate my friends? I wanted to say hi to Niko and welcome him home."

"Don't you mean Nolan?" Caroline's fiery daughter grumbled in annoyance as I smiled widely.

"Of course." Shit, I knew it started with an N. They didn't talk about the youngest boy much..and I didn't ask. The rumors going around were enough to tell me not to.

I have also heard the stories about the daughter and who she has been seen with lately..the Alvarez family is one I will not be messing with. Damn is she a looker though..even if she is a little too young for me, especially since I might have a fucking granddaughter around her age..god, why is that a reality I might be facing?

I didn't even want to mention it to Roger yet..I wouldn't want to get his hopes up. Especially since he had gotten sick..we never thought it would be a possibility.

"Umm..well, would you like me to get Edward for you?" Caroline asked before giving me a tight smile.

"Actually, I was wondering if I could speak with your son Rylan."

"No!" The daughter blurted, making me even more suspicious as I arched a brow in response.

"No? Is he not here?"

"He is currently indisposed, but why don't you make yourself comfortable and I will let Edward know you are here." Caroline rushed, glancing towards her daughter before back at me. "Now if you will excuse us." Both of the women began walking away from me as their pace quickened..they knew..at least the daughter did..and I'm going to get to the damn bottom of this today.

Slipping my hands into my pockets, I turned on my heel and went to follow after them. My gaze locked onto their expressions as I saw the daughter whisper something, causing Caroline's face to fill with shock.

Then they began searching the room..causing me to do the same..and then I saw her. I saw the girl beside Rylan as he held her around the waist tightly.

A weird possessive feeling began to rise as I began to walk towards them. If that was my granddaughter..she was above every single person in this room. And the fact that a man like Rylan Walters had her..I didn't know what to think about that fully. I wasn't one to discriminate..but if he was the playboy I had heard about in the tabloids..I didn't quite like this.

I made my way straight towards them, the sound of someone calling out Rylan's name caused both he and the girl to turn as all the air rushed from my lungs. Her eyes..

I watched as the blue/green orbs widened, the sight of me seeming to scare her as Rylan quickly pulled her behind his back protectively.

"You need to leave..now." He practically growled, the hostility not going unnoticed as whispers began to erupt throughout the foyer.

"Let me see her." I stated firmly, needing to make sure one more time..it wasn't just an illusion, right?

I never had daughters..only sons..four to be exact. So to see those eyes that none of my sons had even inherited..it was almost shocking.

"She wants nothing to do with you or your family..so leave her alone." Rylan added just as Jamie Sinclair came over and stood behind him.

"Now is not the time or place to be doing this." He spoke lowly, his voice just as threatening as Rylan's was as my gaze suddenly went to Rylan's back.

That's when I saw those beautiful eyes peering over at me and I couldn't help but step closer and bend forward.

"Matilda, I just want to meet you. I promise there is nothing sinister behind my intentions." I spoke softly, stunned by her beauty as she looked a lot like my late wife, Amy.

Then again, so did Roger..but Matilda had that caramel skin and dark hair, making those eyes pop even more.

"If you want to meet her, then I suggest you leave now. If she decides that is what she wants, we will contact you at a later time to set it up." Rylan snapped, and I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

"Your father..he would like to meet you too..he will be so happy to learn that-"

"Wasn't my so-called father the one who wanted nothing to do with me? And you..what you wanted to do was even worse." She whispered harshly, the hatred in her voice taking me aback as Rylan quickly turned and embraced her.

"Hey, it's okay..don't even speak to him, Angel. Jamie, please.." He added, prompting Jamie Sinclair to step forward and block the two even more.

"Bruce..perhaps it's best you leave for now." Edward suddenly piped in as he came up from behind.

I stood there for a few moments..contemplating what I should do as I let out a sigh of defeat.

"Fine..but I don't know what your mother told you Matilda. Your father and I..we were never made aware that she was truly pregnant with you." I said, realizing we had all been lied to most likely..

I could see Tilly bury her face against Rylan's chest as he just turned to glare at me..the arrogant side to me wanted to get my men in here and drag Matilda back home with me..but I knew it would cause more issues..so I will back away for now. "I will be waiting for your call." I said one last thing and left..

Perhaps I should pay Shaina Martinez a visit next..