Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 16

The closer we came to the party, the more I wished I could be elsewhere. The twins were right behind me, acting like bodyguards. When we reached the front hall, the twins and I joined the people heading toward the back patio, which was now packed with people. As we walked outside, the twin's father spotted us and made his way over. "Emilia, dear, I have people you need to meet. "Without asking, he grabbed my arm and began to drag me away from the guys. I was overcoming the shock quickly. 1 jerked my arm away from him. Clint froge and turned, glaring at me. He reached for my arm again when the guys caught up with us. Josh quickly got in in front of me, blocking Clint from my view. "Dad, Emmys ribs are still healing, and she can't be pulled around like that."

"Stop being so dramatic, Joshua, Patricia said the doctor gave her a clean bill of health, and she is perfectly capable of walking around and meeting people. Ok, that was it. Hearing that my b**h of a mother was spouting off complete lies, I stepped up next to Josh. "Clint, I haven't seen Patricia since I was admitted into the hospital. So, she has no idea what is going on with me. If you had cared to ask, ves, my ribs and arm are broken. The breaks aren't as bad as the doctors first thought. That being said, walking around in heels is uncomfortable. The guys were taking me to sit down when you dragged me off. If there isn't anything else, Im going to sit down. I turned to t to the twins. "Let's go sit. I need eed to get these heels off." I walked off, followed by the twins, leaving a stunned Clint behind us. "Da**n, baby girl, I have never seen

anyone shut down Dad quite

like

helping me remove my heels and sliding them out of sight under the tat." Josh was beaming at me. "Wait until the guys hear about this; they will love it." Leaning down, he quickly kissed me before heading toward the bar. Jake pulled a chair closer and sat beside me, stand up for f more and not myself t it happen. I hope your dad isn't I'mory, lake,

Sorry.

not let it

table.

willst guys," I reached going to be mad

his hand,

Dad can be, and you still stood up to him, making him leave you alone." We sat people-watching for several minutes, enjoying the cool evening breeze, Jake pointing out different people to me, explaining who they were. When Josh returned with our drinks, he slid a chair close to me and sat between the twins, and I was almost invisible- another half hour passed with the three of us, joking and talking, ignoring the party going on around us. When I felt the guys stiffen, I saw Clint walking toward us with two other men. One was older, with salt and pepper hair and striking blue eyes. Next to him was a younger man who had to be his son since they looked so much alike. Clint stopped before us, glaring at me before quickly schooling his face into his bright political smile. "Emilia, I would like you

+10

I beg

don't stand on my account. It looks like you have been through quite an ordeal." "Thank you, Mr. O'Kelly, I have;

is wonderful to meet you, and please, I insist you call

00:2

I would be happy to Conner smiled and motioned for his son to step forward. "You must be Patrick; the guys have mentioned you several times." I smiled, motioning for him to sit; he pulled a chair out,

as best we can, with them being overseas. I got a fascinating message from Mike as we were arriving." He grinned at the twins, clearly sharing a private joke with them. I groaned, just imagining what Mike might have told him. When Patrick turned his attention to me, blue eyes dancing with

gaze traveled down my little black dress appreciatively, making me blush."I think he's trying to call in some favors as we speak to

he? The twins and

be here earlier than expected. At my look of shock, all three guys started laughing again. Patrick, taking pity on me, reached across the table and patted my hand. Oh love, I would not want to be