Charming But Reckless (NightShade Security #5)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

ORION

Archie and Takeshi found me shortly after my veiled confession. Given how I’d already opened the box on my emotions, I went ahead and shared the full truth with them. They took it in without any judgement, then encouraged me by telling me they’d support me through anything I needed.

What I didn’t share was why this all felt so much more real to me than it had in years.

I’m sure they thought it had to do with the group of people we rescued, Sol in particular. But it was more than that.

Seeing Sol brought back memories of my childhood before it all went to shit. I remembered Arick and how we would have each other’s backs.

Through all the years I was held captive by those people, I thought of him and what my mom would be thinking. I wondered if they missed me or if they were still searching.

Many times I convinced myself they were. I believed they’d find me and save me from the nightmare I lived in.

I believed they’d given up just as much. I didn’t think they’d continue on after such a long time with no sign of me.

Now, I had a chance to get some closure for one aspect of my past. I could reunite Sol and Arick, given they were actually related like I thought.

I could still be way off the mark since I had no proof of their connection. My gut said I was right though. I trusted it more than anything at this stage.

Tank sent me home not long after I bared my soul to the guys. I think he could sense my heart and mind weren't all there for the work we needed to do surrounding the Gilded Ones. Besides, I’d basically served myself up on a platter as a last resort. I didn’t need to stick around to watch it all unfold.

With the green light to leave work, I did the only thing I could think of. I went to the Coleman Ranch.

They had enough internet and resources there to help me in my search for a hint of Sol’s family. I was also hoping maybe I could convince him to tell me more about where his parents might be.

So far, I’d neglected to think of his mother at all since he reminded me of my old friend so much. Maybe hunting for her would prove to have better results.

I packed up a week’s worth of clothes, then took off for the ranch. Beau informed me it would be fine for me to come out for a stay. He also let me know Sol was showing a bit more emotion lately. It wasn’t the laughter and smiles of his son, but any glimmer of something other than a blank expression was progress.

When I arrived a few hours later, I was met with Jackson’s easy grin. “Hey there, city slicker,” he teased.

“Are we already starting the name calling?” I grabbed my bag from the back and met him at the bottom of the steps to the main house.

“Not name calling, just facts. You don’t even have any boots on. How will you make it around here?

I rolled my eyes at his dramatic tone. Yeah, I wasn’t a ranch hand, but I could survive here. I’d made it in far rougher places.

The only thing I needed to do was blend in. I could let myself settle into the stay until I reached some kind of lead. Then I’d take to the road to get answers.

Speaking of which, I realized I probably wouldn’t be staying at the main house. Not because I wouldn’t be welcome, but because the hands usually stayed in the bunkhouse.

“Should I move my truck?”

He shook his head. “Not right now. Let’s get you inside and fed. I’m sure you’re hungry. Besides, Beau is barely containing himself from tackling you. He’s excited to have another person here for a visit.”

I laughed at that. I could imagine Beau being eager to have someone around. He’s always had a larger-than-life personality.

“Not sure how long I’ll be here,” I said as a reply.

Jackson nodded. “That’s fine. Sean and Atticus are cool with visitors and friends coming by. Keeps everyone in a good mood to have company. Besides, with the way the market has grown, we’re used to not being alone anymore.”

I followed him up the stairs and inside the front door. I dropped my bag by the entry before taking in the space. What I saw warmed my heart.

Beau was on the floor wedged between Sol and Dakota. All three were working on a gigantic puzzle.

“We’ve almost got the edges done. Then we can focus on the middle part,” Dakota told the others.

“That’s right, big guy. We’ll have this baby done in no time. Then we’ll tell Daddy Jackson who’s the boss.”

Jackson cleared his throat, which drew their attention our way. Beau grinned, having obviously known we were there. Dakota chuckled at his parents, obviously used to their dynamic.

The reaction that interested me the most was Sol’s. He didn’t seem surprised, nor was he bothered at the romantic teasing between the men. In fact, he looked more settled than he had in any of the updates I’d gotten.

I guess you couldn’t capture contentment in a photograph. Not truly, anyway.

“Hey there. How's it going?” I eased into a chair across from where they were working.

Jackson moved past me toward a hall I knew led to the kitchen. “I’ll grab you something and be right back. Harlan always has leftovers.”

I smiled in thanks before turning back to the group. Beau and Dakota went back to their puzzle, both ignoring the obvious tension in the room.

Could I be too much of a reminder of what happened to him? Or was the look he threw my way curiosity because he wanted to know if I’d found his father?

Sol’s stare lasted until Jackson brought back my plate of food. I dug in right away, my hunger worse than I’d realized. When I finished, I went to the kitchen to clean up behind me. That and I needed a moment just to figure out what came next.

There were so many questions I had for Sol. I knew he could lead me to his dad if only he’d speak to me.

But I also knew how hard what he was going through was. If he didn’t want to talk as a way to deal with his trauma, then I owed him the time and patience to wait.

In the meantime, I’d keep hunting and doing what I could to find answers. If it went on for too long, I’d make a contingency plan for Sol’s care.

Maybe I could become his guardian? Could Tank convince a judge that it was a good idea?

I jolted at the idea.

Was I even fit to be a parent? It wasn’t something I had on my mind often. Honestly, it had been years since I last considered it. And back then, we’d been on projects nearly back-to-back, so it was an obvious no.

Children need time and attention. They needed patience from their caregivers. I couldn’t provide that with my work at NightShade.

Tank could change his mind though. Maybe if I convinced him I’d be an asset in other ways, he’d help me with the custody case.

A hand on my arm jolted me so badly, I gasped out loud. I turned to see Sol standing there wide eyed. He’d jumped back at my shock, though he hadn’t gone far.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I was in my head. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

He nodded slowly, then moved closer again. I waited for him to indicate what he needed, but he simply looked me over with deep interest.

I wondered just how much he could tell about my intent and mood just from watching me. If he was anything like me or Takeshi, it would be a hell of a lot. It’s what made us so damn good at our jobs.

“Did you need help with something?” I asked when it became obvious he wanted me to lead the conversation.

He shook his head, then tugged at my arm. I turned to face him completely, my body loose to allow him to move me as he needed.

When he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me in a hug, I froze. I hated myself a little bit for it because he immediately moved away.

“What…” I cleared my throat. “What was that for?”

He frowned, then motioned me forward. I leaned over until I was his height. His hand reached up, then turned my head until his mouth was level with my ear.

In the softest voice imaginable, he whispered, “Thank you for saving me.”

Tears flooded my eyes.

Fuck.

My heart ached for Sol and what he’d been through. I never expected his thanks, nor did I really want it.

When we opened that shipping container, I had no idea he’d been inside. I hadn’t saved him in particular, just the group as a whole.

I wanted to save him though. Wanted to reunite him with his family so he could have a childhood that made up for the shit he’d been through.

“No reason to thank me,” I said hoarsely. “I still haven’t found your parents yet. Looking for your dad didn’t pull up anything. I’m going to try searching for your mom next.”

He frowned at that, his hands moving to cross his neck in a slashing motion. The movement could be interpreted in two different ways. I decided to ask outright since he seemed eager to give me some kind of information.

“I want you to hold up your fingers to answer me, ok? Hold up one finger if you don’t know anything about your mom. Hold up two if she’s resting in peace.” I winced, even as the words left my mouth.

Resting in peace? What the fuck was that, Orion?

Sol didn’t seem to mind though. He held up two fingers like it was nothing. I wondered how long she’d truly been gone for him to not be affected.

Or maybe it was the more recent trauma that had his attention. He’d been through far too much at his age. I hoped me finding him and reuniting him with his father would help prevent anything else bad happening to him.

We didn’t talk much after that. I don’t think either of us had the words to go over the details of his life, nor do we really want to. At least, I didn’t.

It was nice to simply sit and enjoy the country air. There was the underlying scent of animal and excrement mixed in, but it still wasn't so bad.

At dinner time, Sol grabbed my hand and pulled me to the table to sit beside him. I smiled at the group of men, thanking them for keeping an eye on him. Then I spent the rest of the time dodging questions about how long I’d be here and what case the team was working on.

This ranch was full of some nosy fuckers.

Sol, Beau, and I walked around the ranch once the table got cleared. Beau directed Sol to run along to pet some of the goats so he and I can talk.

“How’s it been being here with him today? You look like you’re mourning something, man,” Beau told me solemnly.

I scratched the hair on my jaw. It was already coming in. I’d need to shave soon if I didn’t want to fuss with it. Though, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to grow it out either. I hadn’t done that since the last time I needed a disguise for a mission.

“It feels a bit like mourning something. I’ve reached dead end after dead end on this. It’s like he’s a ghost.”

“Takeshi couldn’t find anything.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, wait. That’s right. You’re hiding him out here like a dirty little secret.”

I frowned at my friend’s tone. “It’s not ideal, but it’s all I’ve got. Who knows why he was snatched up. Could have been opportunity or maybe he’s important to someone.”

“Plus there’s the fact you think you know his dad.”

Beau was really fucking annoying sometimes.

“Yes, Beau. That is another reason I haven’t involved the rest of the team. I’m sure I’ll get answers soon. If not, I’ll just jump in to help the hands until my brain uncovers the answer.”

He gave a hearty laugh before he clapped me on the back. “You know we don’t mind having you around. I’m just giving you shit because that sad look on your face was making us all miserable. Sol doesn’t need to see us sad. He needs to be surrounded by happy, healthy people who care for him. He may not have his bio dad here right now, but he’s got a dozen temporary papas.”

Beau jogged off to help Sol with an angry goat before I had the chance to reply. I stared at the two of them, then made my decision.

I was going to put away the negative emotions. It did none of us any good.

Sol needed support, just like Beau said. I’d be there for him until I found the answers he deserved. After that was a mystery.