Pucking Obsessed (Bay Rebels #4)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

Rebel House, Captain’s Hall

R obyn

The wind across the lake nips my cheeks. It catches my hair, blowing it over my face.

I squint up at the bright sun in the blue sky.

The air is fresh and sharp. It reminds me of all the times that I’d come out boating with Dad as a kid.

It would rarely be on his yacht, however, which was for entertaining guests or hosting events.

Dad would take me fishing at dawn.

It would be quiet and somehow, sacrosanct.

Together, we’d sail or row a small boat out to one of his favorite spots and then sit together close to nature.

Sometimes, Dad sailed me out simply to birdwatch. We’d check off the ones that we spotted.

Afterward, back in the house, I’d share my successes with Cody.

Cody would pretend that he wasn’t trapped inside for the summer. But I knew how much it hurt my brother that Dad never taught him about wildlife or taught him to fish.

In fact, he never taught Cody anything, as soon as it became clear that he hadn’t inherited his genius on the ice.

Yet it hurt Cody the most that he was excluded from the world on the lake.

I sprawl out on an arctic blue lounger.

Loungers and couches are ranked on the bottom decking.

I stare over the churned up trail that the yacht is leaving in its wake. It looks like Dad is carving his own waves into the still lake through the force of his will alone.

On the lakeside stands a private boat launch. A long pier disappears into the center of the water.

Jagged mountains loom in the distance.

I grimace, wriggling around.

Sneakily, I edge my thong out of my butt crack.

Classy.

No one noticed, right?

Damn D’Angelo. If he hadn’t opened that drawer, then I wouldn’t have to wear a comedy thong. How else was I going to stop him from poking around and discovering the hidden rings?

That’s twice now that my romantic gift giving moment has been ruined.

D’Angelo is too good at finding things. Maybe it’s because he needs such a high level of control over everything that he knows where things are at all times.

Scary.

My guys are too smart.

I could tell that Shay knew I was hiding something. He probably thinks that it’s a new sex toy.

Most likely an intimidating monster dildo.

I smirk.

I have a tentacle one. Perhaps, I should throw Shay off the scent by buying a demon tongue dildo…?

I’d love to see Shay’s expression, when he roots around in my panty drawer in detective mode and realizes that I’m planning to use a demon tongue on him in our next scene.

I furrow my brow.

Where should I hide my rings next?

Only, someone has upstaged me with the gift giving.

They ruined the mood for the entire weekend. Since those fucking cuff links turned up this morning, D’Angelo has barely spoken. Instead, he took the shirts out of his closet and meticulously folded and then refolded them, spiraling into an OCD episode.

Who the hell sent the cuff links?

I take a deep breath, allowing myself to relax. It’s a relief to have a break from the house and come out to the lake.

The luxurious megayacht, which Dad named Beth after Mom, is painted in striped shades of blue and white. It’s opulent with an array of loungers, couches, a long swimming pool, and round jacuzzi.

I don’t exactly fit in with the elegant luxury, since I’m bundled in my favorite faded One Direction sweater over jade leggings.

My other clothes are still creased or dirty. Eden is spending the day doing the laundry and ironing.

At least it will help take his mind off the Misfits.

The last thing my Phoenix needs is to feel like people are trying to own the people who he loves.

He’s darker than Shay.

Sometimes, I don’t know how seriously to take his threats to burn people.

I cross my ankles casually, pretending that I’m not paying attention to the quiet conversation that’s going on between Austin, Cody, and his husband.

It’s important that Cody resolves things with Dad himself.

Yet I understand why he wants me to be here. I make him feel safe. But I don’t know if I ever truly made him safe.

I cringe away from that truth.

My relationship with Dad is complex.

The men are huddled together by the railing. A table stands next to them, which is covered in glasses of wine and platters of decadent pastries.

Austin’s silver hair and beard are neat. He’s dressed in black pants and a charcoal sweater with the sleeves rolled up.

This is his laid back outfit, which he saves for the weekend.

Cody’s clothes are equally relaxed: pastel blue long-sleeved t-shirt and board shorts.

Yet his posture is the opposite, stiff and uncomfortable.

I can feel how frightened he is from here.

I’ve always been close to my brother, and he’s spent his life being fiercely protective of me.

I’d be over there with him, if he didn’t have his husband’s arm around his shoulder. Cody is leaning back against Michael’s chest like he needs the support.

I smile.

They’re good together.

Michael has been in my brother’s corner from day one. He loves Cody unconditionally.

Cody has never had that from Dad.

Michael is in his late thirties. He’s hot but stern with ebony skin and salt and pepper hair. He’s dressed in a casual tan suit that’s open at the neck.

“You’re looking a little green there.” Dad points his glass of wine at Michael. “If you’re going to puke, do it over the side. At least be considerate when you hurl.”

“That’s exactly what I say to my patients,” Michael says, dryly. “They rarely listen.”

“Are you okay?” Cody asks. “Do you want to go back?”

“We’ll go back, when the hour is up,” Dad barks. “Do you think that it’s fair on the staff to set this up on a Sunday and then give up after less than an hour?”

“It’s only because this is straight after an all-night shift.” Michael ignores Dad, tightening his arm around Cody. “No sleep, wine, and yachting apparently isn’t what the doctor ordered.”

Cody chuckles. “I’ll tuck you in, as soon as we’re home.”

Michael works in the ER at Freedom Heart hospital.

He has deep purple shadows underneath his eyes. He usually looks exhausted, but then, he works hard.

On the other hand, he’s an incredible partner to my brother because whenever he’s free, he still takes Cody out to dance and have fun.

Cody picks up a chocolate éclair and takes a bite; cream drips out of it.

He licks his fingers. “This is awesome, Dad. It’s just not what I was imagining…” He glances at me and for a moment, our gazes meet. My chest aches. I know what he means. Staff are moving around in the decks above and driving the boat. The fucking day has been catered . “I hoped that you could teach me how to fish.”

He sounds so hopeful.

It breaks my heart.

“Aren’t you a bit old for me to start with shit like that?” Dad harrumphs. “I have a meeting after this. I can’t stink. Plus, you’d take too long to learn. It’s not as if you’d catch anything.”

Cody’s bright expression shatters. He places down the half-eaten éclair like he can no longer stomach it.

He tries to still sound upbeat but it’s hollow. “Maybe next time, huh?”

Dad shrugs, noncommittally.

In Dad talk that means no fucking way is there a next time.

Rage rushes through me.

Is taking Cody out today only a token gesture? Is Dad doing it because he really wants to mend their relationship like he insisted or because he wants me to think that he is?

I sit up. “Everyone is a beginner, when they start. It’s not about whether you catch a fish or not; you taught me that. We return them to the water, anyway. It’s about spending time close to nature together. Code would love that.”

Code’s face lights up again. “I would. I mean, going out together without any staff or shit. I hoped that we’d take out one of those small boats, you know, a small sailboat like the type you’d take Robyn out in, when she was in college. I’d watch you from the window and—"

“Are you kidding me right now?” Dad growls. Cody flinches. “We’re on my yacht and you’re whining…? Am I spoiling you in the wrong way ?”

“You’re talking to him in the wrong way,” Michael says, sternly. “Change your tone, or I will insist that we return to land.”

“This is my boat. Show some respect.”

Michael arches his brow. “I didn’t realize that you were the captain. Are you going to order me to be lashed to the mast and flogged with a cat’o nine tails? Just know that I’m likely to mutiny, captain .”

Michael steers Cody, who’s grinning widely now, toward me.

“Hey.” I shift to the side, leaving room for Cody to climb onto the large lounger next to me.

“Hey, sis.” Cody wraps his arms around me, staring out at the water. Then he whispers, dramatically, “We may be planning a mutiny.”

“Count me in.”

Michael sits stiffly on the couch next to us like a bodyguard.

Dad narrows his eyes. “Mutiny, huh? Not on my ship. And my hockey ship, the Bay Rebels, has more serious problems like the pirates who are trying to board her.”

I glance at him. “You mean that asshole Colton.”

Dad nods. “Or the board members. I don’t trust that worm, Heine, who Colton has run to with his scheme. If we’re not united as a family, then our careers and legacy are over, before this season is even ended.”

“Career,” Cody says, softly. “Legacy. So, that’s why you want to unite our family.”

I lay my hand on Cody’s leg, comfortingly.

Dad’s expression gentles. “It’s not the only reason. You know that I don’t do this emotions crap. I’m trying. It’s going to take time between us. Since when did you need coddling?”

“Loving.” Michael’s mouth is set in a firm line. “It’s not the same thing.”

Dad waves away his words. “My son knows that I love him.”

Cody glances surprised at Dad.

Has Dad ever told Cody that he loves him? Directly in those words?

Is he even truly saying it now?

Dad takes a swig of his wine. “Now, what I want to know is why my security team sent me a red alert first thing this morning, Robyn?”

I freeze. “Let’s not ruin this lovely trip talking about my crisis.”

Cody’s eyes widen. “Crisis?”

I wet my dry lips. “Did I say crisis? I mean, panic? Emergency?”

Michael’s lips twitch. “So much better.”

“Someone sent D’Angelo devil horn cuff links, as if for the Halloween event,” I hurriedly explain, “along with a note on the box: For my prince of devils. Let me be your corrupted angel. Wear these and think of me. XXX.”

Cody shudders. “It’s the kisses that creep me out.”

Michael quirks his brow. “Who knew that Halloween gifts could be scary in all the wrong ways?”

“I know, right?” I run my hand through my hair. “Is it fan mail gone too far? Subtle hate mail? Stalking? An attempt at intimidation? Unless one of you sent them…?”

Dad huffs. “Do I look like the type of coach who sends his players messages that end in kisses?”

“I don’t know whether it’s worse to say yes or no,” Michael deadpans.

“We didn’t send them.” Cody looks troubled. “How did someone get your current address? Nobody knows it, right?”

“That’s not true.” Dad finishes his wine, slamming down his glass. “The entire security team do. I’ll have them thoroughly questioned.”

“Neve does,” Cody adds.

I snort. “She’s even less likely to send D’Angelo messages with kisses on them.”

Dad looks grim. “The address is on your contract. Anyone who works on the staff of the Bay Rebels and doesn’t mind risking both their ass and their job could have found out the details.”

“Or a shady journalist,” Cody offers. “Or simply a hacker.”

“I’m glad that narrows it down.” I groan.

“Is Jude freaking out about this?” Dad studies me. “Tell me if he needs to schedule extra therapy sessions. He has the most important three games of his career next week because they’re his trial. He can’t fuck them up because someone is—”

“Mindfucking him?” I hope that’s all this is.

But what if someone dangerous is fixated on D’Angelo?

Could it be RebelLover22?

If you date anyone but me, D’Angelo, I will kill you …

When the yacht starts a slow turn, Michael becomes greener. He clutches onto the couch with white knuckles.

I dread to think how ill he’d be on a sea cruise.

I struggle not to laugh, when I imagine Michael as a Navy SEAL.

“Where are the life jackets?” Michael demands. “You didn’t tell us earlier. Now, I feel like insisting.”

Dad’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Life jackets are for pussies.”

“Strange, I thought that they were for people who didn’t want to drown.” Michael’s gaze hardens.

“Can’t you swim?”

“Actually, no,” Michael admits. “Barely.”

Panicked, Cody and I both sit up together in a tangled heap.

What the hell?

Michael is taking a huge risk by being out here with us. Yet he’s still doing this in order to support Cody.

Michael is avoiding his husband’s eye.

“Shit.” Cody reaches to drag Michael’s hand into his. “Why did you come with me today? Plus, how the hell don’t I know this about you? We literally live beside the beach. I’m in and out of the water every day.”

“And I’m not.”

“I thought that was because you’re…”

“A nerd and not a jock?” Michael arches his brow. “Always at work? Too old?”

Cody blushes. “You’re just not passionate about the same things as I am. And that’s fine. You love classical music and playing chess. I compete in surfing and bake. It’d be boring if we were the same. It gives us stuff to talk about.”

Dad pulls a face. “You married a smart, educated doctor. What can you talk about, when you’re messing around like a kid still surfing and baking, as if you’re not even a man?”

Cody pales.

I wince.

A sick, cold feeling seeps through me.

“Take that back,” I hiss.

Michael stands. He looks thunderous.

“That’s enough.” Michael’s rumbling voice is coldly dangerous. “No one questions that my husband is a man in such an ignorant and prejudiced way. Cody is smart and talented. He wins the biggest surfing contests in the state. He’s a champion. You should be proud of him. Plus, he’s the best baker I’ve met, which you’d know if you’d taken up any of our many invites to come over for dinner. His cooking is unparalleled. He deserves to be praised and appreciated. He always will be by me. If you can’t accept him for who he is, then you don’t deserve for him to keep giving you these second chances.”

“That’s not your decision to make.” Dad prowls toward Michael, prodding him in the chest.

He backs Michael toward the edge of the decking.

My eyes widen.

The decking is wet, and both men are way too fucking close to the edge that’s without a railing because it’s the area for people to swim out from the yacht, once it stops.

“Watch it,” I yell.

Alarmed, Cody and I stand up.

“Small reminder to be careful,” Michael grits out, “ because I can’t swim .”

Cody rushes toward Michael. “You’re right. It’s my decision, Dad. You keep hurting me. Maybe we should only see each other at work.”

Dad swings toward Cody.

His face is red with anger. “I haven’t even touched you.”

Cody’s expression becomes determined.

He lifts up his chin. “I told someone yesterday that it was okay because now you can only hurt me with words. But the thing is, they do harm me. They tear me down. And they bruise me as much as the strike of a belt.”

A belt?

Bile rushes up the back of my throat.

Dad never hit Cody with a belt, did he?

My eyes burn with tears. I’m trembling.

At the same time, I’m cheering inside that Cody is standing up to Dad like this.

Finally, the boil is being lanced.

It needed to happen, even if I wasn’t expecting it to happen right now.

Dad clenches his hands. “I don’t want that. Our family is meant to be coming together and not breaking apart.”

“Dad?” My voice is quiet, frightened.

I want him to deny it.

I know that he won’t.

Dad doesn’t say anything.

“I wanted to go boating with you more than anything,” Cody says, quietly. “Do you know how much of my life growing up was spent longing to be out here with Robyn and you? Wishing that my own dad cared enough about me to invite me along, even once? I hoped that today we’d work a few things out and then move forward. But the problem is that you still see me as that dumb, bad kid, who’s locked up in the house. This environment…” He raises his arms. “…is too toxic. You are. I can’t be around it. At least, not right now.”

“You’re my son ,” Dad bursts out, making a sudden move toward Cody.

Adrenaline spikes through me. My heart is in my mouth.

“Don’t,” I leap toward Dad.

Instantly, Michael takes a step between the two men.

Dad shoves him out of the way.

“Shit,” I gasp.

I see it happen, but it’s too fast for me to stop it.

Michael loses his balance on the slippery decking. He’s already unsteady, unused to boats.

He tumbles to the side, close to the edge.

Startled, Dad reaches to grab Michael’s arm and save him.

Staring at the churning water over the side, Michael panics and snatches at Dad, dragging him towards him.

Dad catches his foot on a pile of coiled ropes.

Please, no.

Dad cries out, falling overboard.