Chapter 53
“God, Journey West! It's so damn good to see you again!” Jenni squeals, pulling me into a tight hug. “We didn't really get to say hi at my wedding,” she murmurs in my ear.
I hold back my tears. She still thinks of me as a friend. Someone trustworthy. And I'm not. Guilt eats at me the moment I look into her tear-filled eyes. She's so damn happy to see me.
“It's so good to see you, too! You guys are all good after that?” I ask, thinking back to the explosions and gunfighting that almost took us all out.
“Beyond good. That was just a blip on the map for us.” She smiles, waving it off. “Come on now, let's catch up while they plot,” she giggles, pulling me to the couch until we're plopping down and facing each other.
“Be good, Little Chaos,” Jericho hums, kissing my temple. “We'll be mourning the loss of Thomas Mondelli.” Sarcasm drips from his words when he pulls back and takes a few steps from me.
AKA, they're going to view the body they haven't cremated yet. He told me he promised Elias a bit of Shadow to seal their alliance and start on the right foot. Too bad Shadow is no more.
“I'm always good,” I snort, earning a smirk.
“Define good,” he says with a pointed look, knowing full well I'm always up to no good.
I shrug, feeling lighter than I have in a long time. I'm finally under my own damn thumb. No one else's. Sure, Jericho is my demanding husband. God, that's so fucking weird to hear. But the moment Mikhail uttered Mrs. Viotto, I knew it was fitting.
I am Mrs. Viotto.
No man will ever rule my life like Gabriel and Shadow did. I am no one else's pawn. I'm the fucking queen of the castle.
Arrow straightens when another solid knock bangs at the front door. I know they were nervous to have such high-profile leaders in their secret safe space, but it was the only way for all of them to come together undetected.
“Is that the child?” Arrow stage-whispers with mischief in his eyes.
“Arrow, this won't work if you don't show respect. Like it or not, he's the head of the Bratva,” Jericho states in a steady, lower-pitched voice. He lifts his chin, daring Arrow to argue with him.
“Ugh. Fine,” Arrow snarks, crossing his arms.
“Well, that'll be an issue,” Elias chuckles, raising a brow when Jericho huffs, opening the door.
“Mikhail,” Jericho greets, waving a hand for him to enter.
“Jericho,” he says pleasantly, waltzing into the living room. “Elias.” They each give each other a respectable nod, acknowledging their points of power. “Journey.” Mikhail turns to me with his face softening. “Sunshine sends her regards. You've been making her so happy with your texts.”
A soft smile passes over my lips at the sound of her name. “Good to see you again, Mikhail. You've been keeping her safe. How's her recovery?”
“Still recovering. Rest assured, she's taking the proper medications to ensure a successful transplant and resting until necessary. I have a doctor on staff tending to her every need. My brothers sit beside her bed while I'm here on business.”
“Brothers?” I mutter. “You have brothers?” Maybe that's the company Sunshine has been keeping when Mikhail works. But I could have sworn he was an only child.
How odd.
“Come by when you'd like. With a call so we can alert our guards.” Mikhail stands straighter when several footsteps sound on the porch and stops outside the door. “But you’re always welcome in Miami.”
“Yours?” Jericho asks, nodding toward the shadows looming outside, no longer moving.
Mikhail inclines his head. “Can never be too careful. My guards will keep watch outside until we're finished.”
“Why? You think we're going to slit some throats?” Arrow grins when all attention slides to him. He only grins wider at our expressions. Yeah, he’s going to get us all killed at some point. “What? It was just a question.” He shrugs.
Shepp huffs at him, rolling his eyes. Out of habit, he signs something to him quickly with jerky movements. Arrow waves him off, signing something back with a frown. Mikhail smirks.
Of course. Everyone knows sign language well. I've only learned the basics. It’s a new language I’m eager to know more of.
“Thank you for keeping my sister safe,” I say, clearing my throat of my emotions. “The threat still stands, though. Don't fuck with her. Or else.” I drag my finger across my neck with confidence.
Is it smart to give this tiny psycho a death threat? No, probably not. He could take me out like he took his dad out. But I won't tread lightly with my sister ever again. She's too important.
Mikhail grins, exposing his teeth. “If I harmed her, I'd harm myself, Journey. Sunshine is my past, present, and future.”
Jenni swoons beside me, tilting her head with admiration. “Wow!” she says dreamily, earning a scowl from Elias.
“Well, you're just putting us all to shame, aren't you?” Elias shakes his head, leaning down to kiss Jenni's lips. Its ownership. Love. Everything.
“Dude, you're like fourteen.” Arrow gapes from the kitchen, now holding a small knife in his hands.
“Arrow,” Shepp sighs, holding out his hand. “We're not a threat, remember?”
Elias, Mikhail, and Jenni instantly still at the sound of Shepp's voice echoing through the room. The more he speaks, the less rasp comes from his throat.
“You spoke,” Mikhail observes, tilting his head. “No more silence?”
Shepp shakes his head. “It ended with his death.”
Mikhail nods, an eerily sense of understanding crossing his face. “Understandable.”
“You may not be a threat, but I have a baby mama to watch over and two gang leaders standing in my house. Although I am the most superior,” Arrow cuts in, puffing out his chest. “Touch my woman…” he trails off, dragging his finger across his throat.
A true threat through and through.
“Holy shit, he's touch her and die,” Jenni swoons again. “I've read about that in books.”
“Woman! Would you stop swooning over other men,” Elias hisses with pure jealousy ringing in his eyes.
Jenni smirks, patting his hand. “You didn't mind last night. Sharing is caring, if I remember right…” Jenni is cut off with Elias’ lips locking around hers in a heated kiss.
“Jennifer,” he murmurs. “You've broken so many rules tonight. Consider this your warning. When we return home…” he trails off, smirking when she turns beet red.
Interesting…
“Fine,” she says with a shrug. “Wait… Baby mama?” Jenni practically screeches from my side, leaning in with a grin. “Please tell me you're pregnant. Oh my God!” She claps her hands a few times.
“On that note, gentleman. How about we have a drink in the basement and toast to our new arrangements?” Jericho waves a hand toward the basement door.
“Good to see you again, Journey,” Elias says with a respectful nod as they all walk down into the basement with Shadow’s body to shake hands.
“Okay, well. While the boys play, we're going to gossip. Give me the tea, Journey West. You're pregnant and living here?” She looks around wide-eyed, taking it all in with an open heart.
That's the thing about Jenni. She's always been a true friend. A good person. Me? Not so much.
I snort, turning to face her on the couch. “I'm pregnant.” I think it's the first time I've ever said it out loud without feeling a tugging inside me threatening to tear me apart. “And hiding here until we go back, I guess.”
Jenni grins, sighing with happiness. “I can't believe you're pregnant. God, you're going to be the best mother.” She taps my hand a few times. “Elias and I are trying, too. So maybe our babies will grow up and be besties. Just like us.”
Just like us. Besties .
“Jenni,” I breathe, swallowing the burning sensation in my throat. “You were such a good friend to me in high school. I had so much fun going out with you and going to parties.” She beams again, telling me without words that she believes the same thing. That she trusts me.
And I'm a fraud.
“You know, you were my first real friend,” Jenni says softly. “I never had anyone like you because of the organization my dad was a part of. Even if it was only for a few months. I know when I took off with Elias, we lost touch. But seeing you at my wedding and…” She offers me a sad smile. “I'm just sorry you got mixed up in that life. You know Leighton ran off, too. Got hitched to that Chloe Satin bitch.” She scoffs at that with a shrug. “Good fucking riddance, if you ask me. Such a sleazeball.”
I cringe at his name, wishing he wouldn't have found his happy ending. He doesn't deserve it after forcing himself on me at Jenni's party. I mean, Arrow took his finger, and I destroyed his car, but still.
“Don't worry, they had to go into hiding. His daddy is looking high and low for him. Even though they would be a good alliance, she was offered to Jericho first.” My eyes bug out. Seems my husband has been keeping secrets from me since we reunited. Granted, it's only been a few stressful days here. “Not to mention Chloe's dad has gone nuclear about it all. It's kind of funny.”
Good. Fuck them both.
Silence consumes us for a few minutes as I digest her words. Jenni takes sips of water, grinning at me expectantly. I know the second I open my mouth, that'll be wiped away. She'll run from me forever.
Here goes nothing.
I suck in a breath. “My sister was taken from me when I was sixteen. I hurt someone...” My voice quivers at the memories. Every time it enters my mind.
The screaming. The blood. The knife. It knocks me back. Steals my fucking breath. No matter how many years. It's always there, eager to haunt me. I could be the strongest person in the world, and I'd still fall to my knees a few times a year. I break down. But I build myself back up time and time again.
Jenni leans her chin on her hand, listening to me. Even when I get quiet and lost in my thoughts, she stays still without interruptions.
“I stabbed someone to save her, and it was used as blackmail to get me to do stuff. Hurt more people.” My eyes focus on the wall behind Jenni's head, staring at the pristine walls, beautifully painted. I can't take the pity in her eyes. Or the disgust when she learns of my past. “He kidnapped me. Locked me up. Tortured me.” My fingers play with the scar above my heart. “And when he set me free, I was programmed to do his bidding. Spying on people…” Jenni's figure weaves through the tears shining in my eyes and spilling over my lashes.
There's a reserved look on her face. Like Jenni knows exactly what I was up to, and she's been waiting for me to spell it out for her. Maybe she's been waiting for me to say something and admit that our friendship was a complete farce. It wasn't. Jenni was truly the best friend I had ever had. She accepted me for me. Saw me in a light no one else had, except the guys.
Jenni was a good one, and I was about to decimate that.
“Who was it?” she murmurs sadly.
“Gabriel Viotto.” His name feels heavy on my tongue, like the burden of carrying around my crimes forcefully committed by him. “I had no say in my life. It was either make friends with you and…” I roll my lips together and blow out a breath. Who knew clearing the air and telling your truths could lead to heart palpitations and vomit in your throat? “Your dad. He wanted information, and he said you were the ticket in. And then, after that was done, I had to spy on Elias and learn everything I could.”
There was nothing more to admit. I had gotten her father killed. It was all me. She had to run because of me. I did it all. The catalyst in her life.
“So when I introduced you to my dad, you already knew who he was?” There's no accusation in her voice. No disappointment. Just her.
I nod, offering her a sad smile. “I'm sorry…” I trail off, moving my eyes to the floor.
She pauses for a second, taking me in with fresh eyes. I expect this is the end of our friendship.
The final wave goodbye.
“But you were real, right?” Jenni whispers, staring at me with shiny eyes. I nod. Of course, I was. Not at first. But our friendship was a pleasant surprise. “Then what's the issue?” A tear drops from her left eye, cascading down her cheeks. She nibbles her bottom lip. “Journey. You never hurt me. My dad was a good man to me in some ways but bad to the core. He was up to no good all the time, like everyone in the damn crime family. I mourned him. But I had Elias to pick up the pieces. My mom ran off.”
“No issue then,” I say, holding back my tears. “I hated working for him. I hated those jobs and missions.” I shake my head, attempting to shut the door on my past. But it's ingrained in me. The deaths and break-ins. They're a part of me now. No turning back. “I hated that version of myself.” I did. I was simply existing for the sake of my sister, living every day with her health and life on my mind.
But today? I have myself.
She's safe, and her health is on track. The guys truly love me. They've shown me time and time again. Fuck. I feel like I've been tossed in a boxing ring and have gone five rounds. My head pounds, rattling my skull.
“Oh, Journey,” Jenni sniffles, pulling me close and wrapping her arms around my shoulders.
For years, I went without hugs. I was starved of touch and love and everything in between. A cage was my home. My prison. Even when I stepped out into the sunlight for the first time in months, no one touched me. Not until I let the Devils in.
This hug is everything.
“Thank you, Jenni. I'm sorry.” About everything I did.
“All water under the bridge,” she whispers and pulls back. “Besides, we're going to be meeting like this from here on out. Sounds like our boys are going to be in cahoots with each other.” She grins wider now, and she winks.
“Seems like it. You think they'll all be able to get along?” I eye the space of our kitchen, not hearing anything coming from the basement.
“They're all very business-motivated,” she scoffs, rolling her eyes. “They'll do it for that, but as friends? Doubtful.” She giggles at that, sitting further into the couch.
From there, we converse for what seems like hours. Talking openly about anything and everything. I give Jenni more pieces of myself than I ever thought possible. Here was this girl I was using for information, and she turned out to be one of the best people I had met along the way. I guess through my forced venture into the family, I discovered my tribe.
My family.
I have Sunshine—always will. She's my blood. But I also have my non-blood family. Jericho, Arrow, and Shepp. And now, Jenni.
Jericho emerges from the basement as Jenni and I sip our drinks. Me with Sprite to settle my churning stomach and Jenni with a beer.
Jericho’s face sags the moment he sees me. Relief spears through me when they pile into the living room with slumped shoulders and satisfied expressions.
“All settled?” Jenni bravely asks, sipping her beer.
“Yes,” Elias replies, sauntering toward her. “All good.”
“Then the plan stands, gentlemen.” Jericho raises his brows, and the men nod. “Tomorrow night, we'll be back in Briar Cove.”
“And we'll be on standby,” Elias says, helping Jenni to her feet.
“To raid your father's businesses,” Mik says with his hands in his pockets. “Such an odd thing for him to sign over everything to your mother.”
Jericho grimaces, running his hand down his face. “What an unexpected development. But of course, she did that.”
With that new information, they all say their goodbyes with handshakes and head out the door, leaving us in silence.
“Your mother took over your dad's businesses?”
Jericho nods once, coming to sit beside me on the couch. He groans when he puts his head back, sighing heavily.
“She's taken over,” he says with a tinge of sadness. “Everything. Somehow, she's manipulated the deeds to every business my father owned and signed them to herself. Elias looked into it.”
“It's money, right? Is that all she wants?”
“Revenge,” Shepp rasps, sitting down across from us. “She wants to destroy everything he's touched for making her marry him.”
Right. The letters he found. The evidence of their long love affair with each other, long after they had married others.
“You know what we need?” Arrow asks with his arms spread wide. We stare at him until he pouts, not waiting for our answer. Instead, he turns on the first season of Game of Thrones with a grin. “Blood. Mayhem. Dragons.” He wiggles his brows.
Jericho sighs but doesn't say a word of protest. Not even when Arrow sits on my other side, putting his arm around my shoulders as Jericho takes my hand.
In the silence of binge-watching Game of Thrones , our future gets closer and closer. The key to our doom pressing down on us harder.
Tomorrow, we'll meet Arrow's father and spy on the family meeting.