Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
Rock
“Your brother?” Shina gasps as she’s still trying to control her breathing. She looks up at me, her hair tinted red and her hazel eyes wild.
She’s magnificent. The way she handled that blade and made her abuser beg for mercy as he died… I am so turned on right now.
But her emotional state is fragile, and I don't need her thinking I am more of a freak than she already does.
“Yes, he will take care of all of this. Do you trust me?” I look her straight in the eye and I'm surprised that she says, “yes”, without any hesitation.
I take her hand and lead her to the shower stall in the corner, and strip us bare. She stares at the wall as I wash her clean and scrub her hair.
She starts to relax as I dig my fingers into her shoulders. “It's going to be okay, baby girl. I won't let anything happen to you,” I reassure her, and she begins to cry.
“He killed my sister. He was going to hurt the kids… I had to. He deserved it,” she chokes out and trembles.
“It's okay, Shina, let it out. The shock is wearing off.”
I quickly rinse her off, then grab one of the heated black robes out of the cupboard, and wrap her up tight.
I place her on the bed and search for my phone. It's still in the pocket of my jeans.
It takes him a few minutes to answer.
“What happened?”
“How do you know something's going on?”
“Because you have been avoiding Mom, and you never call me,” he snarks, and I scoff.
“Fine. We have a problem here at the club, and I need a pickup. Someone needs to help me dispose of the trash.”
“Never a dull moment in this family. Okay, I'll send someone in an hour.”
He ends the call, and I walk over to Shina. I sit on the bed and pull her onto my lap. “It's all going to be okay. You're safe now and so are the kids.”
She looks at me and wipes her eyes. “You're always saving me.”
I kiss her head and sigh. “You know that I'm in love with you right? I understand you're not ready, but you know where I stand.”
She leans in and kisses me. It's slow, sweet and perfect.
“Thank you, Rock.”
“Always, but right now we need to get out of here, change and then wait for my family.”
She nods and lets me pull her off the bed. I grab a robe for myself, then slowly open the door, checking that the hall is clear.
Loud bass thumps from the club and bar, but no one is back here.
We walk to her office in a slow, casual manner. We don't need to raise any suspicion.
Once behind the door she walks to a small closet and grabs a change of clothes for herself and I.
I take the large black sweatpants with the club's logo on the leg and tight grey T-shirt. I am going to be a walking and talking ad for the club, but it's better than wearing blood-soaked clothes.
Once ready, we head out to the bar and wait. Rosie and Patience are there laughing and chatting.
Shina grabs us both a drink, and we sit with them. Everything is good until my brother, Nixen walks inside, and Patience freaks out.
She's under the table in a blink and to say I'm confused is an understatement.
“What are you doing?” I mumble, and she looks up at me with panicked eyes.
“He can't know that I am here,” she hisses and I sigh.
I push my chair back and stand, then take Shina's hand and lead her over to greet my brother.
“Thanks for coming. Marco called you?” I ask, and he shakes his head.
“No, what's going on? Shina called, and I figured I would swing by before leaving town. I'm going to Maine to see Cal.”
I look at my girl and raise an eyebrow. “How do you know my brother?”
She looks between us and opens, then closes her mouth. “Umm, he's my old business partner?”
Nixen laughs, and I cringe. I don't like that they have a previous relationship. Even if it was business only.
My brother is a psycho. My whole family is. Comes with being in the mafia.
“Why was Marco called? Does this have to do with the voicemail you left me?” he asks Shina, and she shakes her head, then stops and nods.
“Yes, and no. It wasn’t the purpose for my call, but now it’s escalated, and they are tied together.”
“Now I’m the one confused,” I mumble, and she looks at me.
“Patrick was suing me for club profits. I called your brother because he’s on the board.”
“Glad the prick is dead,” I grumble, and her eyes widen, then she looks around to make sure no one hears me.
Nix chuckles and waves his hand. “Maybe we should take this conversation somewhere more private?” he suggests, Shina nods, then heads toward the room holding her ex-husband's body.
Before she can open the door, I place a hand on her arm. “Let me, baby. Go back to the bar. You don't need to see this again.”
“Yeah, um, okay,” she whispers, then turns and rushes away.
“Damn,” Nix whistles as I open the door and show him what I'm working with. “This is the ex?”
“Yeah. She left him five years ago, but he popped up tonight… or I guess yesterday. He killed her sister, Lexi. I still don't know why she was creeping around Shina's place. That's something to deal with later.”
“She did this, or you?”
“He threatened her kids.” I don't say anything more, because that's self-explanatory enough.
Nixen once had the perfect family. He's changed a lot, but I know he'd kill someone for his sons.
“Alright. Let's get to work then. I'm assuming Shaw and Hank will be here soon.”
I unhook Patrick from the ceiling and let him crash to the floor, then move him to the middle of the room, over the drain.
Nix grabs the shower head and aims it at the floor, cleaning off what we can.
“I'm going to go give Shina an update and have her close the club. The less eyes the better.”
He grunts in reply, and I leave him to it. I find Shina in the same place as before, but Patience is gone.
She hands me a scotch, and I chug it. I need it after tonight. “Where did Pay go?” I ask, and Rosie begins to laugh.
“Turns out your brother is her neighbor, and I guess his sons were her best friends at one time.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Damn, yeah that would have been awkward.”
Rosie stands and grabs her purse, pulling out two small wrapped presents, then hands them to me and Shina. “Merry Christmas guys. I will see you in seven long, glorious days.”
Shina stands and pulls her into a hug. “Have a great trip. Can’t wait to see pictures.” She gives her a smile, but I can see it’s not as bright as usual.
“Bye Rock,” Rosie says to me and waves.
I stand to walk her to her car, but spot Garrett waiting by the door for her. He nods at me, and I return it.
Once they are gone, Shina crumbles.
“This night has been a disaster. I keep replaying what he said over and over again. Why was Lexi outside my house? Did she come to see the kids?”
She continues to think out loud for a few more minutes, and I just listen. Then she turns to face me and frowns. “And you… who the hell are you… really? Your brother is Nixen? You have the contacts to clean up a murder?”
I give her a nervous smile and hold her hand. “I am the same man you have known for the last few years. My family doesn’t change that… as for the clean up crew… another thing that comes with being in the mafia.”
She pulls away from me and gasps. “The mafia?”
I reach for her once more when there is a knock. She stands and walks over to the door.
My cousins enter with supplies and scary grins. “There’s our naughty cousin. I guess Santa won’t be bringing you any gifts this year,” Hank teases, and I shake my head.
“Not the time. Let me show you where to go.” I turn back to Shina, but she’s grabbing her coat and purse.
“I’ll explain everything, okay? I’ll come by after this is done.”
She hesitates to answer, and I know she’s going to tell me I’m not welcome in her home. She’s an amazing mom, and I know that she’s thinking I’m dangerous.
“Please, Shina, this changes nothing, okay? Just give me a few hours.”
“Okay,” she sighs, then walks out the door, leaving me feeling uncertain and scared that I may have just lost her for good.
Shina
I wait until I am in my car to completely lose my shit. The mafia? Are you fucking kidding me right now? Damn, I sure know how to pick guys, right?
Why can't I ever catch a damn break. I knew I shouldn't have started something with Rock. But he was so convincing. I thought he was different.
The way he is with me and the kids… okay, maybe his family shouldn't be a factor to whether he makes me feel safe or not, but the fucking mafia?
I need to put the kids ahead of myself. They deserve a safe and happy home. We all do. And bringing Rock's family into the mix… it just holds too many unknown variables.
I start the engine and glance at the clock. It’s past midnight, but early for my standards. Grabbing my phone, I quickly text Alla to warn her I'm coming home now.
I don't want her to be afraid someone is breaking in. Though I guess now that Patrick is gone I won't have to have such high security.
God, I still can't believe I'm actually free.
It doesn't take me long to drive home. When I reach the garage, I park in front of it, then enter through the side door by the kitchen.
I really need a drink and a hot bath. So much has happened the past few days, and I need time to process it.
I grab a bottle of wine, forego a glass, and walk towards the stairs. The Christmas tree lights are on. I enter the den, and Leena pops her head up.
Her nose is red and cheeks wet.
“Hey, what are you still doing awake?” I move closer to her and perch on the edge of a couch cushion, then place the wine on the coffee table.
“I couldn't sleep. I was scared you wouldn't come home. So many people leave us… I just needed to make sure you came back.”
“Oh, honey. I will never leave you. I am going to be glued to your side. Soon you will hate me.”
She laughs and looks up at me. Her eyes remind me so much of Lexi… of myself. They are shadowed with pain, and I wish more than anything to wipe those blues away.
There will be no more gray skies in this fucking family. We deserve some good, some happy times.
“Better?” I ask as she yawns and then looks at the television.
“Do you think maybe I could stay up a little longer? With you? Maybe watch a movie?”
A piece of the barbed wire I have wrapped around my heart cracks, and I smile.
“I would seriously love that. How about we make some hot chocolate and watch my favorite Christmas flick?”
She giggles, jumps to her feet and then runs to the kitchen. I grab the wine and return it to the fridge, then grab two pods of hot cocoa and pop them into the Keurig.
Leena grabs some whipped cream and the tiny marshmallows the twins love.
Soon we are bundled up in cozy blankets, drinking our cocoa and watching Miracle on 34th Street.
It's an older movie, but I love it. Leena seems to be enjoying it too, and I just take in the moment.
“Hey,” I say, nudging her with my toes. “We should do this every other weekend. Just us. Make it a new tradition. I'll be sure to come home early.”
Her hazel eyes glow, and she throws herself into my arms, hugging me. “Thank you,” she breathes.
“Of course, honey. I love you, and I am going to make sure you and the others have an amazing life.”
She sits back and wipes her eyes. “You already have… but there is one thing.”
“Oh yeah? What?” I laugh, and she looks at the screen as the end credits roll.
“A puppy.”
My phone rings around two in the morning, and I know who it is. I haven't had much time to really think about what I discovered tonight, but the fact he took care of my mess, protecting me again… I've decided to hear him out.
Earlier I was in such panic, I think I may have overreacted. He's been nothing but respectful to me. And he's amazing with the kids. I can't see him ever harming us.
Leena softly snores on the other end of the couch as I carefully remove the blanket from me and stand up.
As I tiptoe through the house, I can't help but think how different my life is now. I'm being quiet so I don't wake up the kids. Not because my husband is drunk and in a bad mood.
I press the buzzer to open the gate as I see his truck parked there. As he drives up to the house, I rewind my security tapes to see if I can find Lexi.
That's where Rock finds me. In the small office, watching Patrick chloroform my sister and drag her away.
“Why was she here?” I speak out loud, and he pulls me into his arms.
“I don't know, but we will find out,” he mumbles, and I turn to look at him. His eyes are tired, and he looks like it's taking maximum effort to keep upright.
“It's all my fault. She would still be here if Patrick wasn't coming after me.”
He presses his finger against my lips, shutting me up. “She saved you and probably her kids. He was here to hurt you all, Shina.”
I shake my head, about to argue when he yawns again and blinks his eyes.
“Why are you here, Rock? You should have gone home. You look wrecked.”
He sighs and rubs his chin. “I told you I was coming. And I need to explain everything… I can't lose you over my family.”
I look him deeply in the eyes and see it clearly. He really does love me.
I lean forward and kiss him. “I can't lie and say it doesn't scare me, but if they are anything like you deep down, kind, loving, compassionate, protective, and fierce, I think I'll like them.”
He laughs, then kisses me again. “You're incredible, baby girl. And I promise we will talk more about everything, but first come meet them. My mom has been blowing my phone up asking to bring you all to Christmas.”
I sit back and pause. He wants me to meet his mom? I know he mentioned it before, but it didn't settle in.
“I… I'm not sure, Rock. What about the kids? This is our first family Christmas.”
“Bring them. Alla too. The more the merrier. My mom will spoil them rotten, and she's already bought gifts for them. Even made Alec a knitted blanket.”
“Wow,” I breathe. “This is a lot. Let me think about it. But for now let's get some rest.”
He follows me up the stairs, and when we find the twins in my bed, he helps me move them to their rooms before climbing into my bed with me.
As he wraps me in his arms, I can't help but to think how safe he makes me feel.
I don't know what our future will hold, but I think we will be okay.