Chapter 30
SHELBY
CHAPTER THIRTY
After waking, I slip out of the bedroom and head to the kitchen to grab a glass of juice.
Peter stands at the counter and stares out the kitchen window, drinking his morning coffee.
I back into the hallway before shuffling my feet louder than usual as I walk into the kitchen. “Morning, Peter.”
He turns and gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Morning, Shelby. Can I get you something?”
“Some juice, please. The doctor said it would be good to drink some since I was so dehydrated and in need of the extra sugar.”
Nodding, he reaches into the fridge and grabs the orange juice before pulling a glass from the cabinet. He pours me some juice, then hands it to me. “Want to talk?”
I take a sip. “Sure.”
“It’s nice out. Why don’t we sit outside.”
“Sounds great.
I grab the jammer, then we head outside and sit on the sectional.
“I’m not sure how to tell you this.” He scrubs his face. “Your mother was supposed to tell you and said she did. But I’m beginning to think she didn’t and never planned to. This is not how I wanted you to find out, not that an easy way exists.”
“She had cancer,” I say.
His bloodshot eyes go wide. “How did you find out?”
I pick my nails. “Roger told me.”
“That’s what he told you that made you suspect a listening device.” He shivers. “His listening to everything we say freaks me out.”
Unable to believe this is happening, I stare out into space.
Peter touches my hand, making me jump. “Sorry, sweetheart. What’s on your mind?”
“That Christmas shit, about wanting things to be perfect, makes sense now. She knew it could be her last, and she wanted to spend it with me. I ruined it for her.” I bite my lip to avoid a full crying meltdown.
“Shelby, it’s not your fault.” He takes my hand in his. “Neither of you were in the right frame of mind. You did what was best for your mental health. If your mother was thinking clearly, she would have said the same thing.”
“When did she find out she had cancer?”
He takes a deep breath and lets it out. “Not that long after you were taken. We assumed she was worn down and had the flu. She wasn’t eating much, and she was coughing a lot. When we found out, she refused any medication. But I guess the pain became too much for her.”
I try to hold myself together, but fail. I tip my face up to the sky as tears well up in my eyes.
“Your mother didn’t mean any of the stuff she said.” He squeezes my hand. “She wasn’t in her right mind and was in a lot of pain.”
As much as I want to believe him, Mom told me many times how she felt about me and made choices that showed how much she cared. But Peter deserves this sliver of goodness that he wants to remember about my mom.
“I understand, Peter. Thank you for telling me.”
“So, Patty did really have cancer.” Nick joins us, sitting beside me and taking my other hand.
“Yes, she had stage four lung cancer.” Peter takes in a deep breath, releases my hand, and looks away.
I scoot closer to Peter and give him a side hug. “I’m sorry, Peter. You gave her the love she needed. She wasn’t happy before she met you.”
He pats my leg, a tear trailing down his cheek. “It appears I’ll spend the rest of my life alone.”
“Dad.” Nick moves to sit down on the other side of his dad.
“It’s okay, son. I’ve come to terms with this.” He takes in a deep breath. “I did a lot of thinking last night. Between the tracking devices and memories, I don’t think we should stay here until Roger is found. He broke in here too easily.”
“Where will you go?” I ask.
“To the downtown apartment. It has a doorman twenty-four-seven,” he says. “You can come with me if you want, but I figured you’d want to stay with friends.”
“They can stay with us. Frank has more guards now. Nick and Shelby will be safe.” Dom comes outside, joins us on the patio, and sits on the sectional.
Luke joins us next. “I’ve been considering sending Mom, Dad, Lea, and Carter away on vacation. Disney with their grandson is a great destination.”
“Oh, they would love that,” I say.
“Then, it’s settled. After we bury Patty, I’ll pack and move to town,” Peter says.
“Are you sure this is what you want, Dad?” Nick asks. “I don’t want you to be alone right now.”
His body deflates. “It’s what I need. I can’t stay here. Everything reminds me of her.”
The day of my mom’s funeral arrives with the first rainy day of the week, which fits my mood.
Peter held off on Mom’s funeral until I was home.
Hannah wanted to return for the funeral, but her dad told her no. He didn’t want her to interrupt her progress while staying with his sister.
Hannah relented but asked me to call her when I could.
Peter and I decided not to have a viewing. We wanted a small ceremony for family and friends. Peter purchased a gravesite for himself when Nick’s mom died, wanting to be buried next to her. Since he also wants my mom to be near him after he passes on, he purchased the plot on the other side of his for her.
At the gravesite, a priest says some prayers over Mom. With the guys’ support, Peter and I stay and watch as they lower mom into the ground.
Growing up the way I did, I always assumed that when the time came, I wouldn’t miss Mom when she died. Too many times, she chose drugs over me. Uncle Brett raised me more than she did.
But the thought of never seeing or talking to her again hurts. I won’t have a parent to give me away at my wedding. And if I have kids, they won’t have a grandma.
I reach out and grab Peter’s hand. As we watch the casket lower the last foot, I grasp it tighter. “Thank you for making my mom smile again.”
He turns toward me and pulls me into his embrace. “Even though she is gone, I’ll always consider you my daughter.”
As he pulls back to kiss me on my forehead, I let out a deep breath. My shoulders shake as tears cascade down my face before I dive back against his chest. My guys surround me, each touching me in different ways, not speaking.
I let out years of pent-up frustrations as Peter releases his own.
Peter steps back from me. “It’s time to go.”
I stand there for another minute, looking at the headstone marking my mother’s grave. “Goodbye, Mom.”
“Come on, babe, you’re shaking,” Luke says. “Let’s warm you up.”
For the funeral reception, Peter picked their favorite restaurant. He paid to have it closed for lunch.
I introduce Cin and Uncle Brett to the Masons. Henry and my uncle connect over a love of old cars.
Everyone hugging me and telling me how sorry they are is unnerving, so I pick at my food.
A rock flies through the restaurant’s front window, spraying glass onto the tables. Dom throws his arms over my head as everyone ducks or falls to the ground.
“Son of a bitch.” Dom runs his hands over my face and hair. His eyes are hard, and his lips are pinched as he checks me over. Once he’s confirmed I’m unharmed, he looks out the window.
Luke stands in front of us, his gun drawn. Cam is in front of Mav, and Nick is doing the same with Cin.
Dom holds his arm out to block me from view, so I peek around him.
Roger sits in the passenger side of a car at the edge of the parking lot.
“Is that him?” Uncle Brett asks.
“Yeah,” I say, not thinking.
“I’m going to kill him.” He storms out the door.
I move to stop him, but he won’t listen, so I chase him.
“I would stop if I were you, Uncle Brett, unless you want your precious daughter blown up.” Roger waves a black object out the window.
We turn around, and Cin, the Masons, and the staff are inside the building.
We look back at him.
“What do you want, Roger?” I yell.
“I came to give you my condolences, Monkey. I’m sorry for your loss.” He gives me a half smile.
“How dare you show your face! You killed her!” Peter yells.
“Aww, the good Dr. Tate.” Roger pouts. “You can’t seem to keep your wives alive.”
Peter growls and moves toward the car, but Nick wraps his arms around him.
“He wants under your skin, Dad. Don’t let him,” Nick says.
“I’ll be coming for you, Roger. I’m done with your games.” I clench my hands.
His eyes narrow. “I’m counting on it, Monkey.” He turns toward the driver and tells them to go.
They take off down the road.
Nick and Luke scream for everyone to evacuate the building. We hunker down behind the cars, waiting for the bomb to blow.
“Frank, can you call the bomb squad and have them check if a bomb is in the restaurant?” Nick asks.
“On it.” He moves down the street a safe distance before he takes out his phone and makes the call.
“How did he discover we would be here?” Cam asks.
“We took out the bugs at our house, Luke’s, and the Tate’s,” Mav says.
“Did Frank do yours?” I ask Dom.
“Umm, I think,” he says.
Frank disconnects from his call and walks toward us. “The bomb squad is on its way.”
“Good. Frank, did you scan our house for bugs?” Dom asks.
“Of course.” He looks back and forth between Mav and Dom. “I did it myself. Why?”
“How does he find out stuff?” I ask myself.
Frank answers. “If we found and removed every bug, then he has to have someone on the inside—someone we missed.”
Luke runs his hand through his hair. “Once we’re through graduation, Shelby’s birthday, and sending my family on vacation, we can figure out who the rat is.”
“No. We need to figure that out, now,” I say. “Graduation is in a couple of days. I don’t think he’ll come after us there, though. It’s too public, and too many extra people he doesn’t care to deal with will be around. This was just family.”
My eyes drop. “We can discuss my birthday later. It’s more important to find out who is giving out the information.”
“It must be someone at our place. We have the most people. We need to bring back Mr. Scott and have him go over everyone,” Dom says. “How quickly can he be here?”
“I’ll have him on a plane in the next day, two at the most,” Frank says. “So, the same day as graduation.”
“Do it,” Mav says.
Frank once again moves away to make the call.
“Once Mr. Scott is done and we’ve cleaned the house, we need to go into lockdown,” Luke says. “Anytime we talk about him or our plans, it needs to be only us with a jammer in place.”
Dom points to the cars. “Let’s go home.”
Peter leans against his car. “I am about to head out. But I need you to promise me you’ll stay safe.” He looks up at where the guys and Nick stand behind me. “All of you. You’re more than capable of taking care of yourselves, but please don’t be reckless.”
He looks back at me, his gaze hardening. “When you go after him—I have no doubt you will, as you said as much—be smart about it. Use the resources at your disposal. When he is gone, we’ll toast to his demise.”
“I promise.” I hug him. “Now, you promise me that you’ll stay safe and won’t work too hard.”
“I won’t. I’ll return for your graduation in a few days, Nick.” He smiles at his son. “Shelby, remember what I said. You are now and forever part of my family. You’re as much my daughter as Hannah.”
Dammit, I thought I was done with tears. “And I’m keeping you, Peter.”
We watch as he slides into his car and leaves.
I turn to Nick. “Did you tell your dad about college yet?”
“Yes. He took it well. He told me he wants me to be happy, and if that makes me happy, then go for it.”
“I’m glad it worked out, because you’ve found your calling.”
Uncle Brett comes over next and says goodbye.
“Are you sure we can’t talk you into going on a nice, long vacation?” I beg.
He chuckles. “Maybe another time. I’m not running scared because of some punk.”
“He’s smart, Brett,” Nick says. “You don’t want to screw with him.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll watch out for him,” Brett says. “Keep my daughter safe, Nick.”
He hugs Cin and me, then takes off.
“Babe, I’m going to take my family home.” Luke wraps his arms around me. “Are you sure you’ll be all right with me staying with them until they leave?”
I gaze up at him. “I think I’ll be safe at the Knights. Don’t you?”
“I guess.” He gives me a searing kiss. “I’ll call you tonight.”
“You better. Stay safe.” I watch Luke walk over to his car.
Cam cups my cheek. “I’m going to run home and pack.”
“And you’ll be back tonight?” I question.
“No, I was going to spend some time with Camila and Beri tonight. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
I lay my head on his chest. I don’t like us being separated, and I have to trust that they can take care of themselves.
“I’ll be careful, beautiful, I promise.” He kisses my head.
“You better be.”
While the guys are at school, I sink into an oversized chair and read.
A stunning woman strolls in. Dom’s mom, Katherine.
She stops short when she notices me, and her sculpted eyebrows pinch together. “Who are you?”
I stand and run my hand down my t-shirt and yoga pants. “Hello, Mrs. Knight. My name’s Shelby Winters.” I fidget, unsure if I should try to shake her hand.
“Huh, you must be the boy’s new plaything.” She crosses her arms. “What are you doing alone in the house?”
“I’m Dom’s and Mav’s girlfriend, not their plaything. As for why I’m here alone…” I’m not sure what to say. Should I tell her I’m staying here? Since she didn’t realize I was here, I’m uncomfortable explaining the situation.
While I consider my answer, Mr. Knight walks in. “Darling, did you find what you’re looking for? Oh, hello.”
“No, Chad. I didn’t. I found her lurking up here, though,” she sneers.
He walks over to me and holds out his hand. “You must be Shelby. The boys talk about you all the time. It’s nice to meet you.”
His smile seems genuine, so I reach my hand out and place it in his. “She’s as pretty as they said, Katherine. I understand why my boys fell for you.”
He releases my hand, sadness entering his eyes. “They told me your mom passed away. I’m sorry for your loss. You can stay here for as long as you want.”
My chin hits the floor. I can’t believe how nice Mr. Knight is. Trying not to look like a gaping trout, I close my mouth. “Thank you, Mr. Knight.”
“Beautiful, I’m home! What do you say we get naked—” Cam raises his head from where he tries to undo his belt and sees Mr. and Mrs. Knight. “Oh shit. Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Knight.”
Katherine stares at me. “Aren’t you dating the twins?”
I run a hand over my face. How am I going to explain this? They are two of the most powerful, wealthy people in this country, and now, they’re going to hate me.
“Camden, hello.” Mr. Knight turns to his wife. “Dear, from what the boys tell me, she’s in love with them and their two friends, and they love her. Correct?” Mr. Knight looks to Cam for clarification.
He blinks a few times before he moves into the room to stand by me and takes my hand.
“That’s correct, sir. It’s not conventional, but it works for us.” Cam gazes down at me, love and adoration filling his eyes.
Katherine stares at me with her nose up.
“Mr. and Mrs. Knight, I love your sons,” I say. “They have helped me through some tough times. And while things haven’t always been easy for us, I wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for Dom, Mav, Cam, and Luke.”
“You’re a slut,” Katherine seethes. “Nothing but a trailer trash piece of tail that they are entertaining themselves with, and my mission is to remove you from my home.”
I stare at her, a little taken aback by her hate, but this isn’t something I haven’t had hurled at me before. “I’m not a slut. They know I’m dating all of them. We have no secrets between us. You can try to get rid of me, but I’m not easily scared.”
“Dear, calm down. The boys have never been so happy, and it’s because of this girl. She brought life back into them, and for that alone, I won’t let you run her off.” Chad’s tone brooks no argument. “Do you understand me, Katherine? She’s off limits.”
“Yes, dear,” Katherine says through her teeth.
“Good, now find what you said you needed so we aren’t late,” he tells her.
“It’s not up here,” she says. “I must have been mistaken about where it was.”
“Okay, let’s go then.” He takes my hand in his once again. “Shelby, it’s wonderful to meet you. Let the boys know to tell me if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knight,” I say, stunned by his support.
“Oh, call me Chad.” He pats my hand and smiles, stepping back and toward his wife. He puts his arm out for Katherine to take, and they leave the room.
“Holy shit, I didn’t expect that,” I say. “He’s nothing like I expected from the way Dom talked about him when we first met.”
“He’s not a bad guy. When the twins were much younger, he wasn’t around much of the time. He has high expectations for Dom and Mav. But he’s mellowing out and slowing down. He’s trying to be better and has been having dinner with the guys at least once a week.” Cam frowns. “I wonder what Katherine was searching for?”
“I don’t know. That was strange. How often does she come to their rooms?” I ask.
“Never, and we’ll need to talk to the guys about that.” He picks me up and carries me to Mav’s bedroom. “Now, as I was saying before I was interrupted, let’s get naked for our boy.”
He throws me on the bed, making me laugh as I bounce. Cam stands by the bed and takes off his shirt. My eyes roam over his sculpted chest.
He runs his hand down his chest. “Like what you see, beautiful?”
My tongue snakes out, licking my bottom lip. “Hell, yeah.”
I sit up and remove my shirt. His blue eyes grow darker with lust when my tits bounce in front of him.
A low moan comes from deep in his throat. “I’m trying to go slow here.”
I lie back, roll my yoga pants down my hips, and pull them off.
“Aww fuck.” He rips off his shorts and boxers at the same time, releasing his hard dick to smack his belly. “You’re too damn sexy to go slow.”
He launches himself onto the bed and falls beside me.
I run my hand down his chest. “You’re the one who is damn sexy.”
Without taking our eyes off each other, our mouths meet, tongues dueling. His lips leave mine, moving to my neck. My hand roams his chest as his lips lick down the column of my throat.
My hand traces one of his scars. It’s hard not to have any when you ride a bike, but this scar is because of me.
“Your head is with that asshole.” He moves to kiss his way across my chest from one shoulder to the other. “He doesn’t belong here in bed with us. We think enough about him. This is my time.”
“I’m sorry. But you wouldn’t have been hurt if it wasn’t for me.” I tip my head to the side to hide the traitorous tear sliding down my cheek.
Cam turns my head back to face him and leans over me. “I’m fine, Shelby. You got me out, and I’m safe.”
He takes my hand from where it rests on his scar and moves it to rest over his heart. “Feel this? My heart beats for you. You and Mav own this.”
He leans down and brushes his lips over mine.
I sniffle, touched by his words. “I love you, too.”
“Hmm, I’ll have to do more to take your mind off things.”
He kisses his way down my neck to my breasts. He cups one in his hands, kneading it, while he takes my other into his mouth, sucking it before biting my nipple, making me gasp.
His mouth leaves kisses and nips down my stomach until he reaches my underwear. He lets go of my breast and slides my panties down my legs, tossing them on the floor.
He shifts to lie between my legs, and I watch as he spreads them wide. His blue eyes appear almost black, his pupils blown out from lust before his head dips, and his vicious tongue circles around my nub, making me groan.
“Mmmm,” Cam moans against my clit.
“Oh, shit.” I grip the sheets as Cam sends me higher.
“You’re so wet for me, beautiful.” He dives back in.
When Cam sets his mind to something, he achieves it. His tongue circles and sucks me, making me forget my name. My orgasm builds until I’m seconds away from letting go.
“What the hell is going on here?” Mav asks, humor in his voice, as he steps through his bedroom door.