Chapter 40
CHAPTER FORTY
ALENA
“Woof!”
Mutt wakes me. I jump out of my skin because he barks every time one of those damn Harleys thunders around the bend, echoing up the mountain for miles.
But this one?
It’s rumbling right outside my cabin door at eight thirty in the morning.
“What the fuck?” I whip it open, shouting at the hot asshole on the bike, “Either you’re deaf, or you’ve got a little dick, thinking anyone wants to hear the hunk of metal between your legs!”
“Whaddya say, darlin’?” He cups his ear, revving his engine. “Can’t hear a thing.”
I roll my eyes, my heart stopping when I suddenly clock the black Jaguar parked beside him.
Oh fuck, I know that car.
And oh fuck, I know the inked man, rising from its driver’s seat.
And oh fuckity, fuck, fuck, I’m still in love with his baby brother, who opens his cabin door, looking pissed off as well.
Hop off, God. You too, Satan.
I am NOT in the mood for this drama.
“Wilder!” Loch booms. “Kill that hog, or I’ll shoot it.”
“Sorry.” Hot Harley asshole flips a switch, his engine sputtering to silence. “I’m very hard of hearing. Ain’t that right, princess?” He grins at me, aviators hiding his eyes. “Besides, just came to greet the king. Clocked him driving up the mountain.”
He gestures toward Michael, I mean, Axel, who orders, “Go break a law, Wilder.” Stalking toward the passenger door of his sleek E-Type. “We’re here for business.”
We?
Axel opens the door for a stunning redhead, who pops out, pointing at Wilder. “You were due in court last week. The judge was pissed, and all of Charleston County knew it.” She’d know. The stunning redhead is Axel’s paralegal.
“When you’re this good lookin’, Red.” Wilder leans back on his bike. “You don’t court the law; it chases you.”
Axel jerks his chin. “Yeah, well, chase your ass up the mountain. We’re secure here.”
With two fingers, Wilder salutes. “Stay safe, princess,” before he rumbles around the bend.
Peeping down, I suddenly realize I’m in my white tank and shorts, @DirtTGirls’s sexy little pajamas. “What…” I cover my cold nipples. “What are y’all doing here?”
It makes Loch swallow, and Axel darts his eyes away.
“We came to talk.” But it’s the redhead who surprises me, walking my way with a warm smile and an outstretched palm. “And I’m sorry. We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Ruby Jones.”
“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Alena Allen.”
No, I’m dying, smiling, hands shaking, tits bouncing, anxiety exploding.
What are they doing here?
“Ruby is my fiancée, and I need to, uh…” Axel pauses. “To uh… talk to my goddaughter.”
Nervously, I glance at Loch, searching for any hint he knows.
But there’s only hope in his eyes. And dear God, the nine-incher he’s always packing in his white Calvins.
It makes my heart pound, clearing my throat. “Ahem. Okay, come in. Just uh… Let me change real quick.”
I leave my front door open and dash into my bathroom. Thankfully, I have a white robe with coffee stains on the front, perfect for hosting guests.
Knotting it around my waist, I find Axel and Ruby politely standing by my bistro table. He’s holding her hand, a massive purple stone, gleaming on her finger. But Ruby’s searching my eyes softly, like she’s sorry they just exploded into my morning.
“Coffee?” I offer. “And please, have a seat.” I gesture to the bistro chairs.
Axel snaps, “No, thanks.”
Just as Ruby sings, “Yes, please.” And she tugs his inked hand. “I’m sorry, what are proper manners when a host offers something?”
Humbly, Axel grins, taking a seat. “Yes, please. And thank you for the offer, Alena. Beg our pardon for the intrusion.”
“Good boy.” Ruby smiles, taking her seat, crossing her legs. “And yes, we’re sorry for the intrusion, Alena.”
I glance toward my cabin door. They closed it. Loch’s not here. Neither is Mutt. He must be taking him for a walk.
“Not a problem,” I say, brewing a few cups, turning to them while we wait. “So, what can I do ya for?”
Normally, this would be awkward as shit for me. But these past few months have been a baptism by mafia fire. Not much makes me flinch nowadays.
“Let me cut to the chase.” Ruby smiles softly. “I know about you and Axel.”
My eyes dart to him.
Forget that not flinching part.
I am.
“And it’s okay,” Ruby rushes out. “I’m not mad. I mean, never at you. You did nothing wrong. Now, was I as hot as the hinges of hell when I found out Axel didn’t tell me for months about it? Yes. Why? Because love doesn’t lie, and that’s why I’m here.”
“Why we’re here,” Axel adds solemnly.
“Alena.” Ruby’s brows knit, sympathetic and sincere, “I know how it feels, discovering the secrets these men have to hide, and I’m so sorry you’re hurting.
I just want you to know you’re not alone, and you’re very loved.
Your dad. Vale. Nadine. Hell, me too. I know we can be good friends, and it starts with the truth.
And the truth is, I know about your first time with Axel, and I understand; you needed kindness, and he was there. ”
I plop down on the edge of my unmade bed, overwhelmed by her compassion. “I… I… Thank you. It’s just…” Relief, then dread, suddenly flips my stomach. “Oh my god, does Loch know? I mean, Axel, did you tell him? Or my dad?”
“No. God, I mean, shit.” He blinks. “Sorry. It’s just weird hearing you say my real name.”
“Names are the least of our worries.” I wring my hands, my eyes meeting Ruby’s. They sparkle like sapphires. “Thank you.” I sigh. “Thank you for being so sweet about this. It was so long ago, and I was a desperate virgin, and it was me who—”
“You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Ruby stops me. “Your body, your choice, girl. I’ll fight until my dying day for it. And it’s also your story. Yours alone to tell, not mine or Axel’s.”
“Well…” Axel winces. “I kind of told Sire.”
Ruby rolls her eyes. “Of course, you confessed to him.”
“I had to.” He cocks a brow. “You don’t know what it’s been like keeping this secret, and we can trust Sire. God knows, he hides his own demons.”
“So, you’re leaving it up to me?” I like this power, this control, I’m getting back over my life. “If Loch finds out. Or my dad. It’s up to me?”
“Yes.” Ruby leans forward. “Girl, I’d be madder than a cat being baptized if I find out everything you did, all at once, and honestly, woman-to-woman, there’s more to know, but our men need to put on their big boy boxers and tell you. Not expect us women to do their emotional work.”
Yes, but Ruby’s my kind of woman because she gets it: Girl code.
“Just please know this…” Axel braces his elbows on his knees, tenting his inked fingers.
“Alena, I will always protect you. On my honor, I will, but please see Loch’s honor too.
He may be our baby brother, but he’s the biggest hero.
He gave up everything to protect you, and he wanted to.
We didn’t force him; it’s like he was born to do it, so please give him a chance. ”
“He’s been miserable without you,” Ruby adds.
And I’ve been miserable, assuming Loch was giving me time to process the Bratva stuff, the bodyguard stuff, the Nash and Vale stuff.
“But what more is there to tell me?”
“It’s not bad,” Ruby assures before smiling at Axel. He smiles back before she turns to me, warmly asking, “Alena, will you please do us the honor of coming to our wedding? And we can start there?”
My pulse triples. But, I think it’s a happy beat. “But Loch will be there.”
Axel nods. “He’ll be my best man.”
I chew my lip. “But he won’t know about us, and—”
“And it’s all up to you.” Axel reaches for Ruby’s hand, clasping it. “My future wife, the love of my life, knows everything about me. No more secrets. So, you’re in control of your life now, Alena. You decide if Loch’s the love of yours.”