Chapter 34
CHAPTER 34
B ack to Life
Dean
I’ve been at the hospital since last night—I’m just walking through my front door, ready to pass out. Dayton is broken up over this. His son is in critical condition, but they believe he’ll survive. I’ve seen the car.
It’s a miracle if he does. The car that hit him made off into the night. Witnesses say the car was pretty fucked up and just barely was able to drive off.
I wasn’t expecting to get a call that my right hand had almost been killed in a head-on collision. A fucking hit-and-run. Uncle Freddie used to joke and say the guy has nine lives.
It was an inside joke between them. I never knew what that was about. However, it seems to be proving true.
I’m going to be down a man for a bit. LaSalle has offered me one of his guys to help out for as long as I need. I might take him up on that offer, but I have another plan as well.
There are certain things I’m not going to trust to an outsider. I’m just angry all of this is happening now. For the first time, I’m starting to feel the absence of Anika.
As my assistant, she made it so I could live two lives. I’m going to need to figure some shit out and fast.
“Just my fucking luck,” I huff as I strip down and climb into the shower.
The hot water does wonders for my mood. I need to check in with Mom and Ronan. For now, I have things back under control.
I can deal with this latest development after I address my home life. I’ll call Mom after my shower, but I’m going to see my husband.
He deserves to hear all this face to face. I end my shower with a smile on my lips as I think of Ronan. He’s probably pissed at me but I’m going to make it up to him.
I wrap myself in a towel and go to pack some sexy things in my spend-the-night bag.
When I go to get dressed, I remember taking Ronan’s dress shirt he wore for our wedding when I packed to leave. I go to grab it and slip it on.
Before I can grab my panties and jeans, the doorbell rings. I go to look at the ring cam, and to my surprise, Ronan is standing on my stoop with a bouquet of roses. I smile and race for the front door.
Tearing the door open, I jump into his arms and kiss all over his face. I didn’t realize how much I’ve been missing him. He walks us back into the house and closes the door.
“Aye, it’s good to see ya too, but I’m still furious with ya.”
He places me down on my feet and takes a step back. He’s staring at me with his brows knit. I remember my new haircut and reach to run my hand over my hair.
“You hate it?” I ask and bite my lip.
“No, yer beautiful. I’m in shock. What happened? What’s going on?”
“Bujar made good on his threats. There were photos of me floating around. The change made sense.
“I’ve neutralized the problem for now, but I don’t know if somehow he was successful in getting my face out there. I’m covering my ass.” I shrug.
“I could have helped ya with that. Ya didn’t have to run off and nearly give me a heart attack.”
“I know and I’m sorry. I realized that after I was already gone.”
“Danika, I need ya to talk to me. No more secrets. I’m yer partner, not an afterthought.
“I have no desire to change who ya are, but I won’t sit back while ya run off into God knows what.”
“Oh, babe. You were worried about me? I’m sorry and promise to talk to you from now on. Speaking of which, you might want to have a seat. A lot has happened since I’ve been back.”
* * *
Ronan
I love Danika’s new hair. I wasn’t expecting her to cut off her locs, but this new look suits her. She’s even covered her lashes with dark mascara, so now they’re more pronounced. With the shorter cut, her neck is on full display.
If I had any complaints, it would be the color. The low fade and close curls on top are cute, but I already miss her red locs. However, I understand the reason for the change.
She’s still beautiful and sexy as fuck. I almost forgot how angry I was with her when I saw her in my dress shirt. However, I was still pissed from the message I received when I finally landed.
Tadhg informed me that Danny had left the house and gone to the hospital. I lost it until I called him back and he let me know it was one of her men she was there for. Now listening to her tell me what happened to this Lyric, I’m wondering if she sees this could be a problem or if I’m just being overprotective when it comes to her.
“Do ya want my guys to look into the street cams? If this was a targeted hit, they would be able to get ya more information,” I offer as we sit on the couch talking.
Her silky legs are in my lap and I’ve had my palm on her thigh. I need to feel her. I need to know she’s safe. I was drowning in my past while trying to get back here to her.
“I have someone on it. LaSalle insists on looking into it as well. This fucks up our plans. Lyric needs to sit in at the roundtable for me,” she says.
“Why is that?”
“The letter. Uncle Freddie made it clear that I’m not to reveal myself at this meeting. It should be my right hand.”
“Do ya mind if I read this letter? Do ya still have it?”
She pulls her legs from my lap and stands. I can see through the dress shirt, her nipples are pressed against the fabric. I take her hand as she holds it out.
“Come with me. It’s in my bedroom.”
We walk into her bedroom, and she goes over to a chest of drawers. Reaching into a drawer, she pulls out what looks to be a pair of sweats and a T-shirt, then hands them to me. I give her an amused questioning look.
A mischievous smile comes to her lips. “I might have taken a few of your shirts and a pair or two of your sweats. I don’t sleep well without you anymore. You’re staying, right?”
“Aye, if this is where you want to be.”
“Cool, while you’re changing, I’ll get the letter.”
Her stomach growls as she turns to walk away. I reach for her wrist and stop her. She looks back over her shoulder at me. Once again, I’m hit with how gorgeous this new look is on her.
“When was the last time ya ate something?”
“I had a bagel this morning while at the hospital.”
“Ach, love. What do ya have here? I’ll cook ya something to eat.”
She shrugs. “I haven’t a clue. I’m always at your place. I’ve been eating takeout when I’m home.”
I grunt and release her. I know the area well. I’ll order something for tonight.
If we decide we’ll be staying here, then I’ll make sure the cupboards are stocked. Oisín still has the dogs, so we don’t have to rush on account of them. We have plenty of time to decide where we will call home.
Once our food is ordered, I change into the things she handed me. I had wondered what happened to this T-shirt. It’s one of my favorites.
Still in my dress shirt, Danika climbs onto the bed and pats the space beside her. I go to sit next to her, and she hands me a few worn pieces of paper. I unfold the pages and begin to read.
My beloved Sunshine,
I’m so sorry I have left you. I know it hurts now, but you will find your way again. You always do.
With all I’m about to tell you, you’ll probably wonder why I didn’t stop this from happening if I knew it was coming. I knew, but it all has to happen this way. We all have to play our parts for the greater good.
What’s coming is meant for good. Things will be better for so many. I truly believe this.
I’m so proud of you and the woman you have become. I did so much to prepare you for your future, your destiny. You’re not going to understand everything in the beginning.
I need you to have patience. I know. Not your strong suit, but if you trust me, this will all pan out how it’s supposed to. You’re not going to want this, but it has to be you.
I’m giving everything to you. My money, my homes, the horsemen, and my title. You will be the new pale horse and will carry my responsibilities. However, there are a few things you will need to make sure you do.
The knowledge that you’re the new pale horse is to be limited. The other horsemen will know, but that’s by design. Despite this, keep this information close.
Hudson will become your head of security. I’ve vetted him and have given him strict instructions to allow you to continue your life as it is for now. Make Lyric your right hand for the time being.
He will be your face. It must be him, Danika. You will understand why in time.
I was a part of something big. A time will come when you will need to fill my shoes in regard to the Alliance. You play an intricate role.
I know you and what you are thinking. Don’t go to seek these men out for answers. It is important that you join them naturally.
There are three signs that will show you the time to step up. The first will be your encounter with the head boss of the Alliance.
The two of you will find each other. He will come to you, or you will know when to find him in the right timing. He wants something and you will have an answer to get him what he wants.
When the time comes, you will know exactly what to do and you will offer him a gift. In return, you will ask him to allow you to keep your anonymity. At this time, it will be important for Lyric to be your representative.
Keep your finger on the pulse of things, but keep your distance and remain hidden. Don’t go to the roundtable meeting in Ireland. That is not your time. It will be too soon to reveal who you are.
Baby Girl, this is all about timing. The first two signs are only signs to get ready for the moment to come. The next sign will come in the form of the Irish liaison. Again, do not seek him out.
Be open and allow him to come to you. This relationship is important. You can trust him. He’s a friend of mine and I know he will look after you. You have my word.
The third and final sign when you will know to unleash all that’s within you will be the call of a child. This call will come right before the summons to do what we do. Then and only then should you reveal yourself.
Times will get hard, and you will be challenged, but you will rise in excellence. Ride out your destiny, my sunshine. Show no mercy.
Love eternally,
Your Uncle Freddie
“Well, fuck me,” I breathe as I stare down at the tearstained pages.