8. Emilio
Frowning, I stop in pursuit of my original goal: the kitchen.
I’m past the entryway, almost at my target, when suddenly, the sound of fighting breaks out.
Cursing, I quickly whirl around, racing toward the front of the house, even when I realize I have no fucking weapon on me. Who the hell is coming at us?
Stopping just before I get to the front entrance, I pull out my phone and send an emergency text, because I have no fucking clue what to do without a weapon.
I swallow hard, inching toward the edge of hallway, so I can at least peak around and see what the fuck is going on.
My phone vibrates, and I’m glad it's on silent, but I don’t pay attention, because the sight in front of me is… Fuck. I have no words for it.
The man currently killing the guards who are rushing him, multiple at a time, looks like someone who just walked off a movie set featuring badass MC gang members.
I realize it’s a complete stereotype, but he’s wearing a leather jacket with patches, pants that…
um, yes please. Not that I am exactly noticing or appreciating, but damn, how does he move so smoothly like that?
Although, the beard definitely needs to go.
I’m surprised the man isn’t riddled with bullets, but he smoothly dances between the guards, taunting them while laughing. And when he exchanges his knives for two guns? Fuck. The situation just went from dangerous to high alert.
“Enough!” Daddy’s voice rings out, echoing in the hallway. The tableau of chaos freezes, especially as the next person chimes in.
“Atticus! You’re finally here!” I creep out, my jaw dropping as Javi bounds across the room to embrace the, uh, therapist? I think?
Daddy pinches the bridge of his nose, taking slow, deliberate breaths as others start showing up.
Jude’s expression is cold and closed down.
Keegan has Carter tucked behind him. Not that it’s really doing much, as Carter keeps peeking around at the bodies littering the floor and at Atticus in a stranglehold with the much smaller Javi.
The need to laugh bubbles up inside me, but I fight it down.
I doubt anyone would appreciate it. Especially the two guards who are still standing hesitantly.
“Is there a reason this turned into…” Daddy doesn’t finish the sentence, likely having no words for it, as I don’t either. Though, I shiver at his dangerous, low voice. It’s dripping in ice, and damn, is it a turn-on.
Javi pulls back, and Atticus immediately holsters his guns in such a smooth move that I almost whimper at the sight. Atticus casts a sideways glance at Javi before clearing his throat and stepping forward, offering his hand. Tennant just stares at it before Atticus shrugs and drops it.
“Well, you see, I got here, went to get Fury out of the car, as she travels with me everywhere, and the guard got a little twitchy. He started yelling, but didn’t even ask my name.
So…I taught him a lesson. After which, your other guards decided they also weren’t going to ask my name and attacked.
I then defended myself, and well…sorry about the mess. But you know how it goes.”
Atticus shrugs, as if he didn’t just put several of our men on the floor, and from the looks of it, they didn’t survive. Well, maybe one or two did, but given Daddy’s face, I don’t think that’s a good thing. I’m pretty sure they’re going to wish otherwise.
“Uh…Sir? Who is Fury?” I ask, unable to stop myself. Daddy’s narrow-eyed glare makes me realize I may have gotten a little closer than I planned. But this is the most interesting thing that’s happened in ages!
“You must be Lio?” Atticus smiles softly, and my eyes widen in shock. “Don’t worry, I’ve heard all good things about you. To answer your question, Fury is the only girl for me. She’s waiting in the car. Do you want to meet her?”
I bite my lip, unsure of what type of woman would be named Fury, but fuck if I’m not curious.
Deliberately avoiding Daddy’s searing gaze, that I can feel burning into me, I nod excitedly.
I’m picturing a large woman, maybe with red, fiery hair, and a definite mouth on her.
If she’s anything like Atticus, she could probably kick the rest of the guards’ asses.
In fact, I’m surprised she didn’t join in.
“Come on out with me then.” Atticus gestures for me to follow, and I only briefly hesitate at Tennant’s low, warning growl. Sometimes curiosity is just too much, and how can I resist a woman named Fury?! Daddy will just have to understand.
I scamper after Atticus, aware that a crowd is forming behind me.
Daddy’s low, muttered curses, just loud enough for me to hear them, are an emergency warning system for a brat.
I’m pretty sure my ass is writing a check it won’t be able to cash later, but I haven’t felt this free in so long… I don’t want to give it up.
Atticus gives me a sly wink as he jogs down the steps.
I, at least, stay on the landing as I peer out, bouncing on my toes impatiently.
The windows are tinted too darkly for me to make out who’s in the front seat.
When he opens the door, he leans in and I hold my breath, only to burst out laughing a second later.
“This is Fury,” Atticus says proudly, as he stares down at one of the largest bunnies I’ve ever seen.
She’s wearing a harness, and if I had to guess, smug seems to be her natural state.
Considering the way Atticus stares down at her, I’d be pretty smug too, with that level of adoration.
“Now, she doesn’t like to be picked up by most people, but she lets me.
And while they’re social creatures, and are often better with another bunny, Fury is a little different.
She wasn’t a fan of that. She prefers humans to other bunnies.
Likely my fault for spoiling her so much.
Although she probably won’t let you pick her up, she does enjoy pets and cuddles, so if you want, you can come closer to see her. Just go slowly.”
I glance back at Daddy, willing to beg, but he gives me a resigned nod, and I carefully walk toward Atticus and Fury.
Holding out my hand, I let Fury smell me, so she can decide if I’m trustworthy on her own.
When she bumps her head into my hand, I smile and start to pet her gently, raising my face toward Atticus in wonder.
“She’s so soft!” I exclaim in a hushed voice, not wanting to scare her.
Atticus nods. “That she is. Maybe later, after I have everything set up, you can come and see her and play with her. If you get permission, of course.”
Biting my lip, I stare up at the large man cradling his bunny—I really do question whether her name should be Furry rather than Fury—and say, “Thank you, Sir. I’ll ask, but I’ll let you get settled for now. Thank you for letting me meet her!”
“Anytime, Boy, anytime.”
It’s hard not to race back to Daddy—to safety—as a sudden bout of nerves comes over me. But I don’t want to hurt the bunny by scaring her. Tennant opens his arms when I get close, and I immediately go to him, snuggling in.
“You’d better be prepared for the consequences, Little Monster,” he grumbles, and I shiver in response.
Yeah, I deserve whatever is coming my way, and it’s a relief to know Daddy will give it to me.
“For now, you need to get to your therapy appointment, while I take care of the trash. I’m sure the butler can help Atticus get comfortable.
Although, I imagine Jude is going to want to speak to him. ”
I sigh, knowing he’s right. With a sudden sinking feeling, I realize I was never able to get my snack from the kitchen before my appointment. Fucking hell. Still, meeting a bunny is better than a snack.
I wonder if Midas and Fury will get along.
Hmm…I’d better ask Leandro his thoughts on it.
For now though, I pull out of Daddy’s embrace so I can head to my therapy appointment.
I want to get better. I want to find my joy again, whatever it takes…
And for once, I feel like maybe I’m on the way to it.