~Chapter 20~
A fter Beatrice spent almost a full hour pouring out her fucking soul, I headed to our gym for some cleansing.
That fucking woman. While she didn’t go into great detail, she shared enough. Well, too much.
She’s gone through far fucking too much and it pisses me off to no end. Some stories she cried, some she glossed over like “it is what it is”, and some she stared off into space like she was telling someone else’s story; like she had to disassociate from the story just to get through.
But then, oh, and then…she took every one of those assholes out. Realizing how Stu was helping was only partially surprising. Of course, we knew he’d only help if their morals aligned. Stu may have a bleeding heart, but his moral compass is firmly intact.
She was so exhausted, her pain meds pulling her down during the last fifteen minutes or so, that Stu gathered her into his arms and tucked her in bed.
The kitchen was completely silent while Beatrice ripped her heart out and handed it straight to us. Little does she know, she’s ours now; whether she likes it or not.
By the time Stu returned, we had migrated to the living room. He plopped onto the couch and blew out a heavy breath. After five minutes of staring at the spot Beatrice had been sitting on, I stood and walked out of the living room without a backward glance.
Now, I’m wrapping my hands, ready to attack the shit out of the heavy bag so I can push my beast back. He’s been roaring his ugly head since Bea’s first admission; mainly because the thought of another man touching her makes me irrationally jealous.
But then, her tenacity, her strength, her goddamn audacity to seek vengeance and rise above her traumas. All of them.
Jesus, she’s amazing!
Once my hands are wrapped, I whip off my shirt, leave my basketball shorts on, and head to the speaker system we have set up. Pairing my phone, I click on Ronald by Falling in Reverse. It’s the only song that matches the war raging in my head; and it hits fucking hard.
Squaring up to the bag, I roll my shoulders, then let loose.
I let out all of my aggression, all of my jealousy, all of my feelings of hopelessness and anger; wondering why. Why has this woman been put through the wringer time and time again? What was the point?
My beast rages with the need for vengeance, even though I know damn well that she took care of each and every one of the bastards. Warmth rushes through my veins with each swing, each punch, each connection with the bag. I need to irradicate my demons so I can be the man Bea deserves, one she desires, one she never, ever has to regret being vulnerable with.
Within ten minutes, my body quakes from over-exertion. I know I shouldn’t haul off like that, but I needed it. I needed to do it or I’d end up making some stupid ass mistake like handcuffing her to the bed and making sure nothing bad ever happens to her again.
Now that I’m stretched out on the mat, panting heavily and dripping sweat, I vow to ensure nothing bad happens to her, again. Luckily for her, I’ve at least let go of the idea of holding her hostage for the rest of our lives.
A cool, wet cloth slaps onto my face, causing me to gasp and sputter in surprise. “The fuck?” I roar, popping up to stand while ripping the cloth from my face.
Charlie stands at the doorway of the gym, leaning against the doorjamb with his arms crossed over his chest. “You alright?” He drawls with that growly voice of his.
“Yeah. Better.” I pant out, still perturbed that he hit me with a cold rag.
He tilts his head and assesses me. The man knows just how to read me so there’s no point in lying. And, yeah, I’m better.
Seemingly satisfied, he lifts off the doorjamb and takes a step back. “Living room in ten. Just got off the phone with HQ.”
My blood turns cold. If HQ doesn’t let us bring her into the fold, she’ll close right back up. I just know it.
With a stiff nod, he retreats and makes his way back down the hall. I take in a few controlled breaths, closing my eyes and hoping for a good outcome. I’m not even sure what we would do if this doesn’t work out like we hope, but I guess I’ll learn soon enough.
I jog over to the counter where our mini-fridge is, and down half a bottle of water. Re-capping it, I turn and make my way to my room.
I need a good shower, and maybe a firm tug on my dick to prepare for this conversation.