Chapter 23
Malachi
Stepping over the splintered coffee table that I slammed Maddy into, I drop on the couch with an ice pack.
The couch creaks under my weight and I look around at the destruction left from that night.
As I twist my head, a sharp pain in my side causes me to groan, and the deep ache in my torso pisses me off.
Being stopped from disciplining my own kid and then demoted to being a literal punching bag is ridiculous.
‘All I did for the seem’-ya over the years, and this is the thanks I get?
’ I think, anger festering in my mind, deep and dark.
‘Now Zak has Maddy and his boy toy heavily guarded. I can’t reach them physically, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t get to them another way.
’ I twitch from the pain from my bruised face as a sinister smile tries to form.
Watching Maddy react to his bag was fun.
Now that I know his little secret, I can watch him, wait for my opening.
So I pop up across the street to watch them at the end of school when Kai gets out of class.
I’m toeing the invisible line drawn around them so Vanya can’t pull me in, I won’t give him the pleasure of getting me in person.
I’ve heard tales of what happens when someone disobeys more than once. No thank you to any of that.
I grimace as I move the ice pack to my shoulder as I dig in my pocket pulling out my phone.
I have plenty of ways to fuck with Maddy, plenty of connections outside the seem’-ya.
Graduation is in a few days and I have an idea to make sure he misses seeing his faggy boy-toy cross that stage.
Maddy needs to fall in line, he needs a time out.
So I’m gonna get him outta the picture for a bit.
Time to call in one of the favors Weasle owes me.
Getting ready to put the plan in motion, I chuckle at the twins for their stupidity. ‘Thought they were gonna run off to New York and “get out” of this life? Nah, they’re mine for life.,’ I think smugly, pressing send and waiting for the call to connect.
As the phone connects I hear, “Hello?” from a whiny voice. Grinding my teeth, I close my eyes, breathing to keep my composure. ‘I hate the sound of his voice. It’s like nails on a chalkboard. But I have no choice, this needs to get done.’
“Weasel! It’s time. Violate his probation. Do it today!” I explain as the pain pills finally kick in and a shiver runs through my body.
“Yes sir! Of course! I have the paperwork ready. Is Ronnie ready to get his “deal” in place?”
Rolling my eyes, I feel the last thread of patience snap.
“You think I’d be callin’ if he wasn’t? Watch who the fuck you’re questionin’, Weasle,” I snap at him.
He mutters useless apologies that I ignore as I continue, “I want him back inside for under a year. I don’t want him in Pontiac.
He can’t get close to him. You got that? ”
As he rambles on I pinch the bridge of my nose, thinking, ‘It’s too early for this shit.’
“Understood. I’ll reach out when it’s done,” Daniels states excitedly, like the kiss ass that he is. “Is he at the kid’s house?”
“Yeah. He’s not livin’ at the address you have on file. Use that. It’s the perfect startin’ point.” I feel my eyes getting heavy. “Get it done, I’m goin’ to bed,” I mutter, disconnecting the call without listening to anything else he says.
Dropping my phone, I stretch out on the couch, eyes drooping. My last thought as I go to sleep, ‘By the time I wake up, Maddy’ll remember not to fuck with me. He’ll remember his place.’
Maddox
Graduation is in a few days and this morning, I’m making Kai breakfast in bed. And by making, I mean that I put coffee, orange juice, and a couple doughnuts on a tray and took it upstairs.
We don’t have much planned for today, just breaking in the new grill. Since Kai’s done with classes, he doesn’t have to go to school till Friday morning for the graduation rehearsal. And Zak gave me the next few days off of work after Mack’s stunt with the duffle bag.
‘It’s gonna be a good weekend,’ I think as I quietly push the bedroom door open.
As I tiptoe into the room I glance at the bed.
Kai is still sleeping and I get lost staring at how peaceful he looks as I set the tray on the nightstand.
I brush a loose curl off his forehead thinking, ‘Man, I’m gonna miss these curls while he does the military thing.
’ I don’t wanna wake him up, but it’s getting closer and closer to the day he leaves. We need more time.
We thought we had it. Then we went through the whole acceptance package and the plan of him leaving early and getting a job in New York went to hell. According to the rules, he had to report to West Point in just three short weeks.
‘I’m not ready to let him go, but he’s gotta get outta this shithole,’ I think as I watch him stir, smiling softly, ‘I can wait a few months to be back with him.’
As he stretches, it’s no wonder why I call him Kitten. He makes the sweetest sounds as he comes to life, his nose scrunched as he rubs the sleep from his eyes. The sunlight peeking through the curtains makes his sleepy moss-green eyes glow as he opens them to find mine.
“Why you watchin’ me sleep? You creepin’ on me?” Kai asks as he sniffs the air, smelling the coffee I brought up. Smiling, he sits up reaching for it. I block his path, leaning in and kissing his nose as I reach for the steaming mug, handing it to him with a grin as I pull away.
His cheeks are slightly pink as he takes the cup, grabbing a doughnut from the tray as he takes a drink.
He looks so adorable like this and I can’t resist leaning in for a kiss.
Tasting bitter coffee mixed with sugary sweet doughnut on his lips, I smile, saying, “Not creepin’, waitin’ for ya to wake up. ”
Kai lets a sleepy grin slip and sets the coffee on the table.
He tugs lightly on my arm as he finishes the doughnut, shifting to lean back against the headboard.
Catching on to what he was wanting, I crawled between his legs once he was settled and leaned back against him, relaxing against his chest.
Feeling his arms wrap around me, I sigh, thinking, ‘I really am gonna miss this. How am I gonna let him go in two weeks?’
I’m pulled from my thoughts when he kisses the top of my head. “What’chya thinking about?” He asks softly, whispering into my ear as he holds me tighter.
Kai
At my question, Dax tries to twist in my arms, I relax my hold letting him shift around onto his stomach, chin on my chest looking up at me, “What happens to me?” he asks softly, a hint of fear in his eyes as his arms slip under my lower back and he digs his fingers into the skin there.
He’s worried about where he will go when I leave for West Point, but he has to know that I could never send him back to Mack’s and Zak wouldn’t allow it either.
Softening my gaze, I lean in, grazing his lips before pressing my lips to his forehead, “Baby, you aren’t goin’ anywhere.
I had a talk with Tessa and Seb while you were at work yesterday.
You’ll be welcome here till you can move with me at the beginning of the new year,” I explain as I pull back to look him in the eyes.
His lips part and his eyes go wide in shock and awe, “Really?” he whispers.
Smiling, I cup his cheek, “Khayos, I don’t wanna leave you, but I have to. And in order for me to be able to focus on school, you have to be safe. Tess and Seb both agree that the only way for that to happen is for me to know that you’re here.”
He pulls out of my hold and sits up on his knees as the realization of what I said sets in and a small smile starts to grow on puffy pink lips, “So, I can stay here? No questions about it?” he asks.
“Yes, Baby, you’re stayin’ here. Sleepin’ in our bed,” I say, and glancing down I add, “And in my clothes.” I chuckle at how adorable he looks in my too large sweatshirt, at the almost angry scowl that scrunches his face, and how he nervously fiddles with the sleeves that swallow his hands.
Crossing his arms, his scowl turns into a pout, “I put it on to go get our breakfast. See if I ever make you breakfast in bed again,” Dax grumbles, turning away as he tries to scramble from between my legs.
Snorting at his mini-tantrum, I grab him, pulling him back to snuggle him into my chest, saying, “Aww, Baby, I was just playin’.
You can wear anything of mine anytime you want.
” Skimming my thumb over his blushing cheeks, I tilt his head and kiss him softly, whispering against plush lips, “I like it when you wear my clothes.”
Dax smiles into the kiss before settling back into my chest. We enjoy the silence, sinking into the moment, enjoying just being wrapped up in each other.
I love having him in my arms and we need all the time together we can soak up.
I’m nervous about leaving in a few weeks, but we have to go through this to get to where we want to be.
‘The first few weeks I’m gone are gonna be hell on him. In the first six weeks I’ll have limited phone time and then there’s the class load after that.’ Dax shifting draws my attention back from my thoughts.
I look into bright, ice-blue eyes as he gazes at me, his head tilted back and his hand playing with the curls on the back of my neck. “Shower with me?” he asks, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
Licking my lips, feeling excitement trickle through my chest, “If I ever say no to that, have me committed, okay?” I say with a playful smile.
Dax laughs, climbing off the bed, shaking his head as I reach my hand to pull him back in, he grabs it and tugs me towards the bathroom.
‘The morning started off great, and is only getting better by the minute,’ I think as I trail after Dax biting my lip and watching his pillowy ass bounce with each step.
Twenty minutes later, we head downstairs with wet hair, relaxed from the mutual hand jobs, dressed and ready to help set up for tonight.
Spotting us on the stairs, Seb winks, congratulating us on our water conservation.
I laugh at the pink creeping up Dax’s neck and across his cheeks as he flips Seb off.
It’s adorable how he reacts to my family accepting him.
While everyone pitches in for tonight, salad, burgers, hotdogs and snacks are prepped for the barbeque, Seb watches Dax sitting on the washer in the kitchen.
Seeing him chewing on his lip, and fiddling with the label on the beer in his hand, Seb kisses Mel on the top of the head before walking over to stand beside him.
As they have a hushed conversation, I watch, filled with curiosity and awe.
I didn’t know what they were talking about, but it was nice to see my family accept him. Seb pulled Dax into a side hug and I smiled at Dax pushing him off. Their interaction told me everything I needed to know without hearing one word between them.
‘He’ll be okay while I’m gone,’ I think to myself with a smile as I wipe my hands on a towel and head towards my Khayos. ‘I just need to kiss him. Just a quick one.’
∞∞∞
The back yard was full of life. Ellie was stretched out on the lounge chair next to Tess, they were giggling and flipping through a girly magazine. Seb and Mel seemed to be doing okay this time around, they were by the grill, smiling at each other as they chatted while he kept an eye on the food.
Dax and I shared a cigarette leaning against the van as we watched Cal and Ro toss a ball back and forth, chasing each other around the yard.
The music was turned up, my head bobbed to the music and I spotted Jason and Dani coming through the gate and heard “hellos” being shouted at them from everyone.
Looking around at everyone, I felt a pang of sadness wash over me.
‘I’m gonna miss moments like this,’ I thought as I wrapped my arm around Dax and pulled him into my side.
Nights like this, with everyone together and having fun, were happening less and less. Now, with me going off to West Point, I would miss out on so much. Letting my eyes travel over everyone, I take in the moments, cataloging them for when I’m miles away.
The song changed and I watched the couples move to slow dance to “Worst Way” by Riley Green. I stood and tried to pull Dax along with me. Shaking his head, he resisted.
“Please, Baby, humor me?” I pleaded, sending him the one look he couldn’t refuse. Pouting my lips, and going full puppy dog, he huffed, but stood and pulled me into his arms. With his hands on my hips he started to sway.
Wrapping my arms around him, he laid his head on my chest and I felt him hum along to the song as we swayed to the music.
In this moment, it was just us. We were so lost to it that we missed the sound of the gate opening but were pulled back to our surroundings at the sound of a nasally high-pitched voice calling out across the yard.
Looking towards the voice, there stood Daniels and two police officers. “Maddox Mikhailov, you are a hard one to find. Specifically when you move without notifying your PO which is required,” he said, a slimy smirk on his face.
Looking from Daniels to Dax, I watched as resignation fell over his face. Mack had found a way to get to him that even Zak couldn’t prevent. Moving quickly, Dax pulled his phone from his pocket and slipped it into mine. As he turned away, I grabbed his arm, pulling him back to me.