Chapter 38 Rosco
ROSCO
Shrill ringing drags me from a deep sleep.
A warm, heavy weight is holding me down.
Normally I’d be in a panic, feeling confined and unable to move, but not today.
Forcing my eyes open, I look around in confusion.
The room is unfamiliar and the medial sounds coming from my left adds briefly to my disorientation.
The weight shifts, drawing my attention.
Rachel’s expressive hazel eyes blink up at me.
She’s as confused as I am. Then it all comes back.
She hit her head in a car crash; Caprice had had her, and now she’s in my arms. She loves me, and I love her.
I’m no longer hiding how I feel, and worthy or not, I’m not letting Rachel get away from me again.
“Are you going to get that?” she asks, nodding toward the floor where my cell phone blares again. “It could be about the twins,” she whispers with hope in her voice. Easing out from under her as she shifts away from me, I lean over the side of the bed to grab my phone as it rings for the last time.
“Fuck,” I grumble when I see the missed call from Uncle Branch.
Hitting his name on my screen, it begins to ring, and I switch it to speaker phone so Rachel can hear.
Briefly I wonder if I should hear what he has to say first, but they’re her brothers.
Whether the news is good or bad, however she hears it won’t change how it affects her.
“It’s about damn time!” Uncle Branch grumbles when the call connects, not even giving me time to utter a word. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve called three times.”
“Sorry, we were asleep,” I admit, feeling a little shocked. “It’s been a hell of a few days.” I’ve never slept through my phone ringing before.
In my defense, I haven’t slept since the night I spent with Rachel in my bed.
That was two days ago or maybe three days now?
I’ve been running on fear and determination.
Once I knew she was safe and in my arms, my body just gave up.
It needed time to recover, so it took it.
I wait for Uncle Branch’s reprimand, but it doesn’t come.
“I get it,” his voice has a softer tone than I’ve ever heard before. “You guys must have been exhausted. Bo and Kelvin have filled me in on everything that’s happened while I’ve been out searching.
“I’m just glad you finally answered,” Uncle Branch continues “I hate to admit it, but I’m not a spring chicken any more. I’m not sure I could’ve taken on both of them by myself. These boys look like they’ve been working out.”
I grin thinking about all the hours we’ve spent teaching the boys how to build muscle tone, fight hand to hand, and increase their endurance. I’m glad to know it was time well spent.
Rachel
“You found them?” I exclaim, quickly sitting up and nearly bumping heads with Rosco in my eagerness to snatch the phone from his hand. Holding it feels like it will bring me closer to my brothers.
“I found them,” Branch says.
“Are they all right?” My voice cracks at the relief flooding me.
“We’re fine, Rach,” Ricky’s voice comes over the line. “Are you all right? You didn’t look so good the last time we saw you. Branch says you’re with Rosco at Caprice’s?” The incredulity in his tone is easy to hear.
“Yes, I’m going to be okay. We are at Caprice’s in D.C.,” I answer. “It’s a long story that I’m not going to go into over the phone. I’ve been so worried. Are you guys safe? Your father isn’t going to let you go easily. He’ll be combing the city for you. He’ll stop at nothing to get you back.”
“No shit,” Ricky says his tone full of sarcasm. “We’re fully aware of what an asshole our father is. You don’t have to remind us, Rachel.” My heart sinks from my chest. I’m stricken. Ricky has never spoken to me like this. What has he been through in the last couple of days?
“I-I’m sorry,” I whisper softly, so hurt I can hardly speak. “I didn—"
“Don’t talk to her like that! It isn’t right for you to take out your frustration on your sister,” Rosco scolds. “She’s done nothing but risk her life for the two of you. Show her the respect she deserves.”
“Fuck! I’m sorry, Rachel, for being an ass. You don’t deserve that…” A heavy sigh comes over the line. “We are thankful for everything you’ve done for us. If it wasn’t for you, we’d been neck deep in the business.
“It’s not going to be easy, but we are determined to make father see that we don’t want this life and that he can’t force us into it, no matter how hard he tries. I’d rather die than become what he is.”
I’m frozen with shock. It seems the boys aren’t boys anymore. They’ve grown into men. It makes me sad and proud all at the same time. I fight to hide the smile that wants to break free as pride for them floods through me.
“Ricky!” I exclaim. “Don’t talk like that. I can’t lose either of you, and I absolutely won’t let him force you into that life.”
“I believe I can help with that,” Caprice says from the door I hadn’t heard open. “Are you somewhere safe for the moment?”
“They are, Nicolai,” Uncle Branch replies. “Getting them out of here will take some doing, but I have every confidence I’ll be successful.”
“Hold your position, and stay under the radar,” Nicolai requests. “I’ll need about forty-eight hours to get everything I need in place. I’ll make sure Vena is taken care of and will no longer be a problem for any of you. I’ll text you when it’s safe to move them.”
A lengthy pause follows. It’s so long I’m beginning to believe Branch has ended the call. Rosco has said he isn’t known for saying good-bye before hanging up.
“Forty-eight hours,” Branch finally answers. “I’m giving you my trust, Caprice. Don’t make me wish I hadn’t. Otherwise, you won’t live to regret it. We’ve lost too much to your family already. I won’t lose more.”
Anger and regret crosses Caprice’s face so fast I almost question what I’d seen. His face becomes the unreadable mask he’s had since Rosco arrived.
“I’ll make sure those boys can be free,” Caprice insists. “I can’t change the past, Robertson, but I will fix this.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Branch sounds astounded. I’m getting even more curious about the past these men have shared. Does Rosco know their history?
“I am.”
“Then I’ll wait for your text.” The line goes dead. Caprice’s jaw is set in a hard line until his gaze falls on me. His face softens, and he takes a step toward us.
“Amelia, I think it would be best if you remain in a safe location until all of this is over,” Caprice says, his gaze focused on me waiting for my reaction.
“I’ll need to go back to Chicago. It will take all of my focus to resolve this issue in a permanent fashion.
It will be easier if I’m not worrying about your safety. ”
“I can keep her safe.” Caprice raises a brow at Rosco’s declaration.
“The way she arrived here would beg to differ.” Caprice smirks. Fuck! Rosco’s face flushes like he just took a knife blade to the heart. He’s already been blaming himself. He doesn’t need my uncle reinforcing his guilt.
“Don’t!” I demand. “The way I came to be in the hands of Vinnie isn’t Rosco’s fault.
The Robertson’s tried to keep me safe, but I left.
I snuck out to find the boys myself. You can’t blame him for my actions.
” Rosco’s face is full of love when our eyes meet.
I won’t allow Caprice to blame Rosco when he doesn’t really know either of us.
“Amelia,” Caprice growls.
“Don’t Amelia me,” I argue. “You’re the one who sent that asshole to retrieve me when Lawrence told you where I was.
” He actually looks chagrined. “Not only did he run my car off the road, which could have killed me, but he punched me and threatened to do worse!” He pales briefly then his face becomes beet red.
“He will pay severely for his actions,” Uncle Nicolai growls. “I’m sorry that happened to you. If I’d known he would defy me and treat you so poorly, I never would have sent him.
“Please say you can forgive me?” He stares at me with fear and longing in his eyes.
I stare back, holding his intense gaze. His eyes plead with me to understand and forgive. I don’t sense any deceit from him. He means what he’s saying.
“You’re forgiven,” I murmur. Nicolai’s body relaxes in relief.
“I’ll take her back to Virginia Beach,” Rosco announces. “My brothers and I will make sure she’s safe while you deal with Vena.”
“Very well,” Uncle Nicolai agrees reluctantly. He holds my gaze for a beat. “I’ve waited years to get to know you and tell you about your father. I hope this won’t be the last I’ll see of you?”
“It won’t be,” I assure him. “We’ll keep in touch. I want to know more about him, you, and Aunt Andorra.” The rest of the tension in his body recedes, and a ghost of a smile crosses his face.
“Thank you,” he says, surprising me once more with his kindness.
“It means more than you can know to me and Andorra. We want you to be a part of our family. I’m actively working to make my organization less…
corrupt and more legal. It might not happen in my lifetime, but it’s a dream for the future.
If I am able to find an heir who shares my beliefs and goals. ”
“That’s admirable,” I acknowledge. “From what you’ve told me, Dad would be proud of the changes you’re making.” Nicolai gives me another smile, one that lights his eyes with warmth and love.
“Yes, I believe he would be.” Nicolai turns, his eyes hardening as he focuses on Rosco. “I’m holding you personally responsible for her safety and well-being. Treat her well and we’ll get along fine. Break her heart? And I’ll break you.”
“Understood,” Rosco replies, “That goes both ways. Just so you understand.”
The men stare one another down for another minute. Then Uncle Nicolai nods before turning for the door.
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but I have business to attend to. Andorra will see to your needs, and Michael will be back soon to check on you, Amelia.”
“Thank you, again,” I murmur. “But I’d like to go home.” Nicolai looks hurt but nods his understanding, then steps into the hall, closing the door behind him, leaving Rosco and I alone.
I glance at Rosco when his arm tightens around me. “I forgot about your house. I guess you’re staying at mine?” He shakes his head, causing my heart to stutter, but before I have time to get worked up, he’s relieving my fears.
“I think we should stay here until we are reunited with Nicky and Ricky. Then we will head back to Virginia Beach together. We can stay with Luke and Marley until we find a bigger house that we all like,” Rosco answers like we’re discussing the weather and not buying a house.
“My house isn’t large enough for the boys to have their own rooms.” Rosco continues, “and I’m pretty sure they’re sick of bunking together.
Although, if they go into the military, they’ll be bunking with way more guys, which is even more reason to give them their own space when they come home on leave. ”
My chest is tight with all the love I feel for this man. He accepts that the boys and I are a package deal without a second of hesitation. Tears fill my eyes, causing him to look concerned.
“What’s wrong, angel?” Rosco asks, “You don’t want to live at Luke’s or you don’t want to move in with me?”
“Nothing is wrong, Rosco,” I reply, my voice breaking around the lump in my throat.
“You just made me love you even more when I didn’t think it was possible.
I really do want us to live with you and staying with Luke and Marley won’t be a hardship.
We can give them some pay back for when they first got together. ”
The look that comes over him is one I’ll remember to my dying day. I’ve always thought he is gorgeous, but in this moment? Heaven, help me! The love and happiness in his expression takes him from a solid ten to a million in a heartbeat.
“Hell, yeah we will!” Rosco chuckles. “Luke’s going to have to hire a contractor to sound proof the walls. I don’t want anyone else knowing what you sound like when you come.”
I’m sure my grin is matching his. My face hurts I’m smiling so big, and I’ve never been happier in my life.
“I love you, angel,” Rosco whispers softly.
His hand cups the side of my neck while his thumb ghosts along my jaw.
“For the last six years, I’ve punished myself for the loss of the 1Lt.
I made myself believe I didn’t deserve to have a life and certainly not to fall in love.
The night I met you made me want to rethink my self-imposed punishment.
“Wait, strike that, you made me rethink my self-imposed punishment. It took too fucking long, but now I’m ready for this. I’m ready for us. We’re a forever deal, angel.”
“Yes, we are,” I murmur in agreement. Leaning into his embrace, I press my lips to his sealing our promise.