Chapter 6 #2
“Seb.” I look toward the sound to find Alex beckoning me into the living room.
“I’ll be right outside the door, okay? Shout if you need anything,” I tell Isabella, but she doesn’t acknowledge me.
I can sense her walls closing, with new brick being built to keep everything — and everyone — out, but I won’t push.
This extraordinary woman needs someone who recognizes her, who values her exactly as she is, and I’m determined to be that man.
Walking to the living room, I find Alex, Luca, and Dominic. The fury emanating from the three Santos is palpable. Dom opens his mouth, but I hold up a hand. “My guys and I will handle this.”
Alex’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. “That’s our sister, man. ”
“Exactly,” I answer. “You’re too close to this, and you all have families.
I’ve got a couple dozen men with military experience, and most have connections all over the country.
Some have friends in prison too, so we’ve got a lot of avenues we can start with.
And if something goes south … I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Isabella stays safe. You have my word.”
“Did he really say she couldn’t involve the cops?” Dom asks.
“I don’t believe she’d lie about that,” I answer.
Alex scoffs. “I told my buddy to go, but I’m not leaving it alone.
There’s no way this is a coincidence. It’ll be off the record, though.
ESPD will step up patrols by the bakery, and I plan on asking some contacts in other precincts if they want to take on some off-duty patrols.
I’ll make sure there isn’t any paperwork to track. ”
I nod. “All I know is Devon has to be associated with her ex-boyfriend. I don’t know much yet, but I’ll get a guy working on it. So far, Rick seems clean.”
“Never liked that guy,” Luca sneers. “I only met him once, and thought he was a pretentious douchebag.”
Alex nods. “I never told Belle my opinion, because she seemed happy. She’s watched so many of us fall in love, and I think she was sad about being single.”
“I’d like to go now,” Isabella says quietly from behind me. Eyes downcast while holding a bag in one hand and her purse in the other. My girl looks so broken.
I clear my throat, but my voice still cracks. “Anything else you need from here?”
She shakes her head, refusing to make eye contact. “Just my cat, and then I want to leave.”
I grab her bags in one hand as Luca picks up an orange cat, handing it to Isabella.
I had no idea she had a cat, but it doesn’t surprise me.
It fits her. I place my other hand on the small of her back.
Each one of her brothers gives her a hug as we walk past them.
As Isabella slowly walks through the apartment door, her eyes catch on a framed image of her family.
I recognize the picture from an event only a few weeks ago, because Alex and Natalie’s new son is featured in the center.
I quickly reach down, grabbing it from beneath the broken glass.
I look back at the guys, and point around the room.
“Grab anything not broken or damaged, and bring it to my place.”
All three nod as I close the door.
I’d love for Isabella to move into my home and never move out. But if that can’t happen, she sure isn’t coming back here.
The ride back to my house is silent.
Isabella stares sullenly out the window, her hands gripping her cat tightly against her chest. I don’t know if I should talk to break the tension, take her hands in mine to give her support, or let her alone.
I’ve crushed on her for so long, but I don’t actually know how to help her when she’s struggling.
“What’s your cat’s name?” I ask quietly.
“Butterscotch,” she answers.
“Boy or girl?”
“Boy.”
“Is he friendly?”
“For the most part,” she answers. I tentatively reach out my hand, letting Butterscotch sniff it, and he immediately begins purring as he butts his head up against my fingers.
“Where do you live?” she blurts out suddenly, making me jump slightly.
“About twenty minutes outside of Eternity. I wanted a lot of land for my guys. Some really struggle with transitioning back into civilian life after being active duty. Many admitted that they felt more peace when they didn’t feel claustrophobic. ”
“I’m not following. Your guys?”
“The guys in my MC.”
She’s quiet for a moment before continuing. “So everyone is prior military? Is Alex part of it? Or Leo?”
“No, neither of your brothers are. They don’t ride.”
“I think Leo used to. Or maybe he just talked about wanting to get a motorcycle? Well, before …” she trails off.
I know what she was about to say. Before his injury overseas.
I still haven’t gotten the full story about what happened to Leo.
He’s close-lipped about it, and none of his family seems to know.
If I find out he used to ride, or if he has any interest in learning, I’m definitely inviting him to one of our events.
It sounds like he could use some of the services my MC provides.
Turning onto my winding driveway, we pass by the Clubhouse where I can hear music playing somewhat loudly.
The guys mostly keep it down after sunset, knowing sometimes sound can really travel here, and Camila has a routine bedtime of eight o’clock.
Tonight she’s with my parents, who occasionally have her over for special sleepovers.
I haven’t had time to text my parents to let them know about Isabella coming to stay with me, but I need to do that before morning.
I’ve never had a woman in my home before. Well, one that isn’t related to me. Sure, I’ve dated. But we’ve always stayed at the girl’s place instead of mine. But from the moment I met Isabella, I haven’t had a serious relationship.
The only woman I’ve ever wanted here is about to step foot inside for the first time, and I fucking hope she stays.