Chapter Thirteen
Rowan
I lay awake in our bed as Luca sleeps soundly next to me. My mind is running too fast, trying to figure out what the hell happened to him.
I know he’d make it known if he got an inkling about my plan. He’d try to stop it right then and there. I wish he’d tell me about his jobs, lay the burden on me, let me take some of it for him, because I would.
He’s always off when he comes back from his jobs; that’s a given, but tonight was different.
I retrace my steps over and over in my head from when I was in his office, everything was put back as I found it…right? It was.
My hand absentmindedly finds the skin around my nail bed as I pick it, a nervous habit that I haven’t been able to overcome. I feel a slight sting when I pull the skin, knowing it’s going to bleed and enjoying the sharp pain it releases.
Not being able to lie in bed any longer, I quietly pad out of our bedroom and to the office, needing to affirm my thoughts.
Walking in, I go straight to the file where David sits and see nothing off kilter.
Drawing my brows together, I stand and look at the bookshelf, my eyes moving down the shelves, waiting for something to jump out at me, but nothing does.
When my nerves start to settle at last, I leave the office, heading toward the stairs and to the kitchen.
Luca stands in the bedroom door, naked, resting his arm on the door frame.
“What are you doing?”
Caught, I honestly tell him, “I couldn’t sleep.” But I don’t go into why I couldn’t.
“Hmm. Come back to bed.” He turns and I watch his tight ass disappear into the darkness, following him.
Luca wraps me in his arms, and without a fight, my body relaxes before I drift off.
Stepping inside Hard Knocks, I feel like I’m home. The smell is one you must get used to—sweat and man, but it’s welcoming. My one constant that helped me this past year.
“Hey!” Thomas comes barreling toward us, bear-hugging me. “Ready to get into the ring?” He spins me before placing me down.
“Not this time. Here to work.” I squish up my face looking at Luca.
He lets out a boisterous laugh. “Free labor!”
Luca pops my ass, making me yelp. Yesterday’s weirdness has eased, and I’m leaving it where we left off.
Scanning the gym, I ask, “Where’s Damian?”
“He’s been in and out,” comes from behind us as Weeks joins our circle.
“Weeks.” I open my arm and give him a side hug. With these men, I feel safe; they’re my family.
Weeks fucks with my hair, before I jab him with my elbow. “Ouch.” He plays it up.
“You better get used to it, Rowan.” Weeks walks away from me as he throws the last word over his shoulder.
I look at Luca and then at Thomas, who shrugs.
“We’ll be having a houseguest.”
I look at Luca. “Weeks?”
“Few weeks tops, Rowan. I promise I’m house-trained.”
Luca and Thomas laugh, but I stand there eyeing Luca, wondering why I’m just learning this. I love these men, but having one in my space for days on end. “Luca.” I drawl out his name.
He saunters up to me, smiling big, showing off my favorite tooth of his. “He needed somewhere to go until his place is finally done. You know he’s getting ready for his daughter to come live with him full time.” He kisses my head.
I nod, don’t be a bitch, Rowan. I chastise myself.
All I want for these men is nothing but the best. I’ve only ever lived with my father and Luca; those are the only two men who are complete polar opposites.
Adding Weeks, I’m not sure how our dynamic will change.
I don’t want to feel weird in my house. But I know Weeks will do whatever he needs to make me feel comfortable in my home.
Weeks walks back toward us, smiling. “I’m excited for you. I know how much you want her to be with you full-time. And she’s a lucky little girl.” Remembering the unicorn that hangs from his rearview mirror.
“Thanks.” He smiles shyly, looking toward the ground.
“Well, I’m going to go take inventory and see what we need to order. When Damian gets here, let me know.” I walk to the office to grab the iPad, excited to see him.
With headphones in my ears, jamming away, I take note of our overflow and what we desperately need. In my own world, oblivious to what’s going on in the gym, I find other things to do once ordering is done.
Pulling out the headphones, I notice everything is quiet. Placing them on the reception desk with the iPad, I look but see no one.
The slight breeze welcomes me, dousing me in fresh air, taking the smell of the gym away when I step out back and walk up the metal stairs that lead to the apartment.
I hear their voices as I get closer, coming from the roof.
Taking the next landing, making my way to the roof, I step up and see Damian, who immediately clears his throat. Stopping, I ask, “Am I interrupting?”
“No, come up.” Damian smiles at me, arms already open. He looks good; his color is back, but his eyes are still sad, the hollowness making them look extremely black.
As I close the gap between him and me, the guys stop speaking altogether. Damian’s hug is consuming, and I try to hug him tighter, but noting his wound, which I know isn’t fully healed.
Leaning back, I look up to him. “It’s so good to see you.” I gently shake him. His smile is tight, but he doesn’t reply.
“He’s all set up.” Luca comes over and wraps his arm around me.
“Welcome home,” I tell him.
“Home.” He says the word like it burns his mouth. I know he’s still battling his demons, struggling with life, and needing a reason. I just wish his reason would come already.
“Well, come show me around the humble abode.” Swiping my hands out, leading the guys down the stairs. I let Damian open his door, allowing me in.
The layout is one enormous room and an open floor plan. His bed is off to the side, with black silk sheets tossed on, not made. I smile, such a man.
I head straight for the windows, looking at the town below. Everyone milling around in their own worlds, battling their own demons, holding on to their own secrets.
As I turn around, I smile when I see a photo of Lauren. I can’t help but touch it when I walk past it. “So, you’re going to start working with Luca?” I say, not a question, but opening up the conversation.
Damian puts his hands in his black jeans pockets as he nods his head. All the other guys look at me.
“What?”
“You don’t do subtle, do you?” Weeks laughs.
Shrugging, “Who has time for subtle?” I reply back to them. “Just be safe. I know you’re in excellent hands with that man.” I point to Luca, who winks at me.
I want to force words out of Damian that I know he isn’t saying. I see he’s hiding stuff, and I wish he’d let someone in.
As I look around the apartment, I wonder why Weeks couldn’t stay here. But don’t mention it.
“Alright, brothers, I’ll see you all later. Time to get my woman home.” The way he calls me woman makes my panties wet, and I feel my cheeks turn crimson. Luca licks his lips, giving me a slight smile, understanding what that word had just done to me.
“I’ll be out there tomorrow, got a few loose ends to clear up, and then I’ll be home.” Weeks looks at me when he says the last few words, and I just roll my eyes at him. I make my way outside; their laughter trails behind me. Fuckers.