Chapter Thirty-Three #2
“Logan?”
“Go, Addison! Now!” He shouts as he yanks the handle. The door is barely open before a large body barrels into my cousin, knocking him to the floor with a rough thud.
I gasp, my eyes adjusting to the man straddling my cousin. He cocks his fist back, and as the kitchen’s dim lights illuminate a familiar, sharp jaw lined with stubble, my excitement is short-lived as Rowan delivers a punishing blow right to my cousin’s nose.
Logan’s head rocks back with the force, hitting the floor beneath him before he sweeps his leg under Rowan’s and switches their position.
In the doorway of the cabin, both men struggle to fight each other off.
Even though he’s now in the most vulnerable position, Rowan grits his teeth as his fist collides with my cousin’s jaw harshly.
The sickening slap of skin against skin shunts me back to reality, and I pick my jaw up as I stalk over to them.
“Get off of him, Logan!” I shout, but it’s lost on them as they grapple with each other.
“I’m going to fucking kill you!” My cousin promises as he winces against the pain. Blood drips from his nose, but he gets his big hands around my boyfriend’s neck before squeezing.
Rowan’s lips pull over his teeth before he rasps, “Not before I make you fucking bleed, Hughes.”
I know Rowan can hold his own, but that doesn't stop my panic. I shake my hands, forcing myself to think of something!
The gun cabinet!
I b-line straight for the bedroom before yanking the wooden closet open. I grab a shotgun, my hands shaking as I carry it back out to the living room.
I lift the barrel, the sharp sound of me cocking the gun fills the room as both men stop. Logan’s head shoots up as his eyes connect with the dark barrel aimed at his face.
“Get off of him!” I shout with authority.
My cousin breathes deeply, his wide chest rising and falling as betrayal cracks across his features. “A…”
“I said to get off of him!” I bark.
Logan slowly rises to his feet, holding his hands up as he steps back. “Put the gun down, Addie.”
I ignore him, staring down the scope as I step closer until my legs are bracketed on either side of Rowan’s head. “Attack him again, and I'll shoot.”
“Sunshine…” Rowan’s low tone of disbelief is like a soothing blanket across my shoulders, taking the weight of the world off of me. The bridge of my nose stings, but I don't shed my tears.
He came for me.
Fuck. I could kiss him.
“A, the safety is off,” Logan speaks calmly, attempting to talk me down. “If you pull the trigger—”
“I know how a fucking gun works,” I snap.
Hands gently grab my ankles, and Rowan’s thumbs rub across my skin in an achingly affectionate caress. “Sunshine, I’ve got you. You can put it down. I'm here.”
My body nearly sags with relief as I flick the safety back on and crumple on top of him. The gun thumps to the floor, and Rowan sits up, wrapping his arms around me as I nestle into his lap. He pushes my hair away from my face, solace easing into his features.
“You’re okay,” he whispers. “I’ve got you.”
“You came for me,” my lip quivers, and my voice sounds broken.
“Always,” he promises. “I’ll always come for you.”
Intense gratitude and serenity urge me forward. I press my lips to his in a consuming kiss that bleeds longing. Rowan cups my cheeks, deepening it before we both pull away.
He’s here.
My anchor.
“She’s okay?” A deep voice pulls me from our shared moment, and I peer at the cabin’s doorway. A tall, built man with messy blonde hair stands on the porch. He pushes up his wire-framed glasses as I recognize him as the person from the bar.
“She’s okay,” Rowan reiterates with relief flowing from him. He’s still holding me tightly, as if I'll disappear again if he releases me.
Logan scoffs, crossing his arms as blood drips down his chin and his cheek begins to swell. “I wasn't going to hurt her. She’s my fucking family.”
Rowan gives him a death glare. “I don't forgive easily, Hughes. You’ve just made an enemy out of the Midwestern branch.”
My cousin chuckles humorlessly. “And what are you going to do? She can't leave. Not while she's under our jurisdiction.”
His words cause confusion to stir in me as I draw back from Rowan. “What does that mean?”
My boyfriend’s jaw ticks. “He’s using the Northwestern rules against us. If you're under their jurisdiction, you can't leave the compound. They’ll come searching for you.”
My blood runs cold as I turn to look at my cousin with disbelief. “You can't do that. I'm not a part of the syndicate.”
“You are now,” Logan says cockily. “Your mom made sure of it as soon as she got here.”
“Son,” a deep baritone calls from outside. The voice is rugged, like pure gravel. I recognize it instantly from my childhood.
Uncle Ford.
Blondie steps out of the doorway, allowing my uncle to level all three of us with a glare.
His dark hair is messy, now streaked with grey, and his hazel eyes—more brown than green—scan the cabin with keen sharpness.
He’s a few inches shorter than Rowan, but just as imposing with his wide build.
The dark jacket covering his arms only adds to his bulk, and he stops when his eyes land on me.
Those hard features soften by a fraction. “Addison…”
“Hey, Uncle Ford,” I say sheepishly.
He swallows, blinking before he glances at his son. “Get everyone to the main house. There’s a lot that needs to be discussed.” My uncle is gone before Logan can answer him.
An awkward quiet settles over us as I pick myself up from Rowan’s lap. He follows behind me, intertwining our fingers.
“I’ve got you, Sunshine,” Rowan whispers into my hair before kissing behind my ear.
I give him an appreciative smile. “I know.”
Dom is outside, waiting for us with a lit cigarette between his lips.
He nods in greeting to me, and I give him a small wave.
Blondie leans down and whispers something in his ear as they join our caravan.
My cousin is quiet as he trudges across the compound grounds.
The chill in the air bites at my skin, and I try to hide my chattering teeth as I take in the pretty houses spaced around the acreage.
“Cold?” Rowan asks before wrapping his arms around me and using his hands to slide along my exposed biceps. His natural heat washes over me, and I thank him for the reprieve.
Logan brings us to a massive three-story ranch-style home.
The exterior features a mix of natural stone and cedar siding, and the wide wraparound porch anchors the home's first level. It’s a rustic design that bleeds warmth and elegance, but it’s only in visual appeal to me.
I can recognize that this home is cozy, but it isn't my home.
Two men stand on the porch, their hands tucked into the pockets of their thick jackets. One with short brown hair steps forward, nodding at the men surrounding me. “We’re instructed to keep you out here while they talk.”
Rowan bristles, pulling me tighter against him. “I’m not leaving her fucking side.”
The men share a hostile glance, and I step in before any more blows can be exchanged. I block Rowan’s view of the newcomers, demanding his attention.“I’m fine, baby. I won't be long.”
He hesitates before sighing and kissing my temple. “If you need me, just shout and I'll be there.”
I squeeze his hand one last time as Logan leads me inside.