Chapter Thirty-Eight #2
I turn off the water and get out of the shower and dry off.
My thoughts over this whole situation are fucking with me, but above all, I just want her to be safe.
My stress levels are through the roof, so I promise myself I’ll get up in the morning and hit the gym regardless of how shitty I’ve been sleeping lately.
After I’m dressed, I go to Everleigh’s room and climb into her bed. As I close my eyes, I think about a letter Gemma wrote to me. It squeezes at my heartstrings, and as I recall each word she said, it nearly guts me.
Dear Tyler,
Your last letter nearly broke my heart. When you get home, I’m going to kick your ass for that.
I don’t know why you think you’re not good enough to have a real relationship.
You’re caring. Honest. You’ve got all the qualities that a woman looks for in a man…
or at least from what I’ve watched on TV and read online.
Everleigh has shared with me all the things you used to do for her when she was younger.
I’m aware that you didn’t have a good example, but she turned out just fine, though a little crazy, but I don’t think that’s your fault.
Your grandparents love you, and they love each other, and I’m also happy they were in your life.
Honestly, without your grandma pulling the reins back on Everleigh, I think she may have gone wild.
Also, one last thing. Just because your mom wasn’t a good role model doesn’t mean you’re destined to follow in her footsteps when you decide to get married and start a family.
And you will have all of that—a wife, kids, and an amazing job.
I don’t doubt that. Your heart is huge, and whoever you end up with, I know you’ll do whatever you can to make her really happy.
She’ll be the luckiest woman alive…and I’m kinda jealous thinking about it.
I’m not giving up on you yet, so don’t give up on yourself either.
With Love,
Gemma
P.S. I’m still kicking your ass.
Though time passed and I ended up hurting her, I’m relieved that Gemma never changed her stance. Right now, going through with this wedding is the best decision. The bottom line is, I’m not giving up on her either, and in the end, we’ll be stronger for it.
I can’t believe it’s already Friday, but then again, every day since Gemma told me she was marrying Robert has been exactly the same.
Gym, work, gym, home, sleep—rinse and repeat.
Today, Gemma wore that miniskirt I love so much with an orange fuzzy sweater.
Roses were delivered promptly at lunchtime, and Robert made sure to order so many that the smell nearly knocked me down when I entered the lobby.
Gemma pretended they weren’t a big deal, but I wonder if she despises them and if she wants to trash them the same way she did the others he sent. While drinking my coffee, a customer enters, complimenting her on the roses, and Gemma gushes. It takes everything I have to keep my expression neutral.
“So the wedding is happening soon. Are you excited to get married?”
“Oh, yes ma’am,” Gemma says with a saccharine sweet smile. “Can’t wait to start my life with my husband. I love him so much.”
I glance at her, grab my cup, and walk into the garage, busying myself with tasks.
Jerry gives me sad eyes but doesn’t say anything.
He’s aware of how Gemma felt about Robert and was just as frustrated as everyone else to hear the wedding was happening.
Though neither of us have brought it up, we feel the same.
Robert’s threats are total shit, but Gemma has to do this to protect her dad’s property. It’s the only way.
After work, I go to the gym. Luke and I throw punches for an hour, and I don’t go easy on him.
Over the past few months of training him, he’s grown much stronger and has started using his head more.
I’m like a proud big brother when he swings and punches me right in the chin.
Fighting on the mats helps me work out my aggression just as much as it helps him.
Once the session’s over, Ruby asks me if I want to get a drink with her.
Everleigh’s still staying at her house, but she’s been walking Sassy each day after work and spending time with her.
Though I’m sweaty, it’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone, so I agree.
We walk down to the pub, and she gives me shit about my demeanor.
“You gotta quit moping around like this, Tyler. Move on. Date again. Find you a side piece.” She elbows me as we sit at the bar and our beers are placed in front of us. She doesn’t know all the details about Robert and Gemma’s arrangement. I didn’t feel as if it was my place to even mention it.
I give her a look. “I’m good. Honestly. The wedding will be over soon, and I’ll eventually get back to the life I had before it.”
“The one where you did nothing but work and had no social life?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
She sips her beer and watches parts of the football game playing on the TV. “I just worry about you. I know how much Gemma meant to you, and I hate to see you like this. That’s all.”
“Hey, I’m gonna be just fine. I just need a month or so to process it all. Things will go back to normal, I promise.”
She lifts her glass and grins. “Good. I’m gonna hold you to it. Everleigh’s worried shitless about you too.”
I scoff. “She needs to make up her mind. She was lonely when I was spending time with Gemma every night, and now, she’s annoyed that I’m home. The girl needs to date.”
Ruby smirks. “If only she’d give me a real chance.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “She denied you?”
“Well, not exactly. There was a night when I thought—”
Shaking my head, I tell the bartender to bring me a shot. “I don’t wanna hear about you making moves on my sister.”
“She’s a great kisser.” Ruby winks.
“Ruby,” I warn, not knowing if she’s joking or not. All she does is laugh her ass off.
We decide to order food, and after we finish eating, we say our goodbyes.
“If you’re bored, my schedule is free until the end of time,” she tells me, then adds, “unless your sister changes her mind.”
Considering Everleigh’s staying with Ruby until tomorrow, I don’t know what to think about any of this.
Instead, I huff and turn on my heels. I’m two seconds from pulling my phone from my pocket and asking Everleigh if Ruby was fucking with me, but then I decide I don’t want to open that can of worms. The thought has me chuckling.
My phone vibrates, and I answer when I see it’s Eric calling.
“Where are you?” he says breathlessly.
“Outside of the pub. Everything okay?”
“I’m close. I’ll be right there,” he rushes out before hanging up.
I notice headlights in the distance. The vehicle looks like it’s going at a high rate of speed when it turns the corner, coming toward me.
My adrenaline spikes, and I look at my surroundings, hoping to hell it’s Eric.
When the car comes closer, I recognize his rental and breathe a little easier.
I’m thankful it’s not Victoria because his voice sounded strained.
He rolls down the window and demands I get in the car.
By the expression on his face, there’s no time to argue.
“What the fuck is going on?” I ask as I buckle, and he picks up his speed. He’s driving erratically, but I know he’s been trained for this.
“I found Victoria, and she’s looking for you. You’re not safe,” he warns, making a turn.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“To beat this bitch at her own game. I got some news from one of her bodyguards who used to be an old friend. Victoria crossed him, and he just happened to reach out to me,” he explains. I haven’t ever seen him this happy.
“Are you serious?”
He nods. “I also learned she’s been watching you, Tyler. And Gemma. Neither of you are safe.”
I open my mouth, but he interrupts me before I can continue.
“And I found out even more information.” He’s so damn giddy I want to slap the smile off his face because these are serious allegations.
“Go on,” I demand.
“She’s been cheating on Mickey. With the same bodyguard who snitched her out to me yesterday.”
My mouth falls open in shock. Mickey DeFranco is the father to Victoria’s children and is also the man who Liam was forced to fight.
He’s the reason Victoria murdered her brother in cold blood too.
The family feud between them ran deep, but Victoria doesn’t follow anyone’s rules but her own.
So she hooked up with Mickey and used Liam as a decoy husband.
One thing is certain, Mickey is crazier than she is.
I knew that the moment I laid eyes on him in the ring. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I made a few phone calls.” Eric looks at the clock.
I glare as he pulls into a neighborhood with million-dollar mansions. Somehow, he was able to get a gun and put the clip in the bottom, then loads a bullet in the chamber. I notice the silencer on the end and that he’s wearing gloves and tactical gear.
“Eric,” I warn.
“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna do anything stupid. This is for our protection. Come on.” He opens the car door, and I hesitate.
“What about the not getting me involved thing that you said on Wednesday?” I ask, following him as we nonchalantly walk down the sidewalk. We look suspicious as hell.
“Considering you’re her current target, I think it’s best we make sure the situation is properly handled.” He checks the time on his phone. “Any minute now.”
He studies a large house with gigantic windows and a circle driveway. The lights flicker in the distance, and he pulls me behind some tall bushes, and we walk the property line. Eventually, he squats, and I follow his lead.
“What’re we waiting for?” Curiosity is getting the best of me as my heart races.
“You’ll see,” he whispers.
A few minutes later, Victoria leaves the house with the boy toy following her.