by Erin Trejo
“Ghost. Come sit with me,” She says softly. I give her a weak smile before moving to the edge of the bed.
“I’m so sorry. I tried to fight.” She says. Of everything she could be saying to me right now, this is it?
“You did fight. I’m sure you gave one of them hell.” I tell her. Her slight smile is the only thing to slightly calm me.
“I’m pretty sure, one of them won’t be having kids.” The chuckle that comes out of me surprises her.
“She’s strong, Ghost. She won’t take their shit.” Aria says softly. Nodding, I know she’s right.
“I know that. I’m sorry you had to be involved in that shit, though. You didn’t deserve it.” Aria shakes her head slowly.
“I was happy to go with her. She was so excited to see that you were having a girl. Too many men around here.” Aria smiles up at me making me feel that much worse.
“She really loves you, Ghost. I’ve never known her to fall so easily. You bring out the light in her.” I’m glad she thinks that way, because having Nessa in this life, I feel like I’m sucking the light away, not bringing it out.
“She’s my world, Aria. Her and those kids. I never knew I’d want anything like that but fuck, now I can’t imagine losin’ it.” Her fingers wrap around mine, holding them tightly.
“You won’t lose any of them. We’ll get her back.” Aria’s eyes flutter as she falls back asleep.
I don’t try to talk anymore; I just sit with her hand wrapped around mine. I know she’s right. I know we’ll get her back, but what is Nessa going to think after all this?
Maybe she’s going to change her mind about being with me.
Chapter 20
I had to be left alone for a while to compose myself. I know I’m losing it. They have Nessa though, how could I not?
“We’re ready. They want to meet outside, Eaton,” Devil says. Glancing up at him, I nod.
“I’m ready.” He extends his hand, I grab it in mine. Pulling me up, we stand in an awkward silence for a minute longer.
“If they hurt her at all, Devil...” Shaking my head, I can’t finish. I don’t know how.
“We’ll kill them all anyway, Ghost. Don’t fuckin’ doubt that. For Nessa, your babies, Aria, and Melanie. We will kill them,” He says. Pulling me into a hug, I can’t thank God enough, that I have these guys on my side. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself before following him out into the lobby.
“You straight?” Dragon questions me. I know he needs my head right or I could become a fucking liability in all this.
“Damn right, I am. Vernon’s mine.” His smile grows. His face lights up. I’m ready for blood.
“Hell’s Country, and some of Sage’s boys are already outside. They know the drill. You get your man.” Nodding once, I check my guns. One in my waist band, one in the holster under my cut, and one on my ankle. My knife is plastered to my other side, like always. I close my eyes, readying myself to handle this shit. I climb in the back of the van with the other guys. Not all of us will be on our bikes. They won’t know all of us are coming either. The element of surprise is on our side. I know the game plan. Dragon and I will get dropped off a little ways from the meeting point. We’ll trade out places with two of the guys on bikes. We roll in there like it’s only the two of us until we need the others. They’ll all be on standby within a reasonable distance. Dragon talks into the walkie-talkie as I let it all play out in my head. Everything he’s saying, is everything I already know. It’s all played out for me. I have it mapped out in my mind, and now all I need, is to move the fuck in and execute it.
***
Slow deep breaths. Standing in the alley makes my skin crawl. I know they’re close by. I can feel it all through me.
“Always fuckin’ late. Why do motherfuckers set a time and then show up late?” I’m more aggravated than anything else. Dragon chuckles, until I hear it. His disgusting voice.
“I own the night. I can make my own rules.” His voice fills the calmness. Melanie’s dad walks into view, with a gun pointed at Nessa’s stomach. Vomit rolls around in my throat.
“Move that gun!” I roar, pointing at him, he chuckles, pressing it in harder. I can see the discomfort in her eyes. She’s strong though, she won’t let him see it.
My strong girl.
“This trade could be a lot easier if you hand over my grandson.” His words make me shiver. His grandson? Like fuck he is.
“Let her go, I make a call, he’s here.” Vernon eyes search mine. He’s trying to see if I’m bluffing.
“Why give him up so easily? You went to all that trouble to get him,” He asks. Swallowing hard, my muscles tense up.
“She’s mine. Melanie had no proof that boy was even mine. In fact, the test proves otherwise.” Miles’ grin spreads across his face.
“I knew she was a whore. This will be easier then.” Motioning to someone else, Melanie is tossed out into the alley in front of us.
“Mel.” Her name slides from my lips right before the blast echoes around us.
“Oh, God!” Dropping to my knees next to her, I hold her bloodied head in my lap.
“What kind of sick fuck are you! She was your daughter!” I roar with rage. Miles shrugs, as though it’s no big deal to him. What kind of heartless fucker is he?
“Where is the boy?” Screaming louder, I look up at him. Covered in Melanie’s blood, I lay her head gently on the ground before standing.
“Let her go, I call.” Shaking his head, I want to gut him. I want to reach in and rip his heart out with my bare hands.
“Nice try. Get the boy, or I take your daughter,” He says in a tone that shows he isn’t playing. My eyes lock with Nessa’s. I can see the fear. I hate it. I hate this for her. I pull my cell out and call Devil.
“Bring Jordan, now,” I say. Devil doesn’t say a word. Nessa’s eyes plead with me. She doesn’t want me to do this.
It amazes me that she would give up her own life to save my son. The woman is selfless. My heart surges with pride. Knowing that she would put him before herself, just seals what I feel for her.
Devil walks up with a bundle in his arms. I have to say, that motherfucker made it very believable, too. It actually looks like he’s carrying a baby around in that blanket.
“Let her go,” Devil says as he walks toward Miles.
I can see the way Miles is slightly letting up on his grip. I watch and wait.
Wait for him to loosen up just enough for us to make our move. When I see it, I yell, “Nessa, RUN!” Nessa moves quickly, squatting behind a dumpster. Miles turns, and fires in her direction. That was just another mistake on his part. I fire, shooting into his leg when his guys begin to move in. Imagine their surprise, when our boys are right there to take them down. Shots ring through the alley but my eyes are locked on Miles, as he drags himself toward the dumpster. I see his hand come out, his gun pointed toward her. My heart nearly stops beating in my chest.
“Wrong move, motherfucker,” I growl pulling the trigger, it goes straight through his hand. His grip on the gun releases as I walk around him. I kick the gun out of his reach before kicking him in the ribs.
“You took my girl.” Another kick.
“Put a gun to my daughter.” Another kick, and Miles coughs. I like this, I like watching this pig wriggle.
“Get up,” Growling at him, he laughs. He has the actual balls to laugh. Reaching down, I jerk him to his feet by his neck.
“You took so much from me you son of a bitch. Did you really think I’d give you my son?” I roar with all the strength I have. My face is inches away from his. It takes all I have in me to not rip into his chest like I planned. Sliding my gun into the back of my jeans, I pull my knife free.
“I’ve been lookin’ forward to this.” Ramming the knife into his stomach I watch him bend forward, clutching his stomach. Glancing at Nessa, I take a quick look around. Spotting the guys with grins on their faces, I know they took out the rest of his guys.
“Dr
agon! Come get her.”
Chapter 21
She doesn’t need to see this. She doesn’t need to be traumatized any further than she’s already been. Dragon moves in, scooping Nessa into his arms, and moving her away from me. My grip on Miles never falters, though. When she’s out of the line of sight, I slam his ass against the wall.
“You put a gun to my unborn child. You killed the mother of my son,” Growling in his face, I can see the life slowly draining from him.
“You will die.” Bringing the knife up to his neck, I slide it slowly into his throat, closing my eyes to revel in the feel of it.
“How does it feel to know your life is gone?” His eyes fade as blood seeps out of his body. Pulling my knife free, I let his body slide to the ground.
“That looked fun. Sorry I didn’t get a piece,” Devil says, as I look over at him “Is it finally over?” Devil smiles, nodding his head.
“It’s over. Let’s go get your son, and have one hell of a party!” Devil screams at the top of his lungs making me laugh.
I know we need to get out of here quickly but I can’t go just yet.
“I’ll meet you at the van.” Devil slaps my back before walking away. I walk back over, dropping down next to Melanie’s body. Running my hand through her hair, I sigh.
“I wish you didn’t leave that day, Mel. I would have protected you. I would have made sure you were safe. I know I wasn’t always the best person to be around, but you had my son. I would have died for you, Melanie.” Her hands come to rest on my shoulders. I’d know her warmth anywhere.
“We’ll take good care of Jordan for you. He won’t be alone. We love him.” Nessa’s words to Melanie cause me to lose it. I break down and cry. I let it all out. I have to get it out so I can move forward, and be the man I need to be for my kids. Nessa wraps her arms around me, holding me tightly.
“Everything’s ok now, Ghost.”
***
Having Nessa back is everything. She’s safe. The baby is safe. But, for how long?
Nothing in this world is guaranteed and that includes our safety. I’d like to think that I have everything under control but reality is a bitch to overcome.
I watch Nessa as she sleeps. The bump on her stomach rolling and moving. It amazes me, that is mine in there. It’s a little life that I made. I could watch that baby move inside my girl for hours. Whenever she stops moving, I have to fight myself not to put my hand on her stomach. I need to know that she’s ok in there.
“Don’t hurt her!” Nessa jumps, screaming and throwing her arms around until she sees me. It isn’t unlike any other night. The nightmares haunt her.
“Come here,” I say, holding my arms out to her. Her eyes lock on mine before she scoots toward me.
“I didn’t wake Jordan, did I?” She asks full of concern. Shaking my head, I glance over at the crib next to the bed. That boy could sleep through a fucking tornado.
“He’s out,” I say. Nessa sighs into my chest as I hold her head against me.
“I don’t know how to make them stop, Ghost.” I run my hand through her hair, trying to comfort her in some way but I feel as lost as she is. I don’t know how to help her, or make her feel safe anymore.
“I can’t help with that. I can when you’re awake, though. I know this hard for you, darlin’. If you want to walk, I’d fuckin’ understand,” I say in honesty. Nessa jerks out of my grasp before staring me in the eyes.
“You’re kidding, right? You can’t actually mean that.” She’s serious, but so am I. She never wanted this.
“You didn’t ask for this life. It’s all mine.” Her cynical laughter shakes me to the core.
“No, I didn’t. I’m here, though. I want you, Ghost. Why the hell do you always want to push me away?” Damn, she’s on fire. Does she not see what happened?
“Are you forgettin’ that little nightmare? That was my fault, Nessa!” The look in her eyes is as serious as ever.
“No, it wasn’t your fault. It was Melanie’s fault! She took him, Ghost. She left you to clean up her fucking mess!” I don’t know how to respond to that. I don’t know if I should be pissed or not.
“Melanie’s dead, Nessa! What the fuck?” Shaking my head, I think I’m going with pissed.
“She is, and you know what, it was her own fault! I’m sorry, Ghost. I’m sorry you lost the mother of your child. I’m sorry that you lost the one person you cared about!” She screams. Nessa’s on her feet, far beyond pissed now. I shove off the bed, moving toward her quickly.
“Is that what you think? You think she was the one I cared about?” Crossing my arms over my chest, I glare at her. She has to be losing her mind right now.
“She was Jordan’s mother!” Wow, she’s really going to pull that card.
“And you are, what?” Cocking my head to the side, I wait for her to answer. I wait to hear what she has in that little head of hers right now, because I know it’s all bullshit.
“I don’t know what I am!” She yells. Shaking my head, I’m over this shit. I drop my arms, moving toward her quickly. Pinning her against the wall by her shoulders, I lean in closely to her face.
“You are the one I want, Nessa. You are the one that holds my heart in your hands. You are the one that makes me look at my life differently. Don’t you fuckin’ understand that? If I wanted Mel, I would have gone after her the day she left here. I didn’t. You know why?” Watching her eyes, I see the tears filling up. I don’t want that. I don’t want her to cry, I want her to understand! “I didn’t go after her, because I knew where my heart was. It wasn’t with Melanie—It was with you. It’s always been with you.” Crushing her mouth with mine, I take away every last doubt that she could have. She is mine. My fingers move from her shoulders to her neck. My thumbs trace her cheeks, savoring the feel of her skin. My body crushes her against the wall, letting her feel exactly what she should. Our breathing becomes sporadic. Our hearts slam into each other without hesitation.
“Never doubt your place with me, Nessa. I only wanted you to have the option of walkin’, sweetheart. I never intended on lettin’ you go.” Kissing her neck, I hear the gasp escape her.
She has to know that I can’t let her go.
“I’m sorry,” She says softly. Shaking my head, I pull back looking in her eyes.
“No more sorry. We’re past that,” I say. Grabbing the hem of her shirt, I pull it over her head slowly.
Chapter 21
I wait for her to say no. I wait for her to stop me. I know she’s been through hell and back, but I need her. She needs me. Tossing her shirt to the floor, I take a step back, my eyes traveling over her body.
“Fuck, Nessa,” I growl. Her eyes still sparkle with unshed tears but there is no reason for her to cry. She’s beautiful, and she’s mine. My hands come to her stomach, my fingers trailing over my daughter.
“Do you have any idea what it does to me—knowin’ that there's a piece of me growin’ inside of you?” Her eyes jerk to mine. The slightest glimpse of a smile on her perfect pouty lips. My dick jerks as my fingers move up her body. Gently touching her, in the ways I know make her body tremble. Nessa sucks in a breath when I touch her ribs in that spot that makes her shudder.
“Turn around... Put your hands on the wall.” Nessa turns, doing as she was told. Her hands splay on the wall in front of her as I eye her ass like it’s the best prize in the world.
I reach up, slowly dragging her shorts down her legs, nipping her ass on the way down. Nessa jerks, making me smile.
“You like when I’m rough?” My fingers slide up her thighs, spreading them wider for me. Nessa doesn’t answer when I slide a finger inside of her. Her breath catches in her throat. My dick yearns to be inside of her.
“Tell me what you want me to do, Nessa?” Sliding my finger so slowly in and out of her, she relaxes into me. I know she wants this as much as I do.
“I want you to touch me, Ghost,” She whines. Chuckling, I lean in closer, running my tongue over the swell of her
ass. Bumps form over her skin. I love every second of it. I speed up my fingers, pressing my free hand into her back, bending her a little more. Her pussy glistens with wetness as I lean in closer. Inhaling her scent, I can’t stand it anymore. I need inside of her. Yanking my fingers free, I quickly stand, my jeans sliding to my ankles.
“I can’t fuckin’ wait anymore,” I growl. Sliding inside of her, my dick thanks me. I grab her hips, rotating mine to hit her in every spot she loves.
“Yes, Ghost!” There we go... There’s my girl. Torturing Nessa’s body is always high on my priority list. I am never satisfied, until I’ve had all of her.
We just fell asleep, when I hear Jordan stirring. The Doc said he should sleep through the night but he wakes up almost every night. Sometimes, I wonder if he misses his mom, others, I think he just doesn’t know how to react to everything around him. I climb out of bed, careful not to wake Nessa. Walking quietly over to the crib, those big brown eyes beam up at me. The smile on his face settles me. It calms the storm that always seems to be brewing inside of me.
“What are you always so happy about?” I ask, rubbing my hand on his stomach, he grins wider. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid smile as much as Jordan does. He’s perfect. “You just want daddy to hold you, huh?” Reaching in, I lift his little body in my arms. He goes straight for my mouth with his little slobbery fingers.
“Let’s go for a walk so we don’t wake up mom.” I take Jordan out the door and walk down the hallway. The guys are all asleep, so I shouldn’t bother anyone.
“You’re such a good boy, aren't you?” I drop down on the couch looking at my son in amazement. I can’t believe that I made this. Mel and I, made a life. The irony of her not being here with him isn’t lost on me. I wished that she was still around to be his mom but I know why she did what she did.
