by Ruby Vincent
Yes, a month.
A month of cooking, cleaning, tense meals, conversations I couldn’t follow, Brutal’s tempered amusement, Cash’s cold dislike, Mercer’s enigmatic smile, and Sinjin’s open lust.
In that time, I tested my boundaries and fought to have them expanded. Winning our fiftieth game of blackjack, got my phone returned. Threatening his life to find out how he’d been cheating got me tied to his bed and spanked until I almost broke and demanded more. It’s been a very confusing time but my fall from grace was not lost on me.
Now I was forced into petty antics to keep my food out of the trash.
This is what the Merchants reduced me to.
I straddled him, pinning his arms to his side with my knees. “I banned you from my kitchen three weeks ago, Brutal. You brought this on yourself.” I smirked down at my captive. “Aren’t you supposed to be the big, bad fighter? And you let a little lady like me sneak up and pin you?”
I tsked. “This is real embarrassing for you, Brutal. Might want to consider a name change.”
Brutal bucked, and the floor rushed to meet me. I let out a cry. It wasn’t fully out of my mouth before he was there.
My head landed softly on his arm. Brutal lay on top of me, leg between mine, weight trapping me to the floor more effectively than mine did him.
The corner of his mouth rose.
For the last few weeks, I’d watch the guys have entire one-sided conversations with Brutal where he’d never do more than raise a brow or twitch a facial muscle. I assumed it was a running gag to piss him off.
As I looked into those impossibly light eyes and traced the curve of his lips, I heard with complete clarity, “What was it you were saying?”
I knew him no better than I did a month ago, but then I understood, Brutal Last-Name-Unknown said more with every part of him than people spoke in their whole lives.
Brutal brushed a strand of hair from my cheek and my breath caught.
But what he’s saying right now is not coming through.
I wasn’t able to shift his weight as easily as he did. I wasn’t going anywhere. This was his chance to take revenge.
Brutal continued the path down, skating across my jaw and continuing to my shoulder. His hand was on my arm gliding over the bumpy flesh.
My heart beat so loud, I was certain the entire house could hear it. I peeked over his shoulder toward where Cash and Sinjin had been standing. Both were gone, but what if Sinjin peeked his head over the banister again and saw the two of us?
What’s there to see, Addy?
Brutal closed over my hand.
Nothing is happening. This is nothing.
He pressed me against his thigh. His grin widened in time with my eyes.
Brutal guided my hand into his pocket. My knuckles bumped into something. He pressed it to my palm, pulled me out, and I glanced at my prize.
A comb.
Brutal popped my hand on his head and again his intent needed no translation.
“Fix the mess you made.”
I placed the teeth on his temple and, brown locked on brown, glided the flyaways into their proper place.
My breaths were picking up. Brutal rose and fell on my heaving chest, and his hand found my cheek again.
Another look to the landing.
We weren’t doing anything wrong, so why did it feel like we were?
Brutal bent, giving me better access, and his forehead bumped my lips. He made no move to pull back.
The comb formed neat grooves in his hair. Hair that I now knew was as soft as it looked.
Softer even.
Wider grooves were made as I replaced the comb with my fingers, running them through his locks.
There was no roaring. No shoving me back. No flinging threats with his gaze.
He turned, moving against my mouth, and as though it was the most natural response, I kissed him.
“Saddle up, Bunny.”
I jerked.
Sinjin thundered down the stairs. “We’re going out.”
“Out?” I repeated.
“That’s right.” He stood over us. If he had something he wanted to say about the scene, he held on to it. “We’ve got business to take care of. Get dressed and let’s go.”
“But I—” Brutal was still on top of me. “I haven’t finished breakfast.”
“The guys can feed themselves.”
“Makes me wonder what the hell I’m doing here, then.”
He cracked a smile. “In the grand scheme of life? No one can answer that but you. Or if you meant right now? What you’re doing is wasting time,” he said. “Let her up, Brutal. We’re expected across town in half an hour.”
Brutal twisted his neck, looking up at Sinjin.
His smile disappeared. “She’s coming,” Sinjin said. “I know what I’m doing.”
A clock ticked the passing seconds. I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I sensed tension permeating the room. Brutal wasn’t letting me up, and clouds were darkening Sinjin’s face.
“One month, Brutal.”
Slowly, Brutal pushed himself up—gaze on Sinjin the entire time. A silent communication seemed to be passing between them.
“What’s going on?” I asked. “Saint, where are we going?”
“We’re playing delivery men,” he replied. “No big deal. Just picking up a shipment for a friend who doesn’t drive.”
“Why am I coming with you?”
“I need help unloading. The others are busy.”
“Excuse me?” I mimicked cleaning my ears. “Did the great St. John just say he needs help? Isn’t that the first sign of the apocalypse?”
“No, I believe it’s a man on a white horse.” He held out a hand. “You can rest assured the only thing bobbing between my legs in the near future will be you.”
Accepting the hand, I stood up. “You’re a good gambler, Saint, but here’s a tip: Don’t put money on that.”
His chuckles followed me upstairs.
I changed into a simple pair of jeans, an old band shirt, and beat-up sneaks I wore on days I wandered the city aimlessly—soaking in my home.
I didn’t do much of that these days, but once I was out of the house, I’d convince Sinjin to extend the reprieve.
I’ll talk him into going to Citronella’s. They serve the best coffee in all five boroughs. Who knows, he might be more open to interrogation over a cup and a plate of chocolate scones.
Sinjin waited for me at the front door. He held it open for me and pointed to the parking lot’s newest addition. A large white van.
“Who is this friend of yours?” I asked. “I didn’t know you had friends other than the people in this house.”
“I’ve known her a long time,” he replied. “Years create ties like proximity forces relationships.”
I chewed over that for a while, not speaking up until we were out of the gates and idling at the first traffic light.
“I guess, in a way, proximity does force relationships. Which makes me wonder why the four of you live together.” I eyed him. “You four are in your late twenties and flush with blood money. Why not get your own places?”
“For the same reason married couples live together,” he said. “We don’t trust each other.”
I pulled a face. “That’s not why married people live together.”
“Of course it is. Mary doesn’t trust Jim not to sling his dick at everyone that moves unless she’s always got an eye on him. Now that they are married, she has to know where he is and what he’s doing at all times. And vice versa.” Sinjin dove into the right lane. “It’s the same with the four of us. It’s harder to plan a coup against the guy looking over your shoulder.”
“Couples live together because they love each other,” I said. “And you live with Cash, Brutal, and Mercer because you’re friends. You don’t spare attention for people you don’t like, Saint. You may not want me to, but I know you.”
“Do you?” Amusement laced his voice. “I’m quite inter
ested to hear what you know about me, but I’m expecting an important call in thirty seconds. Afterward, you and I will be busy. We’ll put this chat on hold.”
Thirty seconds on the dot, Sinjin’s phone rang.
“Hello. Yes, I’m on the way. How many?” He paused for the person on the other end. “More than we expected. Nothing changes,” he said sharply. “Do what you have to do and it’ll be fine. It has to be done, and it has to be today.” Another pause. “Good. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
Their conversation faded in the background. I leaned against the partially opened window, breathing in the curious scent that was Cinco City. It was hard to describe. The closest I could come to was iron, smoke, and cayenne pepper. The last didn’t make much sense, but there it was.
Sinjin got on the express leading to Leighbridge.
“Leighbridge,” I said. “They have the best themed cafes near the animal sanctuary. We should stop by and get something. Neither one of us has had breakfast yet.”
“Not now. We’ll grab something after.”
Turning, I squinted at him. The Sinjin I knew would’ve jumped on the insinuation that I was asking him on a date.
“What’s going on, Saint? Why were you and Brutal acting strange?” I sat up, scanning the endless row of luxury skyscrapers and penthouse apartments. “Where are we really going?”
“We’re going to pick up a shipment as I said. Where do you think we’re going?”
“To the alleyway where you’ll dump my body.”
“Oh?” He was definitely amused. “What would you have done that requires your death?”
“Who knows? Today I messed with Brutal’s hair. Yesterday, I blended smoothies while Cash was watching the news and got bitched out for it. Tuesday, I called you out for cheating at poker,” I said. “You’ve already locked me up and forced me into servitude for not turning you over to the cops. You’re unpredictable, Saint. I’ve accepted it.”
“I—” His phone rang. “Be quiet.”
Sinjin answered. “What’s the problem?”
He delved into another conversation I couldn’t follow. I put my head to the window. Whatever was going on, I’d find out soon enough. What I needed to do right then was soak up my city before I returned to the fire station and forgot what it looked like.
The turn for Leighbridge’s city came up and Sinjin drove past it. Two exits down, Sinjin veered off the highway and merged onto Foxwood Street. This part of Leighbridge was less skyscrapers and more funky art museums, public gardens, and warehouses. Less noise. Less traffic. Fewer people.
“What are we doing here, Sinjin?”
He didn’t answer.
Sinjin turned right onto a one-way street sandwiched between an artisan bread bakery and an organic food store. I held on to a shred of hope that this was our stop. Sinjin was taking me food shopping and then we’d pop next door for fresh croissants.
He kept driving and left the smell of fresh bread behind.
The street narrowed on us, closing in on the van. Sinjin hit the brakes with barely room for us to open the doors and climb out. Reaching over me, he pulled something out of the glove box and tossed it on my lap.
“Put this on.”
I took one look, and flung it at the windshield. “No. No, no, no.” My fingers scrabbled at the door handle. “I don’t know where we are or what the fuck you think I’m going to do here, but it’s not happening. Let me out of this car right now.”
“I can let you out, but I’ll just pick you up and bring you right back.” Sinjin fit the black, knit cap over his hair. “It’s a one-way street with limited escape options. Where do you think you’re going to go?”
“Why did you bring me here? Tell me right now, or I’m giving escape my best damn shot.”
Sinjin blew out a breath like I was being difficult. “I told you. Multiple times. We’re picking up a few boxes, putting them in the back, and bringing them to a friend.” He secured the mask over his pretty lying mouth, and the blue-stitched “M” shone like neon.
“That’s all,” he said. “Trust me.”
I yanked at the door. “I would trust a con artist in the process of stealing my wallet before I’d trust you!”
Sinjin laughed out loud. “Bunny, the mask is to protect your identity.” I threw a furious glare to the mask I tossed away. “Ten feet up is the first security camera. This is all aboveboard, but I mentioned my trust issues. Just in case my friend is attempting to serve me up to the Kings, do you want your face to be one they know?”
“What kind of friendships do you have?” I hissed. “If this could be a setup, what are we doing here alone?”
“Relax.” Sinjin took my hand, placed the mask on my palm, and closed it. “Those calls were my men confirming it’s not an ambush. They’ve been staking the place out all morning because one can never be too careful. Even so, I’m not taking chances with you.” He kissed my knuckles. “You’re welcome.”
“Don’t even try it. If you’re that concerned about a simple pickup and delivery, why didn’t you tell your friend to figure it out themselves?”
“Are you kidding? I couldn’t do that. I love Edie. I’d open my veins for her if she asked.”
“Oh, you love her, do you?”
“Don’t be jealous.” I didn’t need to see his smirk to know it was there. “I’m not her type.” Sinjin kicked on the engine and continued on. “Last chance. Put on the mask.”
I looked from him to the piece of cloth, and scanned the buildings for the security cameras. Nothing but anonymous red brick walls.
This is ridiculous. I looked to Sinjin. But the threat from the Kings is not.
A piece of white plastic poked out from the corner wall and I reacted quickly, clapping the mask over my nose and mouth as we passed by the camera.
It’s a precaution like he said, I told myself. I know what it’s like to have a band of rogue psychopaths chase you down. No measure is too extreme in covering your tracks.
Something I should have remembered.
Sinjin passed the opening for a side alley that cut back to the main road. He parked behind what was clearly a loading dock. There were no signs to say what was on the other side of the metal door.
“What is this place?” I asked.
“Lombard Integrative Health Clinic.”
“Lombard Health.” My grip loosened on the seat belt. “I know that company. They’ve got free clinics all over Rockchapel.”
“See? Nothing to worry about.” Sinjin climbed out. “Hurry up. They open in two minutes.”
I got out, falling in step next to him. “Aren’t they going to have something to say about the masks?”
“A couple of doctors? Pretty sure this is a sight they’re used to.”
“Fair point.”
We stepped out of the alley. The sign for Lombard Clinic hung proudly over a yellow door with a flower basket. Inside, I spotted someone puttering behind reception. Cars were already filling up the parking lot. For once, the situation was exactly what Sinjin said it was.
He held open the door for me to go inside. The chime made the man pause in straightening the desk. He was a stout guy with wide-framed glasses and a buzz cut. The badge on his chest read, “Henry.”
“Good morning.” Wrinkles formed at the corner of his eyes. “What can we do for you?”
Sinjin coughed. “The missus and I caught a bug. Fatal. Or at least, we wished it was last night while we were spewing from every hole.”
My cheeks heated up. If it was from being called his wife, or the incredibly embarrassing picture he painted, I couldn’t tell.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Henry said. “There is a virus going around. We had a few people in the last few weeks with the same symptoms, but none had the foresight to wear a mask when going out. Thank you for that.”
Unbelievable. The man walks in wearing the calling card of a dangerous street gang and is thanked. I shook my head. Leighbridge is a bubble of privilege unto itsel
f. Anywhere else, and the residents would have known exactly what that M meant.
“Are you both new to the clinic?” he asked.
“First time,” said Sinjin. He stepped up to the desk, drawing me to his side. “But we’re not here for us. We’re here to pick up.”
“Pick up?” He glanced at the papers on his desk. “I wasn’t informed of this. What exactly are you here for?”
“We’re here for you and the seven guys in the back room.”
Henry’s smile dimmed. “I don’t know who you’re referring to.”
“Then you’re wasting my time, aren’t you?” Sinjin flashed out, clamping the back of the man’s neck. He wrenched, knocking Henry into the monitor and tipping it crashing to the floor. The man’s shout was ended in a headlock.
I ran.
Spinning around, I bolted out the door and onto the sidewalk. They were on me in a blink.
A dozen mask-clad men rushed me from all sides. I screamed, hands flying up to protect myself, and someone lifted me off my feet.
“Now where do you think you’re going?” Sinjin’s voice poured in my ear. “He’s out. Diego, did you take care of the security cameras?”
“Yes, boss. If they’re watching, all they are seeing is an empty lobby and parking lot.”
Eyes huge, my heart hammered on Sinjin’s arm. I knew of course the Merchants were more than four men, but to find myself surrounded by them and trapped like the rabbit Sinjin named me, struck me numb. I didn’t move. Didn’t think of running even if it was possible.
“I want three in the alley. The rest take out the men in the back. No blood on this one,” he ordered. “Lombard CEOs will cover up a robbery. Can’t say the same for seven murders. Understood?”
“Yes, boss.”
“Get the fuck in there. One of them may have heard me take out the front man.”
They streamed inside orderly and silent like soldiers marching to their captain’s command.
“What the hell, Sinjin?!” Free from the crush of his men, I bucked in his hold. “You said this was aboveboard. A favor for a friend!”
“This is a favor for a friend,” he replied. “But yeah, I lied about the rest.”
