by BJ Harvey
“Look after her, brat.” If I know Renee, she’s equally parts angry and hurt right now and the knowledge that I made her feel like that is tearing me apart. If I can’t make it right tonight, then at least I trust Skye and Cohen to be there in my place.
“I will, big brother,” she says. “That’s something I will do.”
17
Renee
I toss and turn all night and when I finally give up on sleep and get out of bed, my head is complaining about the tequila shots Hayley poured down me after I got home.
I’m still nursing my justifiable snit when Marco knocks on my door the next morning. His mouth slams shut the moment he lays eyes on me.
He walks in and takes a seat at the kitchen counter, not saying a thing while I walk past him and pour us both a coffee, but because I’m a little Petty Betty, I turn and take a slow, measured sip in front of him, not offering him his cup just yet.
“Do you want one?” I finally ask.
He nods and I move past him, leaving his on the bench for him to pull closer himself. Then I walk over to the couch and sit down in the corner, curling my legs under me.
He doesn’t sit opposite me, though. He proves he’s a man who likes to take his life in his hands and puts his cup on the table before sitting right beside me, leaning his shoulder into the back cushions and watching me. ”I’m so fucking sorry, princess.”
“Go on . . .” I say, not wanting to make it seem too easy for him. It’s a given that I’ll accept his apology, but he did ignore my repeated attempts to deescalate the situation, so it’s only fair I let him say his piece first, right? Besides, I’d rather get all of this sorted out between us so there’s absolutely nothing left to fester and grow and ruin what we have. This is what a true adult relationship is all about—and it just goes to prove I’d never really had one until I met Marco.
“I was an idiot, and the way I defended you? It made a bad situation worse.”
“You might as well have pissed on my leg.”
Marco frowns. “Nothing I did was about claiming you for his benefit.”
I tilt my head and lift my brow. “Really? Because it seems to me you were peacocking like an alpha caveman just as much as he was with his dumbass drunken comments. If you’d started banging your chest and grunting ‘my woman,’ I probably wouldn’t have been surprised.”
“I wasn’t staking a claim.”
“Then what were you doing?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest and pinning him with a glare. “Because if you two had flopped your dicks out to see whose was bigger, I wouldn’t have been surprised.”
“It’s mine, right?” he asks, his lips curving into a half smirk.
“Of course it’s fucking yours,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But you’ve just proven my point.”
“No,” he says, his expression turning intense and commanding my attention. “Kissing you like that in front of everyone was about me showing him you’re worth so much more than how he treated.”
“That’s not who I am now.”
He squeezes my hand. “You think I don’t know that? I came over this morning knowing you’d bust my balls and call me out on my behavior last night, but what we have is worth so much more than either of us ever imagined, and there’s nothing I won’t do to fight for that.”
“Marco . . .”
“And one of the things that drew me to you is your independence and strength, just as much as your spark and your gorgeous ass in that dress you were wearing . . .”
“Hey,” I say with a laugh, giving his arm a gentle shove.
“Honestly though, the woman you became because of that asshole is who I’m in love with. It’s what makes your eyes light up and gave you the courage to fight our chemistry at every turn until I wore you down.” A smirk pulls at his lips, widening when I glare at him.
“Baby, it wasn’t the right time and place. I know that now, but more than anything, I wanted him to see how happy and in love you are. You’re with a man who knows your worth and who will support you in everything you set your mind to. I’ll always have your back, even if it means changing shifts to be your arm candy and making sure my crew makes a night of it, too—for them, for me, but mainly to support you. I’ll always have your back the same way I know you have mine.”
“Fuck, you’re too good at this apology thing.”
“I can’t say it won’t happen again, but me acting like an idiot isn’t a common thing. I’ll make sure those events are few and far between and when I do screw up, I’ll always make it right.”
I swallow down the growing lump in my throat, blinking back the happy tears threatening to escape.
“Call it pride, call it cockiness, but I wanted him to know that you’re it for me like I already know you are.” He leans forward and cups my jaw, rubbing his thumb over my bottom lip and looking straight at me. “There’s never going to be anyone else, princess, and I know how so fucking lucky I am to be loved by you.”
How the hell can I hold a grudge now? Do I have a lifetime of this to look forward to? If so, sign me up. ”How can I argue with you after that?”
He sends me an indulgent, butter-wouldn’t-melt half smile. “We could move on to the making up portion of this apology.”
Seeing his hopeful expression, I shake my head and giggle. God loves a trier.
“You seem pretty confident there, Lieutenant. But let me say my piece first.”
He nods and shifts back, but he’s still close, and still touching me. It’s a good thing, though; it anchors me.
“The thing is, that wasn’t just a charity event for me. That was also about networking. There were a lot of past clients there and potential new ones. My biggest fear is that any ground I made earlier in the night could’ve been lost because we let Nick fucking Pierce get under our skin.”
Marco grimaces. “If it helps, I know for a fact he’ll get the same ass reaming from his captain as I got from mine this morning.”
“Wow. That was quick.”
“Cap called and made it crystal clear that Pierce and I will cross paths and will have to work together, and if we can’t, then something will need to be done.”
“You can’t let him have that much control over you. He’s not worth it. Take it from someone who learned that lesson long ago,” I say, uncurling my legs and draping them over Marco’s lap.
He straightens and wraps his hands around my knees. ”I don’t usually let him get to me. But when it comes to you, it appears all bets are off and my restraint goes flying out the window.”
“Maybe find some next time . . . or, you know, listen to your girlfriend when she says it’s time to leave.”
“She’s pretty awesome, that girlfriend of mine.”
I shrug, shooting him a small, cocky grin. “I think she knows that, but it’s still good to hear it anyway.”
“I’ll remember to make sure you always know it, princess. Look, I know I did a dumb thing, and I was too far gone to stop and listen to you. I can’t say I won’t screw up again in the future—’cause I am a man, and we are known for acting first, thinking later—but I am sorry. I was a macho dick, and I’m sorry I couldn’t walk away and be the better man.”
I shake my head. “You still don’t get it, Marco. You are the better man. You don’t have to even try.”
“Fuck . . .” he breathes, his eyes searching mine for any uncertainty. “Jesus. You really mean that, don’t you?”
“How can you not know that I absolutely adore you?” I say, shifting my legs to straddle his thighs. “I love you. You’re the man I always hoped to find and one I least expected to fall for. But every time I’d normally start to doubt what I was feeling and how much I was feeling, you’d reassure me without knowing you were doing it.”
“Baby . . .”
“And I get it. I didn’t tell you his name so when he goaded you, you were blindsided, and you just reacted. I really didn’t think I’d cross paths with him, especially not at that ball.”
&nb
sp; “I said the department gets given tickets every year.”
“Yeah, but I’ve been going for ten years, and he never showed any interest when we were together.”
“Ah, yes. He wasn’t a lieutenant then though, was he?”
I shake my head.
“Pierce passed the exam and ever since, he’s had a god complex bigger than the John Hancock building. He’s determined to work his way up the ranks, whatever it takes, whatever the cost, and whoever he has to shit on to get there.”
“Lovely,” I muse, scrunching up my nose.
“That’s not the word I’d use to describe him.”
“Cohen mentioned something about bad blood between you and Nick but wouldn’t elaborate.”
“Rivalry, mutual hatred. I’ve just never been able to stand the asshole.”
“Makes two of us then,” I say, my lips quirking.
“There must’ve been a time you liked him enough to marry him.”
“Or I was too stupid and too loyal to see the forest for the trees. I was a shadow of the woman you see today.”
He reaches out and rubs his hand over my knee but doesn’t say anything.
“So what made you snap last night?” I ask.
“You’re joking, right? He had no right to say what he did about you. But he was looking to push my buttons and cause trouble, and that’s exactly what he wanted. He just got it care of a fist to the face.”
I shake my head. “So you were defending my honor?
“Fuck yeah. He’s an asshole, but what he said about you? That was just inappropriate, rude, and completely uncalled for.”
“Yeah, I get that, and I don’t mean to piss you off any more, but it’s not the worst I’ve heard from him.”
“What do you mean?” he rumbles angrily.
“He wasn’t a fan of me calling off the engagement,” I say matter-of-factly.
“So maybe he had some idea of who he had and what he’d lost.”
“I’m not saying he ever appreciated it; he just liked the idea of having what he thought was a perfect little wife waiting at home for him, regardless of what—or who—he was doing outside of the house.”
“You’re so much better off now.”
“Without a doubt. But it’s my turn to apologize because it’s his baggage that made me so hesitant to give you a chance.”
Marco’s eyes are soft as he rubs his palms up and down my legs. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
I scrunch my nose up. “What’s that?”
“Nothing is worth its weight in gold unless you have to work to get it. And you are the best thing I’ve ever had to fight to win.”
My nose starts to tingle and my eyes sting but it’s a good thing. I cannot think of a time I’ve been this happy.
“Now,” he says, giving my hips a gentle squeeze, “before we stop talking about this, let’s agree on one thing.”
My lips slowly curve. “You resuming this apology in my bed?”
He smirks. “That’s guaranteed. But first, nothing and no one will ever come between us. It’s you and me against the world, princess, and that’s how I want it to stay.”
“Deal,” I say without hesitation, leaning in and touching my lips to his. “Now, back to this apology of yours.”
“It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it,” he says with a sigh.
I wriggle my ass in his lap, earning a low, throaty growl. “Well, something is hard. It would be a shame not to put it to good use.”
And for the rest of the morning, we both make sure it’s not wasted.
18
Marco
Monday afternoon and we’re gearing up on the run as we hurry to a house-fire call, one of multiple engines responding.
Not knowing how big the fire is or how long it could take to get under control, I shoot Renee a quick text before we get too close to our destined address.
Marco – Hope you’re having a good day, princess. Knowing you, you’re kicking ass and taking names. Love you, always.
“Still in the dog box?” Luca asks, glancing sideways at me as I put my phone away.
“Nope. We’re all good. I’m heading there in the morning.”
He nods. “You guys have got a good thing. And even if you did screw up, you’re one hell of an upgrade from the ex.”
I don’t say anything because he’s not wrong.
Ten blocks away from our destination, I can already see smoke billowing up into the sky.
“It’s a doozy,” Scotty calls out, leaning in the gap between the front seats to get a better look.
“He’s right. Game faces on, boys. It’s go time as soon as we arrive,” I say, just as I hear it called over the radio that Firehouse 22 is first on-scene, which means Lieutenant Pierce will be in charge until a superior officer arrives. I groan. Luca and I share a knowing look. After Saturday night, this is going to go one of two ways, and past experience with Pierce has taught me not to let my guard down—especially after what happened at the ball two nights ago. But he’s in charge of running the fire, so in the end, I’ll still have to follow orders.
We pull to a stop and all hop out, Rhodes and I heading over to where Nick and his second-in-command, Alex, are standing in full gear as if they’re ready to head inside at a moment’s notice if needed.
“Lieutenant,” I say when we reach them.
Nick looks over at me and I catch a flash of annoyance crossing his features before he schools his expression and switches into professional mode. The guy may have a god complex, but he’s still a good firefighter.
“Rossi. My guys are around the back getting ready to vent. I need you and your guys going in the front to check there’s no one inside. Reports indicate it’s abandoned, but there could be squatters like there was in that last warehouse fire, and you’d hate to have that on your conscience, right? You know, since you’re such an upstanding guy and all.”
There it is. Asshole Pierce is back in business.
Rhodes growls under this breath next to me, taking my back the same way I’d take his in the same situation. I put my arm out to stop Rhodes’ advance. Pierce and his minion just look between us and smirk.
“Yeah, Rossi. Call your dog back and get your heads in the game. Time’s a-wasting,” Nick says. I can tell he’s itching for a fight, but he’s shit out of luck if he thinks he’s getting another one from me.
“Right. We’ll clear the first floor,” I reply.”
“Alex and I will join you as soon as a captain arrives. Ours is caught up so it’ll likely be yours that takes over command.”
Good. At least then I can trust standard operating procedure, or SOP, will be followed to the letter.
Without giving the asshole another word, I turn and together, Rhodes and I move quickly to the guys, relaying our orders. We all jump into action,
“Scotty, Max, you’re out here watching our backs and reporting in to command until Cap gets here to take over. Rhodes and Zach, you’re together, as are Luca and myself. We’re all heading in to clear the first and second floor.”
I don’t wait for them to agree because I’ve always had the respect of my crew. It’s why we’ve stuck together for so long.
As instructed, we climb the stairs and move inside, masks, helmets, SCBA and PASS devices all on, my brother next to me, Rhodes and Zach behind us. We take a side each, working our way from room to room, calling out for anyone who might be there and looking for any sign someone could be hurt, injured, or trapped inside.
We meet halfway down the hallway. “Clear at our end,” I shout to the guys.
“Same here so far. Just need to check the back,” Rhodes yells over the roar of the fire.
I jerk my head. “We’ll start upstairs. Call out over the radio when the bottom is clear.”
Rhodes and Zach nod and disappear. Luca and I move back toward the front of the house and the staircase.
A muffled message comes over the radio. The smoke is thicker now, my visibility limited
to my hand in front of me and nothing more. The radio sounds again.
“Lieutenant Rossi, it’s Cap here. Do you copy?”
“Yeah, Cap,” I reply, tilting my head to bring my mouth to the radio clipped to my jacket.
“Luca’s out. Pierce has said he’ll take your back until Luca can return. Lieutenant Pierce reports the vent is done so clear the second floor then get out so we can fight this thing with all we’ve got.”
“Roger that,” I say, locking eyes with my brother. He moves closer, his expression telling me he’s not pleased, but we have to follow orders—especially from the Captain. We’ve got no choice. Pierce may be the biggest asshole I know, but he’s still a firefighter. He’s bound by the same principles and oath we all are. When we’re putting our lives on the line, we have to be able to trust each other.
A moment later, Pierce appears at my side, a nod between us serving as our silent and muted greeting.
I follow him up the stairs, stopping by his side when we reach the top.
“Split up and we can clear it quickly between the two of us. If anyone was here, we’d know about it by now anyway. The vent is done. As long as we don’t cause a backdraft, we’ll be fine. Okay?” he yells, leaning in close as the house creaks and groans.
“Together, Pierce. Never leave another man alone, remember?” I say.
He nods and I can tell it’s a conciliatory gesture, but I take it as an affirmative nonetheless. I don’t miss him grinding his jaw though.
Pierce sweeps his arm ahead. “Behind you, Lieutenant.”
We clear the first room together, finding no one. I focus on the job at hand, keeping my wits about me in the face of danger.
Pushing on, we move to the next room near the front of the house, but as soon as I step inside, something is wrong. There’s a change in the air, and Pierce is nowhere to be seen.
That’s a second before my entire world implodes as the window in front of me shatters. Something is thrown from behind me.
I’m stuck relying on my training to save myself. The door behind me slams shut but it’s too late. It blasts back open, and all I can do is drop to the ground and hope for the best. Halfway down, I’m thrown against the wall with a deafening thud before falling down face-first, the lip of my helmet hitting catching before it’s knocked free. My mask digs into my skin as I hit the deck, my forehead colliding with the floor.
