Lost in the Moment (A Savioe Family Novel)

by Ginny Atkinson

  “For what to happen?” I tilted my head to the side as my impaired mind tried to keep up with her.

  Her eyes filled to the brim with tears. She ducked her head quickly brushing them away with the back of her hand. “They killed her, Marie."

  *****

  Chapter Fourteen

  Drez

  Over the next few weeks, with school, work and going to a therapist to help me with my grieving, I have barely had time to sleep let alone think about what happened that night at Hunter’s. After Marie knocked me on my ass, her brothers came over and started reminiscing about the times she had got the upper hand with them. Scott tried to pull me away in the middle of Charles explaining how she knocked his last baby tooth out. I brushed him off and continued listening to stories about her. When Roxy came over to Luke, she ordered me to go check on Marie. She didn’t ask how I was, if I had been hurt or even if I wanted that silly cow’s attention, just go check on Marie.

  Beau agreed that it was probably a good time to head back to the house anyway. Roxy pouted for a few moments before leading us to the small camper out back. Both Marie and Jess jumped when we entered through the tiny door. Jess started to protest everyone leaving until Beau pinned her with a surprisingly hateful glare. I knew he tolerated her but I didn’t think he actually held any animosity toward her.

  The ride home was cramped. Roxy drove since she was the only sober one of us that had our license. Luke insisted on sitting up front with her, which meant that Beau, Charles, Marie and myself were crammed in the back. Beau sat behind Luke, Charles was in the middle and I was behind Roxy. Marie tried to squeeze in between Charles and Beau. That lasted until Beau told her she had to sit on someone’s lap.

  Needless to say, that was the longest thirty minute ride of my life. Every bump was a sweet, sweet torture. Her bum would grind into me sending all my blood flowing straight below my belt. Her hair would flutter in my face, forcing me to inhale her sweet smell. I had to restrain myself from leaning against her neck and breathing her in. By the time we reached the house, I was close to spaffing my pants like some inexperienced prat. I even dreamed about her that night.

  The days following, she reverted back to blushing every time she saw me. At first, it was cute but after two weeks of her mumbling under her breath and not looking me in the eye, it became very tiresome. When Thursday morning rolled around, I was ready to just grab her by the shoulders and shake her.

  She wasn’t the only one acting odd. Eva had spent the past week shopping every day for furniture for the twin’s room and buying bags full of toys and clothes of various sizes. Every time she’d see me, she’d get a sappy grin on her face before she’d start crying. She claimed they were tears of joy over how happy she was for me getting my life back on track, but I had a suspicion that she wasn’t telling the full truth. She and Nate had stopped talking in the study after the night I found out my family was murdered. So I couldn’t eavesdrop on any more of their conversations.

  My alarm went off at five-thirty Friday morning. I found out that if I rolled out of bed before anyone else I’d be able to grab a shower in peace. After yet another fitful night’s sleep and dreams involving a golden-eyed goddess with a body that drove me crazy, I was in serious need of some peace.

  I grabbed my clothes for the day and headed out of the room up to the bathroom. I wedged my boots up under the lip of the door and locked it to try to deter anyone from suddenly opening it. Today was my first day off in a week and a half and I planned on enjoying it to the fullest. It was also payday. I had decided to treat myself to a movie and a large pizza with everything on it.

  I shut the shower off and dried quickly before getting dressed. A knock sounded on the door, I pulled my boots on and opened it. Luke stood in the hall rubbing his eyes. “Mom and dad called a house meeting in the living room.”

  My brows furrowed in confusion. “Any idea what it’s about?”

  He shrugged his shoulder at me. “Hell if I know. But I’m not going to be late and get put on the short list.”

  We walked down the hall and stairs. I noticed that three packed suitcases were sitting beside the front door in the foyer. I nudged his shoulder and nodded to the luggage. He scratched his head before shrugging his shoulders while walking into the living room. Eva, Nate and the twins were standing in front of the TV. Charles yawned as he sat on the couch. Beau was leaning against the wall trying to doze back off. Marie was curled on the other side of the couch. Her feet neatly tucked under her as she leaned against the arm. Luke took up position behind the couch as I sat down next to her.

  “Wake up, pet.” I whispered to her when I noticed her eyes slowly shutting.

  “I’m awake.” She huskily whispered sending a surge of lust rippling through my body.

  I inhaled a deep breath before turning my attention back to her parents. Nate cleared his throat. “Kids. Your mother and I are taking a short little trip. We plan to be back on Monday at the latest. Since these two have been playing pranks on you five, we have decided to take them with us.”

  “Where are you going?” Beau asked covering his mouth as he yawned.

  “Remember what we discussed last week?” Nate asked him. Beau slowly nodded his gaze flicking over to me briefly, before they settled back to his father. “Good. Now I’m leaving you in charge of the house while we are gone. You know the house rules. I expect it to be in the same condition we leave it in when we get back.”

  “Understood. When is your flight leaving and do you need a ride there?” Beau shrugged away from the wall.

  “It’s scheduled to leave in two hours and no. We are going to leave the van in long-term parking. I left our contact info on the desk in the study. Use it only in case of emergencies.” He glanced down at his watch. “Eva, chèr, we need to get going.”

  She nodded her head at him and ushered the twins out of the room. On her way out, she motioned for everyone to give her a hug. She stared at me poignantly until I went over to her and wrapped my arms around her short frame. She pulled back giving me the same sad smile she had been for the past week. “Take care of yourself, Marcus. Pumpkin, look after him, make sure he stays out of trouble.”

  “Yes, Momma.” Marie yawned behind me.

  When her parents left the room, I turned an amused look at her. “Pumpkin?”

  Marie rolled her eyes at me. “She has nicknames for all of us.”

  “Really? Are you going to tell me how you got these nicknames?” I took a step closer to her and lifted her chin so I could gaze into her eyes.

  She squeezed them shut for a brief second before she sighed. “Beau’s is Cabri. Apparently, he would eat anything not nailed down, so they thought it’d be cute to call him a baby goat. Luke’s is Baybee often shortened to Bay. I think that one is kinda self-explanatory. She calls me Pumpkin because that was all I would eat for a month when I was a baby. Charles is called Boo. Again kinda self-explanatory. Dev is Boogey Bear and Remi is Honey Bear. Why? I don’t know.”

  I raised my eyebrow at her before placing a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. “I think it’s cute.” I left her standing in the middle of the living room with her mouth gaped open. Hmm, her parents gone for a few days opened up a lot of possibilities. This just might be the perfect opportunity to smooth things over with her.

  *****

  Charles decided before lunch that he would spend the weekend at his friend Brian’s house. Roxy invited Luke over for a home-cooked meal and a little alone time since her parents usually spent Friday night’s out on the town. Beau had an away game tonight and wouldn’t be back until morning at least. So that left the house empty.

  This had to be perfect for her. I left school after lunch and went to the house to try to set things up. I set the dining room table for just the two of us and made sure the candles were in the proper place. I queued up a playlist on the MP3 player Charles let me borrow that had nothing but love songs on it. I had ordered our food for tonight from Nox’s and let Roxy help me pay for
it after explaining to her what I had planned. She giggled and awed at the idea.

  With everything set up, I sent Marie a quick text.

  Me: I’m taking you home today, pet.

  Marie: Oh, really? I was going to stay at Jess’s tonight.

  I narrowed my eyes at the mobile. Like hell she was. I pulled up Jess’s number and sent her text.

  Me: Cancel with Marie. I have plans for her.

  Jess: Really. Like what, hmmm?

  Me: Need to know basis you cheeky little monkey. Just tell her something came up and she has to go home. Please!!

  Jess: Sure thing. Have fun. :)

  I was about to place the mobile back in my pocket when it vibrated again.

  Marie: Fine. I’ll see you at Grace.

  I nervously played with the hair on my chin as I put it back in my pocket and unconsciously wiped my hand on my jeans before I started Grace. This had better work. I have never done anything like this for a girl before, but she was worth it. Hell, I never even dreamed of doing this for someone. I pulled into the school lot and turned Grace off. I glanced down at my watch. I still had fifteen minutes left before the final bell rang. My mobile vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and swiped the screen.

  Luke: Roxy told me what you had planned for Marie. She’s going to love it.

  Me: You sure?

  Luke: Definitely.

  Luke: Oh if you need any I have a box of condoms in my room in the nightstand by my bed.

  My eyes bulged out of my head at his message. I had to read it twice and check the number to make sure it was really from him before replying.

  Me: That wasn’t my plan and shouldn’t you be telling me to stay away from your SISTER.

  Luke: LOL. Sure it wasn’t and well… I know you love her. Me trying to keep you away from her would turn me into Roxy’s dad. I know how miserable I was during that mess. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

  Me: Oh. Thanks I think.

  Luke: No prob. But we’ll keep this between us. Beau would freak and Charles would rat you guys out.

  I heard the bell ring and placed my mobile back in my jeans. She should be heading out any minute. Fuck, I was nervous as hell.

  *****

  Marie

  The past two weeks have been extremely nerve-racking. I couldn’t look at Drez without remembering how much of an idiot I was for hitting him. When I did just happened to see him, I’d get flashes of him sprawled out on the floor with those silver eyes wide in surprise. And I’d get embarrassed all over again.

  Jess’s big bombshell about Lacy really freaked me out. Did she mean just Scott and Payne or was she including Beau in that? I had a suspicion that he was included. I’d wanted to ask more about it but I don’t know. I don’t think I should pick at any old wounds. I might not like what I find.

  Angie tried to apologize to me the Monday after the party claiming it was just the alcohol that made her act like that. I knew she was full of it and told her so. She just didn’t want me to kick her ass while I was sober. She hadn’t said one word to me since. Madison and Keegan started snubbing me, like that really mattered to me. They shared one brain between the three of them anyway.

  I had planned to stay at Jess’s tonight so I didn’t have to face him but she claimed that she forgot she promised her dad she’d spend the weekend playing the dutiful daughter. Since she told me via text I couldn’t tell if she was lying or not. It was just too conveniently sent a few minutes after his text telling me he’d give me a ride home.

  When the final bell rang and I grabbed my things out of my locker, I slowly headed to his car. Maybe I should apologize or just act like nothing happened. I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I meandered over to Grace deep in thought. He sat in the driver seat his fingers slowly picking at the hairs on his chin. I opened the door startling him briefly. He sent me a quick glance then started the car. His neck bobbed up and down as he swallowed. “Um…. Hey, pet.”

  “Uh… hey.” I raised my brows at him in confusion. Why was he acting all nervous? My eyes widened subtly. Did he think I was going to hit him again? Shit! I shifted in my seat before leaning my arm against the window. He sent me another uneasy glance as he put the car in gear.

  I let out a deep sigh and crossed my legs as we headed out of the parking lot. We drove in silence past the line of fast food restaurants. I looked over at him chewing on his bottom lip. I might as well try to ease some of his anxiety. “You know it’s going to be unusually quiet in the house this weekend without the twins.”

  His lips twitched up in a small grin. “I’m looking forward to it. Remi has been trying to torment me since they were busted for pranking.”

  “Really. How so and how do you know it was him?” I shifted in my seat turning my body slightly toward him.

  “He doesn’t have the freckle on his lip and he has that evil mastermind look about him. You know the one where you expect him to be petting a white cat surrounded by big bulky guys in suits while calmly ordering someone to be fed to his pet shark.” He lifted his eyebrow and shook his head smiling at his own joke. “He has been hiding under my bed and grabbing my ankles when I get home from school, changing the time on my alarm clock, stuff like that.” He shrugged his shoulder pulling the sleeve up with the motion. My eyes were drawn to his bicep. His defined muscles had only increased in size since he moved in and made use of the exercise room we had in the basement. He turned to look at me staring at him and asked me something.

  I blinked at him a few times as I tried to comprehend what it was he said. “I’m sorry what was that?”

  He smirked shaking his head. “Nothing, pet. Did you want to go directly home?”

  I scratched the back of my head as I thought about it. “It doesn’t really matter. I mean we can if you want. Totally your choice.”

  He ran a hand through his hair as he let out the breath he had been holding and sent me a sideways grin that made my heart race. “So you’re at my mercy then? Good.”

  A shiver went up my spine causing my heart to tattoo a quick rhythm against my ribcage. I sat back against the seat and stared out the window slowly twirling a piece of my hair between my fingers. What did he mean by that?

  *****

  Chapter Fifteen

  When we arrived at the house, my leg was bouncing in my growing frustration. He hadn’t spoken another word to me the entire twenty minute trip. The only car here was dad’s, apparently Beau and Luke were taking their sweet time getting home.

  As he shut off the car, I grabbed my bag and started to head inside. I had just put the key in the front door when he called out to me. “Marie.”

  “Yeah?”

  He jogged up to me stopping at the bottom of the steps and shoved his hands in his pockets while he swallowed hard. “I….” He let out a deep breath. “Can we talk?”

  I nodded slowly at him. “Yeah. Just let me put my things up. Okay?” I turned back around and finished opening the door. He was nervous and that was worrying me. I dropped my keys on the table in the foyer and jogged up the steps to my room. I dropped my bag by my door and kicked off my shoes toward my closet. If we were actually going to talk, I wanted to make sure I was comfortable while we did it.

  I flung open a few drawers on my dresser pulling out a simple tank and shorts. After I changed, I grabbed a hair tie off my vanity and quickly pulled my hair up in a bun while I walked out of my room. I bounced down the steps and entered the kitchen.

  “I’m in the living room, pet.” He called out to me.

  I snatched a bottled water out of the fridge on my way out of the kitchen. My emotions were jumbled by the time I walked into the living room. I had to actually put my hand to my throat to try to calm myself before I entered. He leaned against the back of the couch with his legs crossed and hands in his pockets.

  His hair fell across his forehead shadowing his eyes from my view. My breathing faltered as I drank in the sight of him. Why did he have to be so attractive? I swallowed subtly as I step
ped closer to him. “So what’s up?”

  He pushed off the couch, grabbed my hand and led me around the couch to sit down. “Marie, luv.” He started, keeping my hand in his. “At that party, I didn’t want that cow’s attention or any of the other girls there. I didn’t encourage her either. I had eyes only for you.”

  “I know. I realized it the second I punched you.” I ducked my head as I blushed.

  He let go of my hand absentmindedly rubbing his chin. “You pack a pretty wicked hit. You definitely hit harder than Hunter.”

  My brows furrowed in confusion. “When did he hit you?”

  He shook his head. “At the party. I was outside with Scott and Payne talking. He tapped me on the shoulder and decked me.”

  My eyes widened in horror and rising anger. “What! He said he was cool wit’ ya.”

  He chuckled softly grabbing my hand in his again. “Luv. It’s fine now. He felt like he owed me one hit from the number of times I’ve got him.”

  “Oh.” I grumbled. Hunter was going to get a call over that. The jackass.

  His thumb started caressing the side of my hand drawing my attention back to him. His eyes were swirling in torrid reverence. My legs immediately felt rubbery. “I know we haven’t had time to talk since you woke me up that night. Tommy has been working me like crazy. I’ve been picking up some of Beau’s shifts that he is missing because of practice and the therapist your dad set up for me has me scheduled twice a week to talk about everything that has happened since I moved here.”

  “You’re going to a therapist and what practice? Beau doesn’t have practice.” I interrupted tilting my head to the side.

  He smiled sadly at me. “Your dad did a background check on me, pet. He found out from his contacts and just because he is bloody brilliant that my uncle is quite possibly responsible for my family’s death. When I overhead his conversation with your mom over it, I couldn’t help but find out what he knew.”