Saxon

by Chantal Fernando

  Saxon

  How can everything go from perfect to chaotic in one night? When I went to Tee’s apartment to find her missing, I’ve never been so scared in my life. The door was unlocked, and her food was on the floor. It was obvious that something bad had happened.

  I freaked out.

  I called the police, I called Layla, Ryder, and Lexi. I didn’t know what to do. They all came over, and we began to search for her. Never once did it cross my mind that Eliza would do something like this.

  Not once.

  And that was my mistake, I underestimated her craziness. Luckily my woman is as strong as they get, and she managed to kick both their asses and call the police. She’s safe, but it came with a price.

  The price was our unborn baby. One we both had no idea that we had created. I know Tee says she doesn’t want children but I’ve seen her with kids. Her cousins, like at the laser tag game, and her nephew.

  She would make an amazing mother.

  I could see it in her face when I told her about losing the baby—she wanted him or her as much as I did.

  It hurts, but I’m just grateful that she’s here with me today.

  I haven’t lost her.

  I kiss her fingers as she sleeps, not letting her hand go.

  I’ll never let her go.

  *****

  I bring Tenielle home the next day. I called her work and told them she won’t be in for some time. Her boss was surprisingly understanding. I open her room door and peek my head in. She’s lying there and staring straight ahead at the TV, which isn’t even on.

  “Do you want me to put something on for you?” I ask her.

  She shakes her head.

  I nod and go back into the kitchen to bring her some juice and cut fruit. I even made the weird thing she likes to eat—green apples with a mixture of salt, pepper, and a dash of chili powder.

  I tried it once and almost died coughing.

  Bringing everything into our room, I place it on the side table next to the bed. “You need to eat something Tee.”

  She looks over at the fruit and picks up a cherry. “I’m sorry Saxon.”

  “For what?” I ask, frowning. What could she be sorry for? Everything that happened was my fault. Not purposely my fault, but it rests on my shoulders nonetheless.

  “For losing our baby,” she whispers. “I know I told you I didn’t really want kids, but I never wanted to lose one either. What I mean is, I would have kept and loved our child.”

  I kneel in front of the bed. “I know that. I know you. And you don’t have to say sorry because nothing was your fault. You’re a fighter, and I’m proud of what you did to get away from those two.”

  She makes an hmmm noise but doesn’t say anything else.

  “We could always try again you know,” I say softly. “Later down the line. If that’s what you want of course.”

  She sighs softly, biting into the cherry. “We can talk about that later. Way later.”

  I sit down on the bed next to her. “Eat another cherry.”

  She grabs another two and hands me one. “I’m surprised my mum isn’t here.”

  “Oh she tried,” I tell her. “I told her you needed some quiet time to yourself.”

  She glances at me a curious look on her face. “You’re kind of amazing, you know that?”

  My heart warms.

  “I think the same about you.”

  I put on a movie for us, and we snuggle together in bed. Tee seems to need some skin on skin contact. I think it makes her feel more secure. More safe.

  I’m glad I can give that to her.

  Eliza and Bradley were both arrested so we won’t have to worry about them anymore. Tee and I can move forward with our lives and concentrate on healing.

  She leans her head on my chest, and I kiss her temple.

  A love like this is worth anything the world throws at us.

  *****

  “You aren’t going to work!” I growl.

  She slams the kitchen cupboard closed. “Yes I am!”

  “It’s only been a week, your boss said to take as much time as you need,” I tell her, trying to keep my tone even. She should be resting more! Not walking around in heels and red lipstick.

  She takes a sip of coffee, eying me over the rim of the mug. “I feel fine. I need to be productive or I’m going to go crazy.”

  I open my mouth to argue but she says, “I’ll just go in for half a day, how about that?”

  My lips tighten. She is so damn stubborn! And fucking beautiful! And infuriating.

  She steps over to me and gives me her puppy dog eyes. “I need to keep my mind busy. Lying around isn’t going to change what happened, is it? Don’t be so overprotective, I’m okay. I mean—I will be okay. You just need to let me do my thing.”

  I lift her head up with my finger under her chin. “You’re sure?”

  “Positive.”

  I sigh. “I’ll drop you off and bring you lunch. And if you want to leave earlier call me, and I will happily come and pick you up.”

  She gives me a look that says ‘a little bit much, don’t you think?’

  I flash her one back that says, ‘take it or leave it.’

  “Fine,” she grumbles. “I hope you realize how much slack I’m cutting you right now.”

  I hide my smile. “Don’t worry, I know you’re an independent woman just humoring your worried fiancé.”

  “Fiancée,” she purrs. “That’s the first time you’ve called me that.”

  Running her finger down the tattoo on my chest, she sighs. “Are you going to the studio today?”

  “No, I’m going to sit at home and worry about you all day, then cook us some dinner. Maybe play my guitar and write a song.”

  “About frustrating stubborn females?”

  So damn cute.

  “Yes, ones with hourglass figures and nose rings,” I tell her, touching the tip of her nose with my index finger.

  She smiles.

  And I think she’s going to be okay.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Tenielle

  Weeks pass by, and things start to go back to normal. As much as they can anyway. I start to plan our wedding, a garden wedding that will happen in six months’ time. We move into Saxon’s house after paparazzi started to hang around my apartment. Saxon’s house is bigger and is fenced off, so it’s much safer.

  “What do you think about this dress?” Layla asks, holding up a stunning A line blush dress.

  I tilt my head. “I love it. I’ll try it on.”

  “Did you find anything for yourself?” I ask her. I decided on the bridesmaids all wearing the same color, but any style they wish. Everyone has a different shape and different styles complement those shapes, so this way they can choose something that suits each of them.

  “I haven’t had a look yet, I want to see you try on your dresses first,” she replies, grinning. She’s totally in her element right now.

  I try on the first dress and walk out. “It’s pretty but my boobs are threatening to spill out.”

  Her eyes widen. “Yeah no way. You look like a porn star.”

  I laugh at the look on her face and go change.

  The second dress is a sweetheart neckline mermaid dress.

  I walk out with a look of wonder on my face.

  “It’s perfect,” I whisper.

  Layla starts tearing up. “That’s your dress. It looks like it was made for you. The way it fits you and compliments your shape… wow. Your waist is tiny!”

  I spin around with a goofy grin on my face. “Saxon is going to lose his mind.”

  Layla nods. “You look stunning.”

  I look at her curiously. “How much is it? I’m not spending some ungodly amount no matter how amazingly perfect it is.”

  Layla smirks. “It doesn’t matter because Mum and I are buying it for you.”

  I gape. “What?”

  “Consider it a wedding gift.”

  “Layla are you cra
zy that’s not necessary—”

  She holds her hand up. “I want to do something nice for you, so stop arguing. There’s no point.”

  “I’m a lawyer, I’ll never stop arguing,” I grumble.

  She walks to the desk to pay for the dress while I hesitantly take it off.

  I leave the store with a huge smile on my face.

  *****

  I walk into the gym and nod my head at Reid.

  “You’ve been MIA,” he notes. “I heard about what happened to you, and I’m sorry.”

  I ignore his speech and walk up to him and hug him. He stands there for a moment, but finally gives me an awkward tap on my back. “Thank you for teaching me.”

  He clears his throat. “You’re welcome. You coming back to train some more?”

  “Of course I am,” I tell him. “I’d be stupid to turn down this opportunity.”

  He gives me an odd look. “I got a visit from your man.”

  I groan. “You have to be kidding me right now.”

  His lip twitches. “Don’t worry I told him that under no circumstance, single or not, I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot pole.”

  He blocks my punch to the gut. “You ass munch!”

  His laugh grates on my damn nerves.

  “I’ll have you know, I’m wanted by many a men,” I tell him sticking my tongue out.

  “Trust me I know,” he replies. “I’ve seen them all over you at the bar. Now you want to train or you want to sit around and talk about how hot you think you are?”

  I narrow my eyes. “I think I’m talented enough to do both. At the same time.”

  He smirks and nods to the ring. “Let’s do this then.”

  He cracks his knuckles.

  I roll my eyes. Reid would never hurt me. Although he has this intensity about him, I know he would never hurt any woman.

  “Let’s do this,” I tell him.

  *****

  My boss finds out that Taryn was sleeping with one of the lawyers, and she gets fired. I wish I could say I was a better person and didn’t react, but I couldn’t stop the smirk that was on my face as I watched her pack her belongings and move out of the office. I might have even waved at her.

  After work I walk into the Italian restaurant near my house to pick up my food, and then come to a standstill. What the hell is going on here? I see my cousins Jet and Trey, on what looks like a double date. I didn’t even know Trey was back in town! I walk over to them and stand next to the table. Jet curses, but Trey just flashes me one of his charming smiles, stands, and hugs me.

  “How have you been?” I ask him, kissing his smooth cheek.

  I lean over and kiss Jet on his cheek too.

  “Good. Tee this is my girlfriend Sadie, and this is Kelly- Jet’s date.”

  The girls say hi, in a guarded ‘how do you know my man’ way.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m their cousin,” I say, emphasizing the word cousin. “So put your claws away.”

  Trey looks down at Sadie and frowns. “I told you about my cousin Tenielle, remember?”

  I get the feeling that Trey is serious about this Sadie. She has dark hair and eyes, with flawless pale skin and red lips. She is stunning.

  Sadie smiles, this time genuinely. “Yes, I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re stunning and…”

  And I don’t exactly look like either of them because of my darker skin.

  I wave a dismissive hand in the air. “No problem. I just wanted to say hi.”

  “Did you hear the news?” Jet asks.

  “What?”

  “Trey is joining the band,” he replies, looking at Trey fondly.

  I smile widely. “That’s amazing. Congrats Trey. Crawfords are taking over the band, huh?”

  Trey laughs. “Something like that. I think they needed some extra sexy.”

  I scoff. “Saxon is all the sexy Morning Alliance will ever need.”

  “Congrats on your engagement by the way,” Trey tells me. “And I’ll always be here to make sure he treats you right.”

  I roll my eyes. “He treats me like a queen, don’t worry about that.”

  “He better. Do you want to stay and eat with us?” Trey asks.

  “No I’m good,” I tell him. Sweet that he asked though. “You guys have fun.”

  I look to the women. “Be good to my cousins or I will come after you.”

  With that parting comment, I walk away grinning.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Saxon

  “Saxon! Saxon! Can I have your signature?” a woman asks as I exit the studio.

  “Sure,” I tell her, signing in a book and wishing her well. When I see a camera following me, I sigh and slide into my car, driving off and hoping not to be followed. I stop at Ryder’s house on the way home after he rang me this morning and asked me to stop in for a chat. Lexi opens the door and lets me in, and I find Ryder sitting in his living room strumming on his guitar.

  “Hey,” I tell him, sitting opposite him. “Is everything okay?”

  He puts down his guitar. “Everything is fine. Did you hear that Eliza and Bradley are both doing time for attempted murder and kidnapping?”

  “Yeah, our lawyer rang us this morning. Was it already on the news?” I ask.

  Ryder laughs. “It had to do with you, of course it was on the news. Make sure Tee is alright, because the story is being flashed all over the place.”

  “She was okay this morning, but it wasn’t all over the media then,” I say. “I might go into her work and see how she’s holding up.”

  “Yeah might be a good idea. So Trey will be practicing with us starting next week and writing songs for the new album.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Do you want something to drink?” Lexi asks.

  I shake my head. “No thanks I’m good.”

  Ryder looks down at my knuckles then up at my face. “’Bout time you got those removed.”

  I stifle the urge to roll my eyes at him. “I got rid of them on tour—where the hell were you? It wasn’t anything sentimental to me, trust me on that.”

  “Good to hear,” Ryder replies, his lip twitching in amusement.

  “If that’s all,” I say, playing with my eyebrow ring. “I’m going to go check on Tee.”

  Ryder doesn’t remove his gaze from me. “She’s lucky to have you bro. You’re really good to her.”

  “Is that the official Ryder seal of approval I hear?”

  He laughs and stands up, crossing his arms over his chest. “She doesn’t need my approval, that woman is dynamite.”

  Yeah, my dynamite.

  “I’ve seen her make grown men cry,” Ryder continues, shaking his head with a grin.

  “Yeah I get the point.”

  And I’ve been kicked in the nuts enough times to prove it.

  “I’ll see you next week.”

  We say our byes and then I go and see how my woman is dealing with the news of her story out for the world to see.

  *****

  “So I see how it is! I agree to marry you and instantly the jam donuts stop,” Tee says, crossing her arms over her chest.

  I fight the urge to laugh. “I brought you jam donuts three days ago.”

  She bites her bottom lip and stares at my chest. “See something you like?”

  “Yeah, my own name,” she replies, smirking at me. I rub my hand over my heart, where her name is inked, then pull her down on the bed next to me. “I think you need to get my name on you.”

  She straddles my hips and lies down on my chest. “Maybe I’ll get it as a wedding present to you.”

  I perk up. “Really?”

  “Don’t sound so surprised,” she mumbles. “l do like the thought of it.”

  “Good,” I reply, running my hands through her hair, down her neck, and onto her shoulders. I start to massage there gently, feeling how tense she is.

  “You’re tense baby,” I whisper. “You should just quit your job and become a lady of leisure.”

>   “That comment doesn’t even justify a reply,” she says, then moans as I rub my thumb in a circle on her back.

  “That feels so good,” she says on an exhale. I kiss her shoulder and continue my exploration.

  “Tee,” I say.

  “Hmmmm?”

  “Thank you for giving me a chance,” I tell her, trying to explain how I feel. “I know you didn’t want to, but because you let me in and gave us a chance, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I know you have high standards and rules you stick to, and dating me was going against them. And I know you never go against them, but for me, you bent your own rules so we could be together.”

  She turns to look at my face. “Thank you for making me give you a chance.”

  I laugh at that. “I would have just kept coming around until you gave in to me.”

  “Trust me, I know,” she says. “And deep down I would have kept wanting you to, even though I thought I shouldn’t have.”

  “I’m glad you weren’t as stubborn as you could have been,” I reply with a cheeky grin.

  “Unfortunately, you’re kind of my weakness,” she admits. “Trust me, no one else would have gotten even close. I can be extremely stubborn and proud.”

  “Well fortunately for me,” I add.

  She laughs softly. “Yes very fortunately for you.”

  “I know you can be stubborn, trust me,” I tell her. “You’re a strong woman, and you know what you want.”

  I wrap my arms around her, and we wait there like that, in silence, for a few moments. Suddenly she sits up and looks down at my watch. “Shit, I have to get ready for work.”

  She jumps out of bed, checks her phone, and groans, then pulls her t-shirt over her head and throws it on the floor. Her pajama pants soon follow. I get up and stand behind her, laying my hands on her shoulders, and look at her grumpy face in the mirror. “What’s wrong?”

  She sighs. “I guess I’m a little stressed out. I have a case that’s doing my head in and my mum keeps calling me to ask which napkins I want for the wedding. Napkins! Who even cares about napkins?”

  “I’ll choose the napkins,” I tell her. I’ll just tell them to make them plain white, problem easily solved.