“Maybe,” she replied, although she held out little hope. She knew only too well how intractable Frankie could be.
“The glass is bullet proof as well as tinted, so you don’t need to worry about anyone taking a shot at us in here,” Ryan told her. He buried his face in her hair. “It’s so good to have you back.”
When they kissed, Rachel moaning into his mouth, Battler raised the privacy glass.
“Rachel, we’re here.”
She stretched out her limbs, glad she didn’t experience any pain where she’d been stabbed. It went to show how much she’d improved and how ready she was for what was to come. She opened her eyes to find herself in the middle of the Cheshire countryside, within easy reach of Manchester city centre, nothing but empty fields and woods around them. They were approaching a huge farmhouse, freshly painted white with a garage and a large barn. She surmised Alex was holed up somewhere like this, isolated but still close enough to wreak more devastation on them.
They drove straight into the large garage where there were already three cars parked, not the flashy expensive ones they usually went for but quiet understated cars that would easily blend in.
There was a connecting door leading from the garage directly into the house so they didn’t have to go outside. Ryan still wasn’t taking any chances.
Inside the farmhouse was just as nice; open plan with an enormous living area, a staircase leading to a balcony above. Jez, Mikey and Riley were there and she was so pleased to see them. She was less pleased to see Frankie and his two henchmen.
When she walked in she was greeted with a loud cheer from the men, Mikey embracing her.
“It’s good to have you back Rach,” he beamed.
She hugged him, once again feeling better just for being in his presence. She hung onto his neck, praying she didn’t lose Mikey like she’d lost Alex. When he released her she turned to her new brother-in-law and kissed his cheek. “Hello Riley.”
“Hello Rachel. I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too.”
Then it was Jez’s turn to hug her.
“Aye, fucking brilliant,” smiled Frankie. “Maybe now we can really get down to business.”
“There’s two people here I don’t know,” she said, looking at Frankie’s companions.
“This is Paul and Jamesie,” said Frankie. “Paul and Jamesie, this is the famous Mrs Law. Things are really going to liven up around here now,” he grinned.
“Not tonight they won’t. I’m exhausted.” She looked to Ryan. “Where’s our room?” She was surprised by how much the journey had taken it out of her. They’d driven around for a while through the countryside and stopped at a beautiful little pub for lunch, Battler and Bruiser on high alert even though it was clear they weren’t being followed. Then they’d driven around for a bit longer and now it was late afternoon, although to Rachel it felt like the middle of the night. Now she was understanding exactly why the doctor told her to take it easy.
“I’ll show you,” he replied.
He took her hand and led her upstairs, the others watching her go in surprised silence.
Once in their room she sank onto the bed with a sigh. “I can hardly bring myself to look at Frankie.”
“I know how you feel Sweetheart but you’re going to have to rein it in. We need him.”
“Unfortunately,” she quietly replied.
“Do you want anything to eat?”
“I’m not hungry but I could use a really big glass of wine.”
“Is that wise?”
“Yes. I’m not on the painkillers anymore.”
“Okay. White or red?”
“Whichever. As long as it’s alcohol I don’t care.”
He went downstairs to retrieve a bottle of red wine and two glasses. He could hear the others messing about in the lounge, the rumble of their voices and the murmur of the television. He returned back upstairs to find Rachel with her blouse unbuttoned examining her scars in the mirror. She hastily covered herself back up when he entered.
“Don’t be ashamed,” he said, putting down the bottle and glasses.
“I’m a mess,” she sighed.
“You’re gorgeous, you’ve just taken a knock to your confidence,” he said, starting to unfasten the buttons.
“Don’t…”
“Trust me, please.”
She looked up at him, dark eyes soft. “I do.”
“Then let me see.”
He removed her blouse and she shuffled anxiously as he studied her body.
“Still beautiful, as always.”
“That’s not the worse one,” she said, gesturing to the bandage around her neck.
“Let’s tackle it together,” he said.
Rachel didn’t want him to see. He’d always looked at her hungrily, even after so many years together, and she didn’t want that to change. She was afraid if he saw the scar he’d find her repulsive and losing Ryan wasn’t an option for her.
“I can’t,” she replied, allowing him to see how vulnerable this was making her.
“You’re the love of my life Rachel. A scar won’t change that.”
She swallowed down her tears. “Alright.”
“Do you want me to do it?”
“No, I will.”
He watched in the reflection of the mirror as she slowly started to unwind the bandage. When she got to the end she hesitated before taking a deep breath and whipping the bandage off. The scar was an angry red, thick and raised, cutting through the middle of her neck. Ryan’s heart almost broke when Rachel’s shame-filled eyes swept to the floor. Determined to reassure her, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“It’s not as bad as you think Rachel, it’s just a mark.”
“It’s more than a mark. Does it disgust you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” To prove it he gently kissed the scar, feeling the raised ridge beneath his lips but it didn’t repulse him in the slightest. It was just a part of Rachel now. He heard her shaky exhale of relief, felt her hands go into his hair. He kissed her on the mouth and gazed into her eyes. “See? Nothing on this earth could make me stop desiring you.”
“I’ve been so frightened it would.”
“There’s no need, really. Now, would you like that wine?”
“Yes please. But first I need to change.”
Rachel looked back in the mirror at the scar. If it didn’t matter to Ryan then it didn’t matter to her. She wouldn’t hide it. On the contrary she would wear it as a badge of honour in the days to come. It would make a good intimidation tactic. Look how hard I am, I survived having my throat cut. It would also be a message to Alex that she would not let him beat her.
While he opened the bottle and poured out the wine, she changed into the cute rabbit onesie he’d bought her, complete with ears on the hood, then climbed beneath the covers. He handed her one of the glasses then stretched out on the bed beside her and pulled her close.
“It’s nice to have some privacy,” he said.
She took a long drink of wine, sighed with satisfaction and nodded. “No nurses wandering in or out. Did you tell Mum and Dad I’m out of hospital?”
“Yes and they were relieved. Rick seemed to be hoping you’d be flying out to join them once you got out.”
“Oh God he didn’t. What did you say?”
“The truth. That you’re determined to stay until this is resolved. I think he understood it’s something you have to do. After seeing everything up close he’s become more understanding about how it all works. I don’t know what he’s telling your mum and Leah but I’m sure he’s making it convincing.”
“I hope so. I don’t know how I’m going to explain this to them,” she said, gesturing to her throat.
“We’ll think of something, don’t worry about that yet.”
She put her glass on the bedside cabinet. “You’re right. For now I’m just enjoying being alone with you.”
He only just had time to put down his own glass before she
rolled on top of him, her lips finding his. It felt like such a long time since they’d last been intimate and now his body demanded hers.
“Take this off,” she smiled, tugging at his jumper.
Eagerly he sat up, pulled it off and threw it to the floor. They kissed desperately, Ryan unzipping the onesie and pushing it off her shoulders, pulling it down to reveal her bra. He forced aside the anger her scars brought out in him. This was about the two of them, not Alex sodding Maguire.
Holding her to him he rolled her onto her back and she started to unfasten his jeans.
“I want you Ryan,” she said.
He practically tore the onesie off down her legs and Rachel was elated by the passion in his eyes, which was so intense he looked almost frenzied. All her doubts were reassured in that moment. He wanted her more than ever, scars and all and she wasn’t in the least bit afraid.
Music suddenly started up from below, way above polite levels and Rachel sighed.
“I can’t do this with all that racket.”
“I’ll sort it,” said Ryan, pissed off at the interruption. “I don’t know what they’re playing at down there.”
He kissed her before climbing off the bed and striding out the door. The music reached epic proportions as he reached the ground floor, the large room amplifying the noise. He was surprised to find all the men sat around drinking and laughing, all except Battler and Bruiser, who maintained a watch at the windows. Ryan couldn’t really blame the others for wanting to relax, things had been so tense lately and they were just blowing off some steam but they had interrupted his special time with Rachel and that made him furious. They all went quiet when he stormed in and slammed his fist down on the stereo’s off button so hard the plastic cracked.
“There’s a sick woman upstairs trying to rest. What the fuck do you think you’re all doing?”
The sight of an irate Ryan Law, bare-chested with a very obvious erection was enough to subdue them all.
“Doesn’t look like she’s doing much resting,” Frankie said quietly, gesturing to Ryan’s crotch. “What have you got down there, the fucking Trident submarine?”
Paul and Jamesie sniggered. Even Riley had to hide a smile.
“Is that a family trait?” continued Frankie, looking from Jez to Riley.
“Well I don’t want to brag,” grinned Jez.
“Just keep the noise down, alright?” snapped Ryan before turning on his heel and marching back upstairs. They all winced as the bedroom door slammed shut.
“Bugger it,” Ryan muttered when he found Rachel fast asleep on the bed in just her underwear. His eyes roamed over her longingly and he felt himself get even harder.
With a weary sigh he pulled the duvet over her then climbed into bed beside her. Even though it was still early he was knackered after all the sleep he’d missed out on recently and he wanted to be with his wife. He might not get to make love to her tonight but at least he could fall asleep with her in his arms.
CHAPTER 23
The disappointment of the previous evening was tempered the very next morning when Ryan woke to the most delightful sensations originating from below his waist. After those incredible sensations had reached their crescendo Rachel looked up at him along the length of his body and smiled. “That was my way of apologising for falling asleep last night.”
“You are entirely forgiven,” he breathed, running his fingers through her hair while he waited for his heart rate to slow. “Now get on your back. It’s my turn.”
After finally enjoying some private time together they showered and dressed, Rachel donning black trousers and shirt again.
“You hate these clothes, don’t you?” she asked him when she noticed him watching her dress.
“Only because I’m worried there’s another reason why you’re wearing them, other than the practical one you’ve already told me about. Rachel, you can tell me,” he said when the vulnerability returned to her eyes.
“The skirts and stockings remind me of Alex on top of me telling me what he was going to do to me and how much he was going to make it hurt and how helpless I felt.” Tears formed in her eyes but her gaze remained steady and strong. “That’s why I can’t wear them. I might one day, but not yet.”
“I knew there was more to it than you were letting on.”
She wiped away the tears and at the same time erased the vulnerability from her eyes. They were about to go downstairs and she would not allow anyone else to see that part of her. “Well, now you know.”
The thought of Alex pinning down his wife and trying to force himself on her was more than Ryan could bear. He took her face in his hands. “He is going to die for what he did to you, I promise you that.”
“I know you never make promises you can’t keep.”
He kissed her and pressed his forehead to hers. “Come on, let’s go downstairs. I’m starving.”
Everyone else was already up and gathered in the kitchen by the time they descended.
“Smells good Battler,” said Rachel, standing beside him at the cooker to examine the bacon sizzling in the pan. It smelt divine and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. He also had sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes and fried bread on the go. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
“I’ve managed to keep it a secret for years but it looks like the cat’s out of the bag now.” He put an arm around her. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better thanks.”
As she smiled up at him he caught sight of the scar on her neck and he slammed his fist down on the worktop. “The bastard. Look what he’s done.”
“Take it easy Battler,” she soothed. “It’s okay.”
“No it’s not okay, not by a long way. If Frank were here he’d kill Alex himself. I can’t fucking stand it.”
“Come on, you’re letting it all burn,” she said, trying to take his mind off it. “I’ll help you dish up.”
He paused to kiss her on the forehead then together they began plating up the food.
“Rachel, I’m amazed you’re walking so well,” Frankie told her as she put his plate down in front of him.
“Why’s that?” she asked casually. After a good night’s sleep she felt much more able to face him.
“Well, after spending the night with the beast,” he replied, gesturing to Ryan.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, only half-listening and not really caring what he had to say. Instead she concentrated on making sure the men all had what they needed and they all squeezed round the kitchen table. Although it was a large table it was still a squash with ten of them round it, the majority of them big men. They ate in silence, Rachel delicately putting the fork to her lips while the men shovelled the food into their mouths as fast as they could.
“This is really good Battler,” said Rachel. She was sat between him and Ryan and had never felt so safe in her entire life.
“Thanks love,” he replied. He hesitated, the fork halfway to his lips, forehead creasing with a scowl. “What the fuck are you looking at?” he growled at Jamesie.
“Nothing,” he replied nonchalantly.
“You were staring at Rachel.”
Frankie whacked Jamesie round the back of the head, making him drop his cutlery, splattering bacon and beans all over the table.
“Were you staring at her scar?” he demanded.
“No Frankie, honestly. I was only looking at her tits.”
Frankie’s anger dissolved and he burst out laughing. “You’ve got to admire honesty like that. Allow me to apologise for this fucking numpty Sweetheart.”
“It’s already forgotten,” she replied magnanimously.
Ryan however wasn’t so forgiving. “You fucking stare at her again and I’ll remove your eyes with this fork.”
“Too right,” said Frankie. “Rachel is a lady who could easily kick your saggy arse. Fucking behave yourself. Remember, I’ve still got an empty Tupperware box.”
Ryan noticed that this threat made Jamesie
very edgy. It seemed Frankie wasn’t above taking parts of his own men as trophies. For the rest of the meal Jamesie kept his eyes glued to his plate, going out of his way not to look at Rachel.
“So, what are we doing today?” Riley nonchalantly asked, as though they were all on holiday.
“Me and Rachel are going to pay Alex’s lawyer a visit,” replied Ryan. “She deals with his illegal businesses too, she might know something useful.” This wasn’t a lie but there was another reason why they were visiting Sheridan, however they were keeping that between the two of them. “You lot can start tearing apart Alex’s alliances and weakening him.”
“We hit Lucifer’s Shadow?” said Riley, suddenly impatient.
“Not just yet. I’m waiting for Taylor to get back to me on that one.”
Riley looked like he could explode with frustration.
“Soon Riley,” Ryan told him. “There’s more of them than us. Dane’s going to back us up but we need to coordinate the attack first.”
Riley forced himself to relax. As always Ryan’s logic was indisputable.
Sheridan, or Amanda as she’d been christened, was terrified. She knew the Laws were coming for her, it was only a matter of time. If Alex hadn’t expressly forbidden it she would have done a runner abroad until this whole mess went away, but he said he needed her here and she was just as terrified of Alex Maguire as she was of Ryan and Rachel Law. Why did she have to listen to Katia at the brothel? She’d known full well who Rachel was before she even set foot in that room but Katia had assured her it was entirely risk free, that Rachel would never escape to tell anyone what had been done to her. But against all the odds she had and now she and her husband were coming for her. There was no way they were going to let her get away with what she’d done but Sheridan hadn’t been able to help herself. The prospect of having such a strong, powerful woman as Rachel Law at her mercy had been too much of a temptation to turn down. She’d had so many plans for her but they’d all gone completely wrong when that stupid interfering girl had run in and knocked her out. Even now, when she knew how much trouble her depraved desires had got her into, the mere thought of what she’d had in store for Rachel was enough to turn her on.
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