Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge Book 1)

by Nichole Greene

  We walk into seminar side by side and I ignore Connor as he tries to get my attention. I smile and side hug Ivy and Levi. Mason and Jace are both talking to Levi and they get fist bumps from me. I notice Connor texting out of the corner of my eye and am not surprised when I feel my phone vibrate.

  Connor: Sorry I was a dick this morning, Lily. I’m not used 2 being accountable 2 anyone but myself. I don’t want u 2 think I’m being shady.

  Connor: Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. -Aristotle

  Connor: Have patience with me and I promise to make it worth it.

  Ugh. I can’t be mad now.

  Instead of replying I run my fingers through his inky, soft hair at the base of his neck. I watch the tension leave his shoulders at the contact. Then my phone vibrates again.

  Connor: The next time u have a tantrum and drive yourself 2 school instead of riding w me I’m going 2 spank u.

  Me: Promises promises

  Connor: I’ll find an empty classroom and bend u over in that skirt. Pull ur panties down around ur ankles and slap that delicious ass hard enough 2 leave my handprints all day.

  I squirm in my seat and fight back the wave of heat his dirty words always bring out in me.

  Connor: U r squirming in ur seat. Panties soaked yet?

  Me: OMG stop

  Connor:

  I spend the rest of seminar finishing up work I missed from yesterday. I have everything caught up by the time we are dismissed for our next class. Connor wraps his arm around my shoulder and leads me out into the hall. He starts pulling me toward an empty janitor’s closet when I duck and spin out from under his arm.

  “Gonna have to be sneakier then that,” I tease over my shoulder as I walk in the opposite direction. “I don’t want to miss class today.”

  * * *

  “So,” Connor says after ordering lunch for both us, “we should talk about Homecoming. I have to go to a charity gala with Victor that night. He’s being honored for his work on the Council for Energy Initiatives, which focuses on moving the energy industry from fossil fuels to renewables. He is not giving me a choice on whether or not to attend.”

  “Which means you get to level up for the night and go with me.” Levi winks.

  “Do I get a say in this?” I huff a laugh. “Maybe I’d rather go with Ivy.”

  “Mmmm,” Levi says with a boyish grin, “that’d be hot.”

  “I’m taking Ivy,” Griff says nonchalantly.

  “That’s funny.” Ivy rolls her eyes. “I don’t recall anyone asking me.”

  Griff reaches across the table and grasps Ivy’s hand. “Ivy, will you give me the pleasure of your company at Homecoming?” He sends a glance from the corner of his eye to Levi and then presses a kiss to her knuckles.

  Ivy slants her eyes over to me, barely suppressing a roll of her eyes. “It’s not like I could say no.”

  I turn back to Connor. “I saw the invitation in your room last night. I assume that my dad will be with you guys as well?”

  “Yeah, he’ll probably attend the event with us. Most of the attendees will have security with them.” He slides his hand between my knees. “You mad?”

  “No. It’s a solid reason to miss. You must be proud of Victor for being recognized. I know you are passionate about this.”

  “I’m not proud of Victor.” He scowls. “This is just a circle jerk for a bunch of assholes who think throwing money at the issue is best thing they could do. I could write a list of actions each person there could make both individually and as corporations but they’d still just want to use their money.”

  “Isn’t throwing money at something better than doing nothing?” I don’t understand how donating money isn’t at the very least helpful to the cause.

  “No.” Griff shakes his head. “Half of these people use charities as a way to avoid paying taxes. Then they end up hoarding their money and not making meaningful changes.”

  “Asshole one percenters,” I say that knowing full well that I’m sitting at a table with three of the next generation of ultra-wealthy assholes. Hell, I’m in a school full of them.

  “Pretty much.” Ivy concedes. “You and me against the rest of these dickheads.” We both crack up.

  “I doubt you and I,” I gesture back and forth between her and myself, “are in the same tax bracket.”

  “Do you know how much Michael’s contract is worth, Lilith?” Connor asks with an arched eyebrow.

  “No. His income has never been a subject we discuss.” I meet Connor’s eyes. “Why?”

  “I won’t go into details but it’s a seven figure contract. You aren’t ‘poor’ anymore.” He puts air quotes around poor.

  Holy. Shit.

  I had no idea dad’s contract was for that much. I try to keep the surprise off my face.

  I’m suddenly way less salty about Dad being gone half the week. That is so much more than anything he ever made before. It makes me wonder what he actually does for VI. It has to go beyond the scope of his usual job description. I make a note to ask Connor, assuming he knows more now that he’s begun to take his place in leadership.

  “Enough talk about jobs and money.” Ivy cuts into my inner dialogue. “We need to discuss dresses.”

  “Can’t I just wear the dress that I wore out in NYC?” That dress was more expensive than anything I usually buy and I like the idea of wearing it again. Plus I look damn good in it.

  “No way,” Connor growls.

  “No!” Ivy gasps. “You can’t recycle dresses, Lil.”

  “Uh,” I look at Connor, “explain.”

  “It’s too sexy. I don’t want Lev pawing your tits all night.” He glares at Levi who blows me a kiss in response.

  “I’ll probably do that regardless of what she’s wearing,” Levi smirks when Connor rumbles a threat under his breath.

  I ignore the boys as they banter back and forth. “Why can’t I wear the dress again?” I look over at Ivy. “It was just us and Z who went out.”

  “I posted it on SnapChat, Instagram, and The Ridge. Everyone has seen the dress. You need a brand new one. We can go out Saturday morning and shop.”

  “We’re going with you,” Connor says.

  “To make sure no one gets attacked,” Griff adds when he sees Ivy and I getting ready to argue. It works, neither of us want another run in with Margaux.

  28

  Lilith

  The weeks leading up to Homecoming go by uneventfully. My back has healed so I’m back in my regular classes. Margaux has come back to school but has seemingly decided to leave me alone now that she knows I’m not going anywhere. I still hear insults mumbled behind my back and get glares from some of the girls but that is all.

  Dad, Victor, and Connor left for the city early this morning. Connor wanted me to video chat him after I’m ready so I’m sitting here in Ivy’s dressing room waiting for her to zip my dress. In a nod to Levi and his Golden God status I picked a gold silk dress with a lace and beaded overlay. It is suspended from my shoulders with thin straps that criss cross my back and the hem hits mid thigh. Ivy thrust a pair of gold heels at me and based on the signature red bottoms they flaunt I know they are ridiculously expensive. When I grumble about it she shoots a glare over her shoulder and reminds me that my date is almost a foot taller than me so I need the extra height. My hair is straightened and pulled into a high, sleek pony tail.

  Ivy has a gorgeous hunter green long sleeve mini dress on. It has a deep V that opens all the way to the curve of her ass in the back, showcasing her toned muscles. Her dark brown hair is curled and swept to the side. We both decided to go subtle with our make up.

  I pick up my phone and decide to video call Dad. He picks up on the first ring.

  “Hi sweet pea. You look beautiful.” His face fills the frame but I can see the top of his bow tie peeking up.

  “Hi dad. Let me check you out in your monkey suit,” I say with a grin. I’ve seen my dad in his dress uniform multiple t
imes but never in tuxedo. To say he was not excited about this would be an understatement.

  “I’m with Victor and Connor already.” He hands his phone to Victor who steps back. Connor steps into the frame beside dad and I lose my breath. There together are the two men who own my heart unequivocally. I grab a quick screenshot so I can keep this moment in time forever. “What do you think?” Dad does a little goofy shimmy. “I clean up nice, huh?”

  “You look so great, Dad. I’m kind of sad I’m not there to see you guys in person.” I’m sure Victor probably looks just as good, a more mature version of Connor.

  “I know sweetie. I’m sad that I’m missing your senior Homecoming, too.” A little frown wrinkles his still youthful face. “Let me see the whole dress.”

  “Okay,” Ivy’s in the other room so I poke my head out in the hall and yell for Levi. His head pops out of his room and I motion him across the hall. Griff follows alone.

  “Dad and Connor want to see my dress.” I hold the phone out for him and he realizes I’m video chatting.

  “Hi Mr. Nelson. Con. I promise to take good care of hood rat tonight.” He grins mischievously and chuckles when Connor growls at his suggestive tone.

  “Despite that suggestive statement, I believe you,” Dad laughs. “Not sure it’s a good idea to antagonize this one though,” he pats Connor’s shoulder affectionately.

  “I live to poke the bear,” Levi quips before turning the camera on me. “Honestly, I’m not sure the video is doing her justice tonight. Lilith is absolutely gorgeous.” He winks at me from behind the phone and twirls his finger directing me to spin.

  Ivy walks out and stops mid-step, taking in Levi. His navy blue suit is perfectly tailored to his large frame, the gold tie plays off my dress impeccably. His sandy blond hair falls across his forehead effortlessly setting off his dark blue eyes. The phone lowers in his hand as his jaw drops just a bit, as taken by Ivy as she is with him.

  My eyes meet Griff’s as I grab the phone from Levi, who is still standing silently looking at Ivy.

  “You do look stunning, Lilith.” I hear Victor say and when I look back at the screen I see all three of them. “I’m sorry I absconded with your father and Connor this weekend. If there was any other way I would have found it.”

  “It’s okay, Victor. Congratulations on your award.” I say and mean it sincerely. “There will be other dances and events this year.” He nods his head and gives me a slight smile before walking out of the frame.

  “I’ll text you in a few minutes.” Connor says and follows his dad.

  “I love you, baby girl,” Dad says when it’s just him and I again. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “For going to a dance?” I laugh.

  “No. For being mature, strong, loyal, and loving. You are the best part of me.”

  “Dad,” I fight the emotion swelling in my eyes, “don’t be so melodramatic. I love you, too. Have fun tonight.”

  “You too, sweet pea. Call me when you get home.”

  “I will.” I swipe to end the call and take a shuddering deep breath. We don’t do feelings so I need a minute to shove all that back down in my hole of feels.

  Griff walks over and side hugs me.

  “You look lovely.”

  “Thank you, Griff. You look pretty handsome yourself.” He really does. He’s wearing an Italian cut black suit with a hunter green shirt that compliments the hue of Ivy’s dress. His slim black tie polishes the look. If you hadn’t seen him shirtless you would never know his back was covered in ink. “Based off the way Ivy and Levi are staring at each other I think you and I might end up ditched tonight.” We share a knowing smirk.

  My phone pings with a text notification.

  Connor: Beauty is power; a smile is its sword- John Ray

  Connor: U fucking slay me Lily

  Connor: I want u 2 crawl in my bed tonight, leave that dress on but take ur panties off

  Connor: I’m coming straight 2 u after this gala is over and I’m going to feast on that pretty pussy tucked between ur legs

  My cheeks heat reading his words.

  Me: Maybe I’ll be in someone else’s bed

  Connor: That would be unfortunate for them as they’d never wake 2 see another day

  Me: U are no killer

  Connor: There is nothing I would not do for you. Not a fucking thing. My obsession knows no bounds.

  “He’s not lying,” Griff says over my shoulder. “He would kill for you. Just like he’d kill for me or Griff or Claire, probably even Ivy. His loyalty and protectiveness run deep.”

  “You’d do the same.” I say decisively. I have seen these boys work together. They join together into an unstoppable beast. They might be from different families but they are brothers in every way that counts.

  “We would.” He nods. “You would. You are one of us now. Irrevocably ours.”

  * * *

  The night has gone better than I anticipated. Levi has kept us laughing and in good spirits since dinner even though I miss Connor. I miss his hands on me. I miss the intensity of his eyes following my every move, the heat of his desire. I miss the chill of his glare for anyone who dares to look at me longer than a passing glance.

  We’re sitting at table away from the dance floor when both Griff and Levi get a text message. I watch their brows pull together simultaneously and their shared look of concern. They both shoot to their feet and Griff starts barking orders into his phone for a helicopter to be ready at the Founder’s Ridge executive airport in twenty minutes.

  Levi gently wraps his hand around my bicep. “There’s been an incident in the city. You need to get to the hospital.” His giant hands cup my face. “It’s your dad.”

  “Wh-what?” I stutter as blood rushes to my head and dread pools in my stomach. “What do you mean?”

  “He’s been shot.” Levi is more serious in this moment than any other. He wraps his arm around my waist to support me out to his car. “Connor said the ambulance just left. He and Victor are following right behind.”

  “I have my family’s chopper being prepared for us. I’ll be right beside you,” Griff says as he links his fingers with mine.

  “I’ll drive you two to the airport.” Levi says still gripping my waist tightly with Ivy falling in step beside him. When we get to his G wagon he lifts me inside and Griff slides in beside me, once again grabbing my hand. Ivy turns in the front seat and reaches back for my other hand.

  “I bet he’ll be okay,” She comforts me. “Victor probably already has the best team of doctors working on him. Plus he’s tough as fuck. He survived a bunch of fucked up missions in the Marines, right?”

  I nod my head in a fog. My dad has been shot. The only family I have.

  “Do you know where he was shot?” I ask the guys. I don’t miss the look they give each other in the rearview mirror. They are not giving me all the information.

  “Not exactly,” Levi hedges.

  “Surely he was wearing a bullet proof vest.” Ivy says.

  “That would only protect his chest,” I mumble. There are so many fatal places you can be shot that a vest doesn’t cover. The head and neck being the two most likely. A precision bullet to the brain would be instant death so I’m guessing maybe he was shot in the neck. I grab my phone to start googling statistics. Griff looks down and gently takes the phone from me.

  “I’m going to hold on to this for now. I’m in contact with Connor and he knows we’re taking my helicopter to the city. He’ll keep us updated.” He presses a kiss to my temple and pulls me to his shoulder.

  The drive to airport passes in a blur. Levi pulls onto the tarmac right beside the helicopter and jumps out of the car to pull me from Griff’s hold. I feel Levi’s arms band tightly around me. He rests his forehead against mine. “I will be right behind you. I’ll grab clothes for you and Con.” He kisses the top of my head after giving me another tight hug that I barely feel.

  “I love you, girl. Levi will be down there shortly. Anything y
ou need in particular?” Ivy pulls me from Levi.

  I shake my head absentmindedly, the fog of denial and worry clouding my mind. Levi pulls Ivy away and gets her back into the car. A tear slips down her cheek as she listens to what Levi is saying in the car. She wipes it away quickly and tries to give me an encouraging smile.

  Griff helps me into one of the seats in the helicopter. It’s much smaller than Connor’s I think to myself as Griff straps me in and adjusts the buckles accordingly. He sets a headset on my head and I shake it off. I don’t want to talk. I don’t want the quiet from the nose canceling headphones. I want the white noise to dull my dark thoughts.

  Griff buckles himself in and presses his thigh against mine. I’m pretty sure at this moment if he could tuck me inside his body he would. The tension and worry he’s feeling line his eyes making him appear twenty years older than he is. As we lift off the ground I jolt and he grabs my hand, sandwiching it between both his smooth palms.

  I spend the rest of the flight leaning against him, borrowing strength for what I already feel will be devastating news.

  29

  Connor

  Blood.

  So. Much. Blood.

  I’m no stranger to blood, be it mine or whatever asshole happens to be on the receiving end of my fist. But this is next level. I’m covered in Michael’s blood. It has soaked my tuxedo. It’s drying in my cuticles. There are smears of it on my shirt.

  Victor is even worse. His face and shirt look like a Jackson Pollock painting from the spurts of blood from the wound in Michael’s neck. His quick thinking to tear his jacket off to staunch the bleeding is the only reason Michael’s in surgery right now instead of the morgue.

  Michael took a bullet meant for me. He heard the zing of the first shot and pushed Victor and me down. One minute we were all bull-shiting about inane shit and the next was chaos.

  Michael is fighting for his life because he saved us. Saved me.

  “You should see if you can find something to change into,” Victor says as he sits beside me, his fingers flying over the screen of his encrypted phone. “Lilith and Griff just landed at VI. They will be here in about 15 minutes.”