“All right, but if something changes, you get me right away. I mean that Ashley. I’ll be out here in the hallway waiting.”
“Deal. Xavier, she’ll be ok I promise.”
“How are you holding up?” Nolan asks.
I peek back at Izzy and she nods her head. I step out of the room and shut the door behind me. I look up and see his whiskey eyes boring into me, pleading to talk to him.
“I’ll be fine. Just worried about my family.” I answer.
“Ash, I want to say I’m sorry for being an asshole.” His big arms wrap around me and he pulls me against his chest. I try to fight against it but relax into his hold.
“I know. I heard it all on the ride over. Yes, you were an asshole, but I was also a bitch. So, basically, we’re even.” I answer. Nolan’s arms tighten around me and I squeeze his waist. “What’s the next step?”
“We’re waiting to hear from Ace’s guys about the drop. If they succeed in stopping it, we’re going after Switch and Wrath. Then I’m going to find my kid and take him home.” My body tenses.
I’m afraid to ask but I must know the answer, “Home where?” I look up into his eyes and press my fingers against his stubble covered cheek. My heart is beating hard against my chest afraid I will lose the one man that’s ever captured my heart and broke through my walls.
“With you, Ashley. Where ever you are, I’ll be there. If you want to go back to L.A. right away, so do I. If you want to go to Michigan with Xavier and Izzy for a while, I’ll be there. I’m not leaving your side.”
Releasing a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, a sob escapes my lips and my body trembles in Nolan’s arms. “Are you sure?” I ask through the lump in my throat.
“Absolutely. That is if you still want me now that I have a kid.”
I raise an eyebrow at him, “Did you hit your head when we went into that warehouse?”
“No, but I need to know if you accept me and my baggage,” Nolan laughs.
“You’re a fucking idiot. You know that? I think one of those guys knocked you around a few times.” I say with a grin, patting his cheek. “Of course, I still want you around. Just because you might have a kid, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you, you big oaf.”
Relief fills Nolan’s eyes and my heart soars with the smoldering look he’s giving me. I want nothing more than the two of us alone, naked and sweating up the sheets, or couch or wherever we can find, but there are other pressing matters I must attend to and she’s waiting for me inside that bedroom.
“I have to get back in there. Keep me updated on how it’s going.” I turn to Xavier, “I’ll get you as soon as Izzy’s done.”
“Thank you, Ashley. Will you tell her something for me?”
“Of course.”
“Tell her,” his voice cracks and he pauses. “Tell her I love her no matter what and I’m right here waiting. I’ll wait forever if she needs me too.” Tears spill down Xavier’s cheeks and he leans against the wall.
“I will,” I promise. “I’ll see you in a little while,” I say to Nolan. His lips descend upon mine and gives me a soft kiss, making me wish for more. I pull away from his embrace and enter the bedroom without looking back. Mia and Izzy are in the bathroom and Amber is in the bedroom, setting things up for Izzy.
“Do you need any help?” I ask.
“No, I’m almost done. They should be coming out soon though.”
“Ok, I’ll go and see if they need my help.” I want to ask her about Rush but decide against it and walk to the bathroom door and knock softly.
“Come in,” Mia says.
I open the door slightly and walk inside. Izzy is still in the tub with bubble surrounding her. She looks frail and weak sitting in there. “Do you need my help?”
“Sure, grab a towel. Izzy is done and I need help getting her out.”
I grab a huge fluffy white towel off the shelf and hold it open. Izzy stands up and I try to hold in a gasp. Her bones are poking through her pale skin from lack of food, but her belly has a slight bump. A smile graces my lips when I realize what this means.
“What?” Izzy asks softly.
I wrap the towel around her and help dry her off. “You’re going to be a mom,” I exclaim. “A wonderful mom at that. I’m so happy for you Izzy.”
Her eyes light up with excitement. “I’ve been afraid to think about it. I didn’t want to get attached and have them take it away from me.” I hear the slight tremble in her voice.
“You’re safe now, Izzy. So, let’s get you healthy and no one will ever harm you again. Does your dad know?”
She shakes her head as Mia is trying to dry it off. Her long blonde locks are shining and with the dirt and grime off her, I can see the deep purple bruising on her legs and arms. Anger thrums through my body thinking about someone hurting this sweet innocent woman.
We help Izzy in bed and once she’s settled and doc puts her IV in, I get Xavier. He comes barging into the room, at her side in an instant and I leave them alone. Finding Nolan downstairs, I try to keep my temper in check, but the fury running through my veins is hard to control. My hands are trembling with rage.
I want to kill these fuckers for putting my family through all this bullshit.
“What’s the word?” I ask approaching Nolan, Rush, King, and Ace.
“Nothing yet,” Ace responds.
“Something’s wrong. That meet was hours ago.” Dread fills my stomach and I pace the room. “You should have heard something by now.”
“I know, but I can’t get ahold of anyone.” Ace growls, dialing another number on his cell.
My eyes shoot to Nolan. “We’ve got to go there. Something isn’t right.”
“Marks, can you pull up footage of The Graveyard?” Nolan shouts.
Marks hurries to the laptop and after a few clicks, he searches the cameras. “Got it.”
We crowd around him and watch. Ace’s men move into position, hiding in the shadows. Marks fast forwards and nothing happens. No Switch, Wrath or the boat moving in for the shipment. Suddenly the screen fills with red and blue lights.
“Stop,” I shout. Marks stops fast forwarding when we see the cops rush onto the pier where Ace’s men are and handcuff them.
“Motherfucker!” Ace screams. “It was a fucking set up and now they have my men. That’s why I couldn’t get ahold of them. Fuck. This isn’t good.”
Suddenly Nolan’s cell phone rings and he digs it out of his pocket. The caller ID says unavailable, but it’s a New York area code.
“Yeah,” Nolan barks into the phone. His fingers tighten on it so hard his knuckles turn white. “Listen to me, motherfucker. I’m done playing your games. I’m coming for you and you won’t know when.” He stops talking for a beat. “Oh, I’ll be there, and you bet your ass you won’t be walking away.” His voice is low and deadly, and a smirk graces his lips. I’ve seen that smirk before. He’s channeling his hate and rage and letting the demons he fights with daily take over. There’s something different about him this time though. He’s in control of the evil and God have pity on any soul who gets in Nolan’s way because he will show no mercy.
Chapter 30
Nolan
White hot fury floods my veins when I hear Switch on the other end of the call. He’s ranting about having the upper hand. Surprise motherfucker, I’ve got you right where I want you.
“You listen to me and listen good. I’m coming for you. There’s nothing that will stop me now,” I growl into the phone. Done listening to Switch, I hang up and squeeze my hands into fists. I need to feel pain, I need to dish out punishment for everything these assholes have done to my family.
“What are we doing?” Ashley asks as she gently puts her hand on my arm. I smirk and raise an eyebrow. She doesn’t back down though. She keeps pushing me and shows no fear. She knows I won’t hurt her and can be just as savage as I can.
I look around the hotel room. Eight sets of eyes are upon me waiting for direction. Each one with th
eir own specific skills, but this time I can’t use them all. There’s only two I can use. The rest can go with us, but they can’t interfere, they must stay in the shadows.
“Here’s what we’re going to do. Ashley and Ashton, you’re with me. The rest of you need to hang back in the shadows. They’re only expecting me, but I need to even up the playing field.” I turn toward Ace, “You and King go back and see if you can get your guys out of jail. Take care of your men. I don’t want you involved anymore. I’ve already caused enough damage to The Black Hearts.”
“Are you sure?” Ace asks.
“Positive. Go and take care of them. We’ve got this, it’s what I do.” Man, it feels refreshing saying that. Ace and King leave without another word, leaving me with six. “Christian, I need you to stay here with Redline, Xavier, Izzy, Mia, and Doc. Your involvement stops here. We’re about to get our hands really bloody and I don’t want that to jeopardize your career.”
“What? No, I’m coming with you, fuck that career.” Christian growls.
“No, you’re not. Your job is to protect and service, not judge and jury. Stay here and protect them.” I walk over to Christian and rest my hand on his shoulder. “I need you here to protect my family while I stop any more harm coming at them. It’s really important to me you do this, please.”
“Fine,” he snaps crossing his arms. “If anything happens to you or anyone else, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.” He isn’t happy, but he must deal with it.
“Marks, Ramirez, and Harris,” I turn toward them. “You three will be in the shadows. Observe but don’t interfere. We’ll communicate through our earpieces. I need you to stay out of sight, out of mind.”
“I don’t like this boss,” Marks replies. “But you got it.”
“Be ready for anything. If we need help, I’ll bring you in, but I have a feeling Switch’s head is getting too big and he feels no one can stop him. He’s about to meet his maker.” I smirk, cracking my knuckles.
“What about Ashley and me?” Ashton asks.
“You two will be with me. Don’t let them get the drop. Wrath likes to be sneaky and will go for Ashley first, but you can handle her.” I answer turning my attention to Ashley. Her honey eyes are narrow and she’s ready for a fight. “One thing, Wrath will try to play off your emotions. Keep them in check and don’t let her get the upper hand. That’s how she beats her opponents in The Circle. She gets in their heads and tortures them with the things she’ll do with their loved ones. Don’t listen to anything she says.”
“Got it,” Ashley replies. “Nolan?”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s make these fuckers pay for hurting our family.”
I nod my head and pull her against me. I need to feel her body in my hands one last time. I lean down and kiss her softly, “They will pay for every time they did something to any of us. That’s one promise I am making and keeping.” I answer, resting my forehead against hers.
She wraps her arms around my neck, her body is flush against mine. “Don’t make promises, deliver with actions. I’ll keep Wrath off your back. She’ll wish she never met me.” Ashley offers me a devious smirk that pulls me closer to her and makes my cock pay attention. We’re one of a kind and I’m one lucky son of a bitch for finding her.
“Ashton, you’ll be watching my six,” I tell him without taking my eyes off Ashley. She has a pull on me, I can’t let go. “Watch for anyone trying to interfere and if they do, take them out. I don’t mean unconscious either.”
“You got it, boss. All right, let’s lock and load.” Ashton replies.
There’s a flurry of activity around us, but my focus is on Ashley, ignoring the rest. Her arms are still around my neck and she hasn’t broken eye contact. My eyes follow her tongue as she licks her lips, making the plump pink shine. Stifling a groan, I pull her tighter against me, so she can feel how she affects me. Her eyes shine with lust, but we don’t have time. Fucking Switch. Another thing to file away and make him pay for.
“We should inform Izzy and X what we’re doing,” Ashley whispers, her finger are gently ticking the back of my neck sending shivers down my spine.
“Yes, we should in just a moment. I want to savor this,” I reply as my lips crash down onto hers. She moans and her lips part for my probing tongue. Digging my fingers into her hips, I yank her closer and explore every inch of her hot, wet mouth with my tongue, her taste on my lips. I break the kiss, panting heavily, my heart beating hard against my chest and all the blood flow has been redirected to my aching cock. “I needed that. Let’s go talk to X and Izzy.” I let go of Ashley’s hips and take her hand.
Once at the top of the stairs, I knock softly on the door and peek my head inside. Izzy is sleeping with her back toward Xavier and he’s laying down next to her, holding onto her waist. Doc has an IV set up next to the bed and a tube running down into Izzy’s arm. It’s just the two of them in here and Xavier shifts when he hears me. His eyes are red and swollen, and he holds a finger up to his lips. He gently kisses Izzy on the head and quietly climbs out of the bed. She doesn’t move a muscle and her breathing is deep and even. Rubbing the sleep from his bloodshot eyes, Xavier stumbles toward the door and meets us out in the hallway.
“How’s she doing?” Ashley asks. Her head is resting on my chest and I have my arms around her, holding onto her.
“She’s doing OK. She keeps waking up every time she has a nightmare. I feel so helpless not being able to do anything about them. I can’t chase them away anymore.” His fingers flex into fists at his sides and swallows hard.
“You’ll figure it out. Just keep doing what you’re doing and comfort her. She’s been through so much and all she needs right now is knowing you’re safe.”
“Thanks, Ash. I could help ease the nightmares after Marie, but this time it feels like I can’t touch them.”
“How’s the cramping?” Ashley asks.
“Much better. She hasn’t said anything since Amber put the IV in, but she’s going to bring in an ultrasound machine to make sure everything is fine.”
“What?” I ask. “Why would you need an ultrasound machine?” I furrow my eyebrows.
“You didn’t tell him?” Ashley scolds Xavier.
“No,” he shakes his head. “I didn’t tell anyone yet, in case something happened.”
“Tell me what?”
“Izzy’s pregnant,” Xavier blurts out. My heart drops to my toes and my stomach is churning.
“How far along?” I ask.
“Three months.”
Ashley rests her hand on my beating heart, “Nolan, she’s going to be fine. I only found out because she was cramping when I was in there with her or she wouldn’t have said a word.”
“But, nothing since?” I ask afraid to know the answer.
“Not that she’s said,” Xavier answers shaking his head.
“One more thing for these fuckers to pay for,” I crack my neck from side to side. “We’re heading out to end this. If anything, and I mean anything changes with Izzy, you let me know immediately.”
“I will. I know I said I want revenge and make these fuckers pay for what they’ve done, but I can’t leave her.” Xavier sighs.
“Hey, I’m going to see her for a moment while you two talk,” Ashley says interrupting us and quietly opens the door, disappearing from my sight. My arms feel empty without her in them. I flex my hands and rest them against the wall I’m leaning against.
“I don’t want you to leave Izzy either. She needs you more than we do. I will make sure they pay for what they did to both of you.” A smile graces my lips. “You’re going to be a dad. I’m happy for you.” I really mean it. He’s will make a great father. He’s had a perfect role model.
“Thanks, I’m really nervous though and we still have six months to go.” His eyes light up with happiness. “I just hope…” Xavier blows out a deep breath. “I hope we can get past this and raise our baby right.”
“You will, together. Not only that, you’
ll have Ashley and me with the both of you and a huge family supporting you. He or she will have an Aunt and Uncle who will protect them.”
“Can you imagine if it’s a girl? Oh my God, she won’t be able to date until she’s thirty,” Xavier says with a laugh.
“If it’s a boy, we’ll show him all the tricks,” I grin.
“Definitely, he’ll be a player like his Uncle.” Xavier laughs.
“Can I see her before we go?”
“Yeah, come on.” Xavier opens the door and we quietly walk inside. Ashley is sitting on the side of the bed, holding Izzy’s hand. Izzy is sitting up and they’re both smiling when we come in. A shadow passes across Izzy’s eyes when she sees me, the smile falls from her face and she drops her head. I cross the room quickly and sit next to her, being careful of the tube for her IV. I pull Izzy into my arms and wrap her in a hug. Her tiny body shudders under me.
“I’m so sorry Nolan. Can you ever forgive me?” She sobs against my chest.
“Hun, you were forgiven the moment it happened,” I soothe. “I never blamed or been mad at you. I know it wasn’t your fault.”
“I could have stopped them from making me do it, but I had to think about my baby and Xavier.”
“Shh. You don’t need to say anymore,” I comfort her.
“Yes, I do. You don’t understand. They showed me pictures.” Her emerald bloodshot eyes look up into mine. “Did they really do those horrible things to you?”
I swallow hard and nod my head. “Yeah, they did when I was a teenager. But don’t worry about that. They can’t hurt me anymore and I won’t let them hurt you.”
“They told me if I didn’t do what they said, they would do that to Xavier.” Tears pour from her eyes, soaking my shirt, and her body shakes with silent sobs. “I didn’t want to, Nolan. You must believe me.”
“Yes, Izzy, I believe you. It’s all right, calm down. No one will hurt either of you again. That’s a promise I will make and keep. Ashley and I are going to end this for the last time.”
Savage Chaos (Racing Dirty Series Book 3) Page 22
