“So Jake here tells me that you’re been havin’ a bit a bother.” I liked that he just got straight to the point rather than too much small talk. “But he also tells me that you were going to deal with that bother in a way that would have ended badly for ye. Very badly.”
I swallowed. This was the Boss, the Don of the Kindred Sons - and was that a poorly veiled threat?
“She didn’t know what was in the file.” Jake said simply, “She was under the impression Denver wanted to blackmail a businessman who used Denver’s women.”
Carrick’s eyes threw daggers at Jake. “Aye, and that makes it better then? Sure, she didn’t know what she was doing?” He stood up and looked directly at me, “Ye’re very lucky, wee girl, that Jake here was able to come up with a way of turning this around.”
He moved over to the side table a poured himself what seemed to be whiskey. Sipping it before returning his death stare to me. God, this man went from kindly and kind of fatherly to mafia boss in a split second. “Do ye know who we are?” He asked plainly.
I cleared my throat before I spoke. “Yes,” I said, as loudly as I could. “I do. I’m so sorry for what could’ve happened - I didn’t know. I’d never do that.”
“Louise has told ye that her ma’s in that file?” He said, “Me brother’s wife?!” It took a second for that to sink in… his brother’s wife? The resemblance dawned on me from the pictures on Louise’s phone earlier. The two men who were together: one was her father and this guy, Carrick, now that I looked closer, was the older version of the second guy.
“I’m so sorry.” Then it hit me, and for yet another time in my life, my mouth ran unfiltered before my brain had a chance to stop it. “Then you’re Jake’s dad!” I looked to Jake, his face expressionless, then I saw the picture on the wall - the same one that Louise had on her phone.
“Aye, Isabella, that I am.” He looked back at Jake, “Though how I haven’t managed to learn you anything, I’ll never know.” I was the only one sitting and I couldn’t help it, my eyes flicked from one man to the other. The likeness was there, I just hadn’t noticed it. Although Carrick was an older man, with the finest wisps of grey at his temples, he was still physically fit. Still built. But that was nothing in comparison to the young, jacked body of his son.
“I won’t say anything or tell anyone.” I said earnestly. “Jake’s told me what I need to do.” I stood up. “I know what could have happened and I’m so sorry, but I’ll make it right.” I had to fix this and he had to believe me. I knew what the Anderson’s were like and from the glare I’d just got from the boss (Jake’s dad!) if I didn’t get this right it would be the last thing I’d do. I stood up, accepting my fate, “I promise.”
The air shifted in the room, “That’s a good girl.” He said, cooling instantly. “I knew ye would, I just had to speak with ye meself to put me mind at ease. I’m sure ye know what I mean.”
“I won’t let you down, Carrick.” I wouldn’t, but as soon as I did the handover with Denver’s friend. I would be gone. Bella would disappear and Ryan would have to move away to live with me. He’d be disappointed as he’d wanted to move back to Londonderry, but he’d get over it. No matter how much I’d want to hope, everyone knew there was no way out once you’re involved with the mafia, I just hoped we could both disappear.
Carrick swirled the brown liquid in his glass, the nice guy was back, “Well, now we’ve that sorted, why don’t ye slip downstairs and grab yerself a bite a grub?”
As we left the room, Jake’s hand was again at my back, but it didn’t bring the same comfort as before. I knew now that he was the son of the Don, that brought responsibilities, I was sure of it - and the knot in the pit of my stomach told me that whatever I felt for him wouldn’t matter now. I couldn’t be involved with the Kindred Sons and the risk of being known. I needed to leave him behind.
Chapter 17
Jake
I was glad she’d figured out I was Carrick’s son. I didn’t have to lie - not that it usually bothered me, but I reasoned that it was easier if she knew enough so she’d do her job. Not that she could do much else. The security cameras would now have her image and measurements on file. If she disappeared, we could find her - provided we had enough time and she went somewhere we could get their camera footage. No one could really go off-grid in 2016.
There was no way in hell that I was taking her to the actual party. It would have been a lamb to the slaughter. Plus, mum would have thought I’d brought her as my date. I needed that headache even less.
I spoke to one of the servers and had them bring us a couple of plates of food to the den. Bella followed me, quietly until we’d sat on the sofas. “Are ye upset with me?” I’d only asked because I knew it would be important for her to trust me for the drop, but now I’d asked, I really wanted to know, to ease her - and to ease myself.
The food and the beers I’d asked for arrived within a few moments. She still hadn’t spoke, she just watched the ground and shook her head occasionally. “Here, I’m sure you’re hungry.” I offered.
“Oh,” her reverie broken, she spoke politely. “Thank you.” She took the plate to her lap and started eating. “Mmmm! This is gorgeous!” her surprise amused me.
“Yeah, they do all sorts of food for the parties, but they always make a big pot of stew too.” I hid my smile with another bite.
“This is fantastic!” She ate greedily and I was both happy and displeased at the same time. I loved a woman who enjoyed her food, but I got the feeling she hadn’t been eating properly and the way she was wolfing the stew down was something else. “My Grandma used to make it all the time - always used Doherty’s mince, though.” Now, why wasn’t that a surprise?
We finished our food and our bottles of beer in relative calm, but I could see she felt out of place here. I agreed, I didn’t like these affairs either - too much gossip and mundane conversation for me. Out there she’d be given cocktails or champagne, something frilly with no substance. At lease she looked comfortable as she sipped from her bottle of Bud, I need to remember she likes Budweiser. She was the best-dressed woman in the house, the rest all style but in reality no substance. The blouse brought out the blue in her eyes, making me revisit my shower fantasy once again, those wide eyes looking into me as she’d demanded I’d fill her.
Her eyes caught me watching her again and I knew she was uncertain of me. I’d be a fool if I didn’t know why. I was everything a good girl like her had been told to avoid. Warned about even. If she hadn’t already figured it out, she definitely knew now. I was Jake Anderson - Under Boss of the Kindred Sons.
“Well, I’d better get ye back home. You’ve an early start in the morning and I’ll be around with the files before ye leave.” I stood as I spoke, she took the nonverbal cue and obeyed. I watched as her body moved, god she was sexy as hell. Those hips, that ass, even the push-pull of how I knew she liked me, maybe even wanted me, but wouldn’t admit it. There was a fighter in her, one I could only hope to tame.
“Sure thing, I just need to um… visit the bathroom first.”
Chapter 18
Bella
He directed me to the bathroom beside the mudroom. I was glad I didn’t need to go into the actual party but at the same time I felt a tinge of hurt - was he really that embarrassed to be seen with me. Not embarrassed, disgusted. He’s just using you for this blackmail thing. My inner critic took joy in trying to bring my mood lower. The woman I saw in the mirror, the extra pounds around my tummy, the softness in my arms and the plain clothes. I couldn’t help but think my critic had a valid point.
I washed my hands and left the bathroom feeling defeated. If he didn’t want to be seen with me, then he didn’t have the slightest interest in me. It’s for the best… I consoled myself. After all, it was better this way: I had to protect Ryan and make up for not being there when he had truly needed me.
As I opened the door I saw his attention move from the door to the guy he was talking to. I’d been watched as
closely as was appropriate. He’d been leaning against the jamb of the door to the kitchen, but had stood up and was leaving the other guy.
“Right, Nev, sure I’ll catch up with ye later.” He slapped the guy on the arm as he left. Turning his focus on me, “Y’alright?” he was too handsome for words, it physically hurt to think about how he was only being nice in any way to me was because of the file drop. All I could do was nod.
The way home again started off in silence, he must have sensed I didn’t want to talk and to his credit, he didn’t force a conversation. When the houses got closer together and turned into high rise flats, he spoke. “Ye’ll be home soon, Bella.” He paused, his mouth opened to say more then he stopped short. A sigh. Then he gripped the steering wheel.
I heard “Fuck,” under his breath, then he started to speak to me again. “Look, I know it’s not an ideal situation, it’s not what you want to do. I get that you didn’t know what was in the file, but Jeysus, not to even look at what ye were giving away…” His head shook dismissively, “That’s not even the point.” Another sigh. “I won’t let Denver hurt ye, I suppose that’s all I’m trying to say.” His lips formed a flat line across his face. “He’ll pay for what he’s done already. I should’ve kicked his arse for what he tried that day in Sawyer’s.”
Shock kept me from speaking, but he used the opportunity to talk more.
“A woman like you… it must be hard to be on your own, y’know, keeping yerself safe. I don’t know why ye picked Londonderry to move to, it’s dangerous. It’s not right.” Another pause. “At least ye know now that I’ll… I mean, the Kindred Son’s, will protect ye.” He laughed a dry laugh to himself. “Someone should be watching that back of yours, at least to admire that arse as you walk.”
Was he making fun of me? “You don’t have to say that, y’know. I get you’re just being polite.” His head shot round in confusion. “I know I’m not a size zero, ok? I don’t need false compliments that we both know aren’t true, ok?”
He pulled in, we’d reached my place already. “I meant what I said earlier, you really don’t see yourself as you are. When I look at a woman, she should be just that: a woman. Tits, ass, soft, sweet…” his eyes met mine, “That’s how I see you.”
My guard stormed up. “Nice… no brain in there?” Were women really only in his life for that one thing?
His hand reached for my chin, holding it firmly so I could only look into his eyes. “Without a brain, the rest counts for nothing.” I felt the electricity surge, I couldn’t help it; I wanted to believe him.
I heard two clicks and then he moved closer. “You don’t know the effect you have.” His hand moved to touch the side of my face and then to stroke my hair. “Bella, you’re a very beautiful woman.”
Heat pooled in my core and I rubbed my thighs together. We both understood it was a line, but I was happy to pretend we both thought it was true.
I leaned into his hand, putting my own on his. He moved closer, placing the sweetest kiss on my lips. Then he broke off the kiss, to look at me, “Never think you are anything less than beautiful.” I watched his tongue flick over his own lips and then he kissed me again. Deeper this time, and then I felt his tongue. The floodgates opened from somewhere and I kissed him passionately. My hands roamed his body of their own accord exploring the strong powerful muscles as far as I could, still sitting in the car.
His hands were better behaved than mine to start with, then I felt the buttons on my blouse being popped enough for a hot hand to slid inside. He cupped by breast before sliding his hand beneath my bra. A moan escaped my lips involuntarily, he’d found my nipple and was shamelessly teasing it.
Even as I spoke the words, I couldn’t quite believe it was me saying them - or who I was saying them to. “Would you like to come in… for… coffee or something?”
Chapter 19
Bella
We walked quickly back to my flat. Me, because I wanted to do this so badly, and before I could talk myself out of it. Fuck, it had been so long since I’d even wanted to be with a man, never mind actually being with a man. He’s only doing this to keep you sweet, you’re a pity fuck. The inner critic got swiftly ignored. Right now I was so hot for him that I would take him any way I could get him.
He playfully slapped my ass as I unlocked the communal front door, then properly grabbing it as he kissed me again as we went inside. “I need to be inside you.” He breathed into my ear as I felt his jeans - fuck, the straining bulge beneath was huge. By the time we’d got to my front door he was holding my hand and rushing me forwards.
Then everything changed.
I thought I’d locked this door. A confused thought drifted through my head. His demeanor changed and he pushed me back. “Stay here.” I watched as he moved through my door.
He arrived back to me with a serious expression. “I don’t think anything has been stolen, but ye should come in and check.” He was right, nothing was stolen but the place was messed up and the mood was well and truly gone.
“Want a coffee?” I asked, the humor not lost on me that coffee was the whole reason he had come with me. Thank god Jake’s here. I had no idea what I would have done if I’d found the place alone… Christ, what if they had came in whilst I was still here?
I went to grab some milk from the fridge and froze. Jake was beside me in an instant. “What is it?” concern thick in his voice.
“That,” I said, simply. Pointing to the white envelope on my fridge door. “That’s not mine.”
He moved the dolphin magnet and took the envelope. “Do you want to…?” I shook my head, petrified of what could be inside.
His strong hands held the envelope for a moment before one of his thumbs tore along a side to open it. He looked inside and as he pulled the contents out, I saw the tick in his jaw that I already knew meant he was ready to kill something.
He threw the contents onto my small kitchen table in disgust. “Fuck.” He grabbed his phone from his pocket and started to make a phone call. “Fuck’s sake.”
Jake moved to my hallway and absently I heard him talk quickly with someone. Curiosity steadied my hands enough to lift the card from the table. It was a simple, white sympathy card, with a picture of a white Lily on the front. The inside was empty. Strange.
“You’re leaving with me. You’ve got two minutes to grab whatever you want to bring with you. Do you have a rucksack? Get me it.” Jake’s command brought me out of my head and was the poke I needed to get into action.
I went to Ryan’s room and retrieved my backpack from the empty wardrobe. To my sheer horror, Jake was already in my room, emptying drawers of socks, bras and panties onto the bed. “I can do that!” I rushed over immediately taking over - just who the fuck did he think he was?!
“You’re staying with me till I fix this.” He appeared back into the bedroom with handfuls of my toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, tampons… oh lord, does he have no boundaries?
“It’ll be OK once I get my lock changed.” I’d been broken into before, they didn’t take anything that time either - I honestly had nothing of value to take.
“The fuck it will.” He said angrily. “C’mon,” he grabbed the bag and started zipping it. “We’re leaving now.”
“Hold on.” I said angrily. “This is my home, some drug addict isn’t going to scare me - besides, now they see I’ve got fuck all to take, they’ll move on to someone else.”
He stopped, raking his hands over his face. “I forget that you don’t understand how this operates.” He stalked over to the table, lifting the card. “This is a sympathy card, sweetheart,” he looked at it in disgust, “Why do people get them? And look,” he reached down and lifted something from the ground. “What do you think this is?”
A Polaroid picture had been inside the card and must have fallen to the ground. He held it for me to take. When I turned it over to reveal the picture, I felt my legs turn to lead. It was of Jake and me leaving my flat earlier. Had someone been
watching me? But who? I knew the answer before I’d even asked myself the question. Denver was involved in this.
“Like I said, I’ll protect you, but we need to play for time right now.” He stepped closer to me, and put his arm protectively around me, enveloping me in his heady mix of cologne, musk, and spices. “Bella, sweetheart, this is a death threat from the McCauley’s. You’re leaving with me, now.”
Chapter 20
Bella
I left my flat in a daze, letting Jake lead me back to his car and I noticed absently that the windows were still steamed up. Jake muttered and grumbled to himself, every so often I’d hear some sort of expletive being cursed under his breath. He was seriously pissed about this.
I Need A Bad Boy: A Collection of Bad Boy Romances Page 51
