“You just can’t resist me, can you?”
“I think it’s my hormones,” I reply, dryly.
“Sure,” he says with a throaty chuckle. “But seriously, look where we are. Just you, me, and the sound of nature. So simple, so beautiful, and so perfect. The serenity. It’s what I crave.”
I bunch my brows. “You regret your decision to be prez?”
“No, not at all. But sometimes simple is good. It’s nice to push out the crazy and just enjoy you. Enjoy us. Together.”
“Will it always be this way, Nate?” I ask. Instantly, his forehead creases as he grimaces.
“This way?” he asks, as if needing clarification.
“Messed up. Dangerous. Scary.”
“Hell, I have no idea. I hope not, baby. But in this, there is no certainty. No guaranteed happy ever after. But what I can assure you is that I will always do my best to make you happy and keep you safe. Because in this messed-up, fucked-up version of reality, you’re the only thing that truly makes sense.” Taking one last drag of his smoke, he flicks it over the edge of the cliff before turning toward me. “Is that enough for you?”
The raw emotion in his eyes causes my heart to swell. “Of course it’s enough. It’s more than enough.” I move closer, burying my head against his neck, my hand resting against his heart. “We’ll make this work, no matter what,” he whispers and my heart feels full. Because no matter what happens, I’ve felt love with Nate. A love like no other. And for that, I’ll keep fighting until we do find our happy ever after.
A few days pass by and despite the incident with Brewer, everything is getting back to normal. Nate assured me that Mom is safe and far away from here until they find and resolve the issue with Brewer. I’m not naive and know enough to understand exactly what that means. Even though I found out he is my biological father, I’ve realized that doesn't mean a thing. He’s wronged Nate, the club, his own club, and even his own son. I can’t see that there is any way we could or would have a relationship. So part of me, for my own sanity, has drawn a line under the whole thing and I intend to move on from it.
I’m back at work, helping out in the office, despite the perfect new girl Izzy hired. No, seriously, she is perfect. So much so that I barely have any work to do. I’m back to scheduling appointments with the bar managers and it feels good. It’s great to get back to what I’m good at.
“Hey,” I shout over to Nate while juggling to pull on my work shoes.
“Hey,” he chuckles. “Take it easy.”
“Take it easy?” I repeat. “Seriously, Nate. I’m late and it’s all your fault.”
“Me?” he gasps. “The hell it was. You couldn’t keep your hands to yourself last night.”
I press my lips together and give him a little pout. Of course he’s right. My raging hormones have turned me into a nymphomaniac.
“Make the most of it, lover. Soon I’ll be too big to do anything.” I let my hands fall down to the small pooch I’ve noticed.
“Come here.” He tips his head, beckoning me. I walk over to him sitting on the kitchen barstool, stepping between his open legs. His hand reaches for the side of my face and creeps until it’s positioned on the back of my head. Drawing me closer to him, he kisses me deeply. “I’m gonna want you, big or not.” Small, soft kisses are planted against my lips and my eyes flutter shut.
“You’re so sweet.” I force them back open. “And such a good liar.” I swat the top of his arm and let out a laugh. Pulling away, I step back, but I am quickly stopped by his hand around my wrist.
“Nate, I gotta go.”
“Don’t leave me here alone.” He pouts playfully and I shake my head. Leaning forward I press a quick kiss to his forehead before breaking his hold on my arm. “I’ll be back before you know it. Go work. Go do some club shit… or uh, tattoos. Yeah, that will keep you busy until I get home.”
Tilting his head, his sexy smirk appears. “Funny, T. Real funny.”
“So, who do I have as my bodyguard today? Roach, Jimmy, Davo…?”
“It’s Chuck today.”
“Okay,” I reply. Grabbing my purse and my keys I head over to the door. I smile and give him a fleeting wave as I make my way outside and into my car. A quick check in the rearview confirms that Chuck is at the end of the driveway. Acknowledging him with a fleeting smile, I back out of the driveway and make my way down the suburban street. He follows closely behind me as I start my short journey to work.
Pulling up at the light, the sound of my cell ringing has me reaching for my purse. I quickly dig in, swiping the screen and answering the call. “Hello,” I say before hitting the speaker option.
“Oh, hi. Am I speaking with Tara Mellano?” The sweet lady’s voice plays over the speaker.
“Uh, yes, this is she.”
“I’m calling from St. Joseph’s Hospital. It’s about your test results.”
“Shit,” I grumble, realizing that the lights have changed. I quickly fumble and hit the gas, replying to the caller.
“Sorry… is everything okay?”
“Yes, I’m sorry,” I say flustered and brushing my hair away from my face. “About those results.”
“We will need you to come in to speak to the doctor about the results.”
The pulse in my neck pounds and my hands become clammy. “Are you sure? I mean, it hasn’t been that long? Will the test be accurate? Will they have tested it correctly?”
“Tara,” the sweet lady interjects. “Please be assured that the test is thorough. It’s common to feel a little anxious right now…”
“How quickly can I come in?” I ask, cutting her off.
“What about this afternoon? I can get you in with Doctor Howard at one o’clock this afternoon.”
“Perfect,” I say smiling like she can see me. Shaking my head, I clutch the steering wheel and thank her before hanging up.
“Shit.”
I should call Nate. But what if it’s bad news. I don’t know if I can hold it together if he’s there. Maybe this is something I need to do myself.
For the rest of the drive into work, I stare out the windshield, my body on autopilot.
Pulling up in the parking lot close to work, I cut the engine and slide back into my seat. My mind goes full circle and I realize that I can’t do this without him. Good or bad, I need him by my side.
A sudden tap on my window causes me to jerk in surprise. I glance to Chuck who stares at me through the window. Fumbling for the button. I press it, lowering the window.
“Sorry, ma’am. Didn’t mean to give you a scare.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. What’s up?”
Pointing across the street, he says, “I’m going to grab some coffee. Want anything?”
“I’m good,” I reply with a smile. “I’ll grab something at work.”
With a nod, I watch as he turns and walks down the street. Trying to calm myself, I grab my purse and pull out my cell, ready to call Nate. As I stare at the phone in my hand, trying to summon the courage to tell him, the phone starts to buzz in my hand. Surprised to finally see Mom’s name, I swipe the screen, eager to answer the call.
“Mom, I’ve been calling you. Why didn’t you answer?”
“It’s not Mom, actually.” His gruff voice echoes down the phone and I reach up pressing my hand against my throat as I feel it grow tight. Swallowing repeatedly, I try to force the lump down so that I can speak. But nothing comes.
“Tara, honey. It’s Daddy,” he drawls and the feeling of sick swells in my stomach.
“Where’s Mom?” I finally manage to speak.
“Here, baby. Right here.”
“I swear to God, if you’ve so much as laid a finger on her, I’ll kill you myself.”
His menacing laugh booms down the receiver.
“Brewer,” I scream so loud it stings my throat. “Why are you doing this?”
“You’re my girl. I just want to have the chance to get to know you.”
“You wa
nt to talk, then let’s talk. But leave Mom out of this.”
“Hmm, hmm, no can do, baby girl. This bitch lied to me for nearly two decades. She has to pay.”
The sound of my mother crying out in the background has me panicking.
“DON’T… don’t hurt her, please. Just tell me what you want me to do, just please, don’t hurt her.”
“Come here. Right now.” He says it like it’s a demand and not a request.
“Where? Where are you?” I place the phone against my ear and shoulder while I scramble to grab my purse looking for a pen and paper to write down the address.
“Your mom’s house.”
“What… wait, she’s there? She isn’t supposed to be there.” Nate assured me she had gone to see my great aunt in Virginia, so why the hell is she at home?
“No more questions, Tara. Come alone and be here in twenty minutes. Or else.”
“Or else what?” I rush out, panic in my tone as I wonder whether getting to Mom’s from here in twenty minutes is even possible.
The phone beeps against my ear and I pull it away, checking the screen. Shit. Shit. Shit.
Reaching for the key in the ignition, I turn it, slam the gear stick into reverse and make my way out of the spot. I squeeze my cell between my legs as I drive frantically.
I’ve got to get there. This is all my fault. I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Hunter spilling the beans about Brewer being my real dad has ultimately put her in immense danger.
I speed like crazy, trying to get there as fast as I can. I only have twenty minutes and it’s not enough.
I’ll never ever forgive myself if anything happens to her. Yes, it’s been rocky with us, but she’s still my mom. She’s the one who raised me the best she could, on her own. And knowing what I know now, it all makes sense.
I’m focusing on the road, but it’s like my mind can’t focus on the images that flash in my eyes. The sudden buzz between my legs snaps me from my trancelike state. I take a quick glance at the screen.
It’s Nate.
Shit.
I need him.
Swiping the screen, I quickly answer the phone, hitting the speakerphone option.
“Hey,” I answer a little breathlessly.
“Tara, where the fuck are you? Chuck says your car has gone.”
“Nate, please…” Tears start to fall over my flushed cheeks.
“Baby, what is it?”
“It’s Mom. Brewer’s got Mom.”
“What? How the fuck… she’s in Virginia. I made sure of it.”
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” I repeat as panic sets in.
“Baby, where are you now?”
“On my way to Mom’s.”
“NO! Don’t! Fuck,” he roars down the phone and more tears flow. “It’ll be a trick. A trap to lure you there. Your mom is in Virginia.”
“Nate,” I snap, “I heard her cries. He definitely has my mom.”
“I don’t know how that’s possible.”
“I have to get her, Nate. This is all my fault and she needs me.”
“You need to pull the fuck over. You cannot go there. He’ll hurt you.”
“I have to do this, Nate.”
“NO! NO, YOU DON’T.” He’s yelling so loudly that his voice becomes distorted. “Tara, please. You are putting yourself and the baby in danger.”
“I’ll stall him, I’ll do whatever necessary. Just please get there. As soon as you can.” I hit the end button because I know he won’t understand. He’ll try to talk me out of this, but the longer I leave it the greater the chance he will hurt Mom. Or worse.
Kill her.
Tara
I pull the car to a stop and immediately notice Brewer’s bike outside. Rushing, I grab my purse and jump out of the car. My whole body shakes with a mixture of fear and anger. My legs move fast as I charge toward the door. I try the handle but it’s locked.
Fuck.
I raise a clenched fist, banging loudly on the door.
“Mom!” I yell, my eyes darting to the window to see if there’s any sign of action.
I bang again. “Mom.”
No answer.
Shit, Mom, come on.
I step back searching for some sign that there’s someone inside.
The sound of the lock turning has me bolting back toward the door.
“Tara.” Mom peeks through the small gap. I gasp at the sight of her face. Her eyes are red-rimmed and dried blood covers her face.
“Oh, God, Mom…”
“Come in. Quickly,” he orders and I see him standing behind Mom with a gun pointed to her head. My feet shuffle until I’m through the small gap and he slams the door behind me. I instantly reach for Mom, but he pulls her back.
“What have you done to her?” I glance between the monster and my mother.
“I’m okay.” She widens her eyes, her words almost fall out of her swollen mouth as a mumble.
“In there,” he orders with a flick of his gun. Pointing to the living room, I do as he commands, making my way inside.
“Please, I’m here now. Just let her go.”
“Not a chance. Your bitch of a mother has hit, kicked, and bitten me. She needs to be kept on a short leash.” I glance down, noticing he has her hands bound behind her back.
“What’s wrong? A taste of your own medicine a little too bitter to take, huh?” she goads him, and I love her fire. Lifting his hand, he strikes her across the face and my mother falls to the floor.
“Don’t,” I scream, rushing toward him. Placing my hands on his chest, I push him back, but it makes little impact. Dropping to my knees, I help my mother up off of the floor, guiding my mom back onto her feet. “I’m so sorry. So fucking sorry.”
“Stop whispering,” he says. His large hand lands heavily on my shoulder as he pulls me away from her. “You need to start listening to me. You’ve had all of your life together. But me. I didn’t even know I had a fucking daughter. I always wanted a little girl of my own.” He tilts his head glaring intensely at me.
“You just want another pawn in your game. And I refuse to be a part of your games. I want nothing to do with you.”
“You don’t even know me, yet.” He mock pouts, his eyes drooping like some fucking puppy dog. Only, he ain’t cute and that shit won’t work on me.
“I don’t want to get to know you. Look,” I yell, pointing angrily at my mother. “Look what you did to her… you really think I’d ever want anything to do with a piece of shit like you?”
“I’ve been lied to for years. You think someone like me can just sit back and not do anything about that? She denied me what’s mine.”
“I’m not a goddamn possession,” I fire back.
“You are my daughter.”
“Only in blood. My mom was all I ever needed growing up. And I’m thankful. Thankful that she kept me away from a cockroach like you.”
His jaw tightens and his eyes darken with anger. He barrels toward me, his hand landing heavily on my throat. “How dare you! How dare you disrespect me.”
“NO!” my mom screams, charging her body toward him in an effort to get him to let go. He squeezes tightly and I wrap my hands over his, trying to get him to loosen the hold. But it’s no use.
His free arm flies out, knocking Mom to the floor again. My eyes follow her and I feel completely helpless. She continues to scream at him, her legs thrashing wildly as she tries to get him to let go. But the noise becomes nothing but a blur. My vision becomes hazy and I’m pretty sure I’m going to pass out soon.
“What the fuck?” he yells, finally loosening his grip and throwing me to the floor. I scramble, coughing and heaving as I try to get some oxygen in my lungs. Brewer races over to the window, peeking through the curtain.
“You stupid fucking whore.” He glowers at me. “You called your boyfriend, huh? Didn’t I warn you not to do that?” His arm lifts and straightens, the gun now pointing at Mom once again.
“No,” I rush out, sliding
until my body is positioned in front of Mom.
“Move, you stupid girl.”
“I won’t let you do this,” I snap.
“Tara, you can’t do this. It’s me he wants.”
“I was so stupid. I’m so sorry, Mom.”
I remain on the floor, cowering but covering my mom. He seems hell-bent on hurting her and if I can stop him from hurting her, I will.
Nate
Pushing out the stand, I race over to the door, banging my clenched fist against it.
“Open the fucking door,” I demand, my eyes glancing over to my men who are just pulling in behind me.
Hunter is here, and knowing that I have his backing on this is really fucking reassuring.
Until I hear the sound of a gun discharging.
“FUCK,” I roar, raising my leg and kicking the fucking door as hard as I can.
“Stand back.” Hunter gestures with his hand, gun pointed at the lock. He steadies his aim before pulling the trigger. The door swings open.
“No!” Hunter yells, racing toward her. “How could you, Dad? She’s your daughter. You stupid piece of shit.”
Tara cries out, her hands immediately go to the wound, blood pouring from where the gun has hit her.
In her stomach.
My whole body shakes but I race over to her, Brewer turning the gun on Hunter. They stand only inches apart, guns pointing directly at one another. I lift her from the floor, her mother's hysterical cries pierce my ears.
“Nate, oh God… oh God, help her, Nate.”
“I’m okay,” she whispers as her eyes flicker, her arms wrapping around my neck.
She’s not okay. She needs to get to the hospital, now. “Someone call an ambulance.”
What the fuck do I do?
“What the fuck?” Brax exclaims, his eye wide with shock as he focuses on Tara. Pulling out his gun, he releases the safety and points toward Brewer. Pulling the trigger, the shot rings out and Brewer falls to the floor.
Hunter turns away from the gruesome sight, unable to look as blood and brain splatter covers the wall and floor.
“Brax, man, please… please help me get her to the hospital. She’s hit and bleeding badly.” I can see the color from Tara has drained and she’s not really saying much. “I think she’s in shock.”
Together in ruins (The Scars series Book 4) Page 26
