Hidden

by T K Barber

  He sighed. “I waited for you to return when you went to see Lyle that night. Yes, I knew where you went. And I guessed why. I knew when you were pregnant, too. I could see it in your face, even before Mamma announced it to us at dinner. You know she keeps secrets like a box with holes.”

  He grinned, prompting Marianna to chuckle and nod. Mamma DiGiovanni was indeed a tiny, spitfire with a mouth that never stopped.

  His finger trailed down her cheek the next second. “You were so much more beautiful, which I had never thought possible.”

  The words she’d been searching for since their kiss in her living room tumbled out. “I love you, Rico.”

  His expression morphed into the exact opposite of what she expected. His eyes were hopeful, wet, but his teeth gnashed together.

  “You have to mean it, amore mio. I’ve waited too long to be led on.”

  She blinked her wide eyes. “I do. I love you.”

  “Grazie Dio,” he whispered and closed his eyes as he tugged her in for another kiss.

  Her heart stammered and skipped as his fingers threaded her hair.

  Yes. Thank God. They kissed through grins for another minute until business reared its ugly head again. Not that it would ever stop.

  “We need to discuss the Valentine clan.”

  Rico grunted, letting his head fall back against the mattress, hand still holding hers. “I was thinking about that.”

  “I doubt his men will happily fall into line. Maybe over time but—”

  “Into line?” He quirked a brow.

  Oh. Right. How would he take this? She cleared her throat. “Yes. He left everything to me. All of it. Which would make me . . .” She trailed off.

  Rico was quiet for a while, jaw working as he glared at the hallway. When she couldn’t stand the tension any longer she squeezed his hand.

  “No.” He snapped to attention, those blue eyes piercing hers. “They won’t. You need to appoint a boss. Someone they’ll follow, but who’s loyal to you.”

  Marianna cast her gaze around the room in thought. It certainly wouldn’t be Thomas. Nor Nataly. Gavin might have done it if she did, but on his own, he’d never. She wasn’t really familiar with many of Lyle’s—

  Finally it dawned on her. “Eric.”

  Rico turned down the corners of his mouth and nodded. “Si. Good choice.” A startlingly sexy smirk formed as he eyed her. “Bella e intelligente. I’m a lucky man.”

  Her chuckle was almost soul cleansing as she leaned in and kissed him again. “Maybe you’ll get luckier after we get out of here,” she muttered against his lips.

  “Eh?” His brows launched skyward, and he blinked up at her a single time before he leaned around her body and shouted at the door. “Check please!”

  A completely addictive joy wiggled in her chest as she laughed in full, muffled as he tugged her in for another kiss.

  Nataly

  “It isn’t every day I’m asked to tea by a butcher, Mr. Cleaver.”

  Nataly splayed out on her bed, eyes trained on the ceiling, chucking a wadded-up piece of paper into the air in an attempt to hit it.

  “Oh, but it’s such a lovely day, Mrs. Hamm. Won’t you join me?”

  She bolted upright and unfolded the piece of paper, smoothing it on her knee. Hurry, hurry. She scrambled over to the little desk and slapped the paper down as she grabbed a pencil. She scribbled furiously, her tongue stuck in the corner of her mouth.

  “Mrs . . . Hamm . . . me. There!”

  She slammed both hands down on the desk then picked them back up and clapped them under her chin in satisfaction. Gavin would like that one. She shoved the paper in her drawer and froze. Looking back over her shoulder quickly, she slipped several palmed pills into the tiny container stashed at the back.

  “Not tonight, Dr. David. Not tonight,” she muttered to herself as she carefully slid it closed.

  Done.

  She wrapped her arms around her waist and swayed side to side, dancing to music in her head and imagining Gavin’s thick, strong arms holding her close. She spun and twirled, sidestepping and stopping, sidestepping and stopping, waltzing along her floor, singing to herself.

  Blue streaked across her vision again, and she jerked to a stop, gritting her teeth in a pained snarl. Would that ever stop?

  She shook her head and dropped to the bed, sighing loudly as she buried her face in her hands. Where had he gone?

  Abbey’s weary voice rang out across the loudspeaker, no doubt exhausted from chasing Carl all day with the other nurses. He insisted he was a giant bat. It was funny until he tried to bite Olivia, then it wasn’t.

  “Evening free time. Let’s go.”

  Nataly launched to her feet and shot down the hall, her black canvas sneakers squeaking on the linoleum floor, ponytail whipping behind her. She pushed past several other patients to get to the door first and skidded to a panting stop. Abbey thinned her large lips and shook her head.

  “You do know the bench will still be there if you walk, right hon?”

  Nataly stuck out her tongue and crossed her arms, nodding at the door. Abbey remained motionless for three more seconds before sighing and punching in her key code. The latch released, and Nataly’s heart slammed at the same time.

  When the door swung open, she took a giant step out into the evening air, eyes closed and arms wide. She grinned and let them fall to her sides. Just perfect.

  She walked over toward her favorite spot, watching her feet as they moved. Tiny feet, wet from the grass . . .

  She missed Tomcat. The low drone of conversation behind her barely reached her ears as she hummed a directionless tune. She swayed her hands left and right, just like the flames. Her heart hurt. Would she ever get to see him again?

  She glanced up as she got closer to the bench and her steps slowed to a crawl before they stopped altogether.

  Someone was in her spot.

  Someone new.

  She sucked in a deep, jagged breath and clutched her chest. Someone not new!

  Pure, unadulterated joy stormed through her body like a hurricane, and it was all she could do not to scream out at the top of her lungs. She slapped her hands over her mouth.

  Was it really him that time? It had to be real! He stood as he noticed her, his massive chest rising with his deep, smiling inhalation.

  “Hey, Kitten.” Her eyes bugged and she sucked in another breath so deep she got dizzy. “God, you look amazing. I’ve—”

  Before he could finish, she had closed the distance at a full run and leapt up, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  He came!

  She kissed him so deeply his knees buckled, and he sat down hard with her on the bench. He slid his hands under her thighs to keep her supported and she all but melted.

  He came for her! She readjusted to kneel on his lap.

  But, why didn’t he come see her before? She ran her hands over his head and whimpered, moaning into his mouth as they kissed. She finally released him and they both panted until she got enough air to talk.

  “Where the hell have ya been, Big Daddy?”

  His eyes darkened with lust, and she bit her lip. That look was everything she’d needed.

  “Goddamn I’ve missed your voice.” His words graveled, sending a chill down her spine. “It’s just as sexy as I remember.”

  He hooked one hand behind her neck and brought her back in for another kiss, sliding his other hand further around her thigh and between her legs, running his fingers along the seam in her jeans. She shivered against him and grabbed his face, pulling her wet, reddened lips free of his kiss.

  “Why’d you stop comin’?” Her mouth twisted to the side as her brows knitted and she fought back tears. He sighed and squeezed her thigh as he rested his forehead against her.

  “Bitty, I was in The Box. Didn’t Ryker tell you?”

  She shook her head as salty sadness dripped down her cheeks and pulled back. “He tried
ta tell me you were dead.” She choked down a sob when Gavin’s jaw jumped. “But I knew.” She tapped her temple, then her heart. “I could feel you. And I know you’d never leave me alone like that.”

  He leaned in and nipped her chin, kissing it when she squeaked. “Never.”

  She drew her bottom lip in and crashed against him again, tightly holding onto her Gavin. Hers.

  The grounds laid out behind them almost sparkled, dew forming in tiny crystal-clear globes on the leaves and grass. Olivia stood near the exit, a thin, ghost of a girl. One hand locked around her other arm, she stared at the two of them, expressionless. Nataly waved, but Olivia turned away, headed back inside.

  Poor little Chickadee.

  “Gavin.” She grabbed the collar of his shirt and whispered against his neck, squinting back tears as his spicy scent filled her heart. “Please tell me you’re takin’ me with you. I don’t wanna stay here anymore.”

  He gently leaned her back and cupped her cheek with his large, warm hand. She leaned into his palm, holding it with both of hers. His touch always made her feel so safe.

  “Yeah, baby, I am. You ready now? Do you need to say goodb—”

  She shook her head. “‘Don’t say bye,’ remember? That’s what I always say. It’s too hard. ‘Hello’ is much better.”

  He smiled. “‘Don’t say bye.’ I remember. Then I say . . .” He inhaled deep and stood, hooking his arm under her knees, her diminutive frame held like nothing in his thick arms. “Let’s go home, Kitten.”

  Home. She was wrapped in home. She was curled against home. Her arms were hooked around home.

  “You’ve got a place?”

  He kissed her cheek and started toward the parking lot. “I’ve got a place. Ms. Price set it all up actually. She got me out, told me I could come get you, is gonna give me a job working for her. And she set money in an account for you. We chatted on the way over here.”

  Nataly drummed a rhythm on his neck. “She’s finally patchin’ a sinking ship.”

  “Mm. Maybe. But I’d like you to live with me, if you’ll have me.”

  The thump of his heart filled her ear as she rested her head on his chest. “Haven’t I always?”

  “Yeah, Nat.” His deep chuckle nearly curled her toes. “You have. You hungry?”

  She nodded. “Everyone was so pissed when they stopped letting me cook. When Ryker started—” she cleared her throat and Gavin tightened his grip. “Are you gonna kill him, Big Daddy?”

  He stopped walking and stared toward the Bentley. A shadow crossed his features, but she brushed it away with a swipe of her hand down his cheek.

  He moved his head and murmured against her palm. “Now, why would you ask me something so dark?”

  “You always took care of me.” Her finger ran a path from the center of his forehead down to the tip of his strong nose. “But . . . you weren’t here. He was. He didn’t take care of me. I’m not all lights anymore. Some are busted. Some burned out. So, my Hunt needs to go on the hunt.”

  He exhaled long and slow before he shifted her closer. “He’s already dead.”

  “Hm. It’s better this way. Maybe Olivia will get better. I think he broke her nest to break her wings.”

  “Well, he was a sick son of a bitch, bitty. It wouldn’t surprise me. But he’s gone. I’m here. You’re mine. And I’m taking you home. But we have to do something first. Here.”

  He set her down outside the car door, opened it for her, and waited.

  Nataly turned a glance back over her shoulder to the imposing multi-story brick building. A curtain rustling drew her gaze down the long left-wing to a specific room.

  You’ll fly soon little birdie.

  She slid into the backseat, and Gavin plopped down beside her, grabbing her face for another long kiss before she even buckled her belt.

  “More news, Natty, are you ready?”

  Would she ever be? She shrugged one shoulder and nodded.

  “Your dad is dead, too.” They stared at each other for a few seconds before the words sank in. They were free. Everyone was free. A smile tugged at her mouth and she let it come. Gavin’s chest expanded with his nod.

  “We don’t have to go to the house if you don’t want, but maybe you’ll find something you want to hold on to?”

  She stared into his eyes again. She didn’t want to go back ever, but maybe Tomcat would be there? Even if he was, that place wasn’t home.

  Had never been. Her stomach quaked, her mind awash in black. Every brick in that house, every coat of paint, every crumb on the counter, they all screamed at her.

  Unhinged. Dangerous.

  “Gavin, I’m not crazy.” Her voice was tight, even though she didn’t want it to be.

  “Itty Bitty, I know that. I know who you are.” He held her face and chased her gaze. “You’re my little Valentine and you’re too much for this world to understand. That’s all.”

  Her heart hitched. She’d almost forgotten who she really was, she’d been forced to lie for so long. He placed hot kisses on her cheek, her jawline, her neck, her collar bone and then back up the same path on the other side.

  “Ryker didn’t know shit. I don’t care what that paper on his wall said.” He rubbed his blunt thumbs across her cheeks. “You don’t need pills, baby girl. You just need me.”

  Her breath escaped her, and she bit back tears, nearly strangling him with her arms. She smashed her mouth against his and he laughed against her lips.

  “Damn, Nataly. I love you.”

  She cinched her arms tighter, so tight he had to pull her elbow back a bit. She couldn’t hold in her tears any longer and laughed through her sobs as she threw her head back.

  “Are ya really here? I’m not dreamin’ again, am I?” She dropped her gaze back down to him and sucked in a breath. “Gavin . . . tell me you’re real . . . ”

  He grinned and nuzzled his face on the center of her chest, making her laugh.

  “I’m as real as it gets, baby girl.” His hands nearly touched around her slender waist and she held his face kissing him over and over.

  Someone cleared his throat.

  Nataly whipped her head toward the sound, squealed, and launched into the front seat, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind. “Eric is here! Didja know he was here?”

  Gavin’s thick laugh joined with Eric’s as he patted her elbow. “Hi, Nataly. Happy to see you too. We need to get going, why don’t you get buckled?”

  She slid backward, landing on the seat beside Gavin. She nuzzled his hand as he reached for her face. “Eric’s here,” she murmured into his palm, tears breaking the walls of her lashes.

  “I know.” His smooth, low tone slid right down her spine. Eric twisted in the seat, gazing at the two of them, his grey eyes dancing.

  “He’s why I met my Gavin,” she cooed.

  “I know, bitty.”

  She nuzzled her cheek into her everything’s palm and flicked her eyes up to Eric. “There ain’t enough space for that thank you.”

  Eric grinned and shrugged. “You’re welcome. Again.” He cleared his throat and inclined his head to Gavin. “The Valentine house, right?”

  “Yeah. For the last time ever, right Kitten?”

  “The last time, ever. Ashes to ashes.”

  Thomas

  Hand in hand, they rounded the wall of the main waiting room. They’d been so close to gettin’ out when Anna got the text. Hopefully, Rico was alright.

  Marianna paced a small circle in the middle of the room. Thomas’s cheek twitched. Was that what he looked like when he did that?

  He cleared his throat and she froze, her face snapping up to meet his gaze.

  Tears filled her eyes and she hesitated just a second before rushing toward him. “Thomas, I’m so glad to see you!” She wrapped him in a tight hug.

  He grunted at the impact but patted her back. “Uh, you too.”

  She stepped back and patted his ch
eek as she tilted her head toward him. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m okay.” He shrugged. “Just a little beat up. How’s Rico?”

  “He’s okay, just a little shot up.” She winked when he smiled and cleared her throat. “He got lucky Booker was such a shit shot. We both did.”

  “That’s where I remember him from! He was the one that shot you!” Anna’s arm curled around his as she spoke like she could feel his tension at just hearing that guy’s name. “Please tell me you killed that son of a bitch.”

  Before she could answer, the three of them rotated toward the door when some random couple came in. One look at the room and they turned on their heels and jetted.

  Probably better that way. He caught Marianna’s distracted gaze as she stared into the hall, worry etched on her face. After a second she sighed. “Rico did.”

  Thomas coughed and winced. Yeah, he was gonna have a nasty bruise for sure. “So, what were y’all doin’ there anyway? Didja track him? Bet pop was pissed for such a racket on his lawn.”

  He could imagine his face now, all sour and pinched like he ate a lemon.

  “Thomas. There’s something else.” She gnawed on her lip and rubbed the back of her neck.

  Great. Like he needed any more bad things today. “Hit me.”

  “Okay. Suppose out with it is best.” She took a deep breath and let her hand drop to her side. “Your father is dead.”

  His brows lifted.

  Huh.

  Well.

  Hmm.

  How the fuck was he supposed to feel about that? Sad? Happy? He should feel something at least, right?

  Her hand landed on his shoulder. “Did you hear me?”

  “Yeah.” He nodded. “I mean he wasn’t all that great, but he was still my pop. Family. Don’t have much of that, if anyone’s keepin’ count. Not since—” he cleared the lump. “I figured he’d get off’d someday but—” he let out a quiet scoff. “Man.”

  Who was gonna run the family now? He sure as hell wasn’t. He and Anna were going—

  “There’s something else Thomas. Even though I know it won’t—I wanted to tell—I’m—” She pressed her fingertips to her temples and winced. “This is so much harder than I thought it would be.”