Harlow (The Hastings Series Book 2)

by Vanessa Sienna

  “The test will come out negative, but that doesn’t mean she’s not pregnant. She’ll have to take that morning after pill,” I explained.

  “I’m so stupid,” I heard Harlow say from the hallway. She was looking at both of us, holding the unopened test in her hand. Hunter and I turned our heads to look at her. “God, I’m so stupid!” she repeated and covered her forehead with her hand. She must’ve heard our conversation since this house had thin walls.

  “Why didn’t I think about that? I have to go get that pill.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sorry I didn’t tell you before.”

  Harlow waved her hand and sighed, sitting down on the armrest of Hunter’s recliner. Hunter took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I wasn’t thinking either, love. We’ll just go to the pharmacy and get it later.” Harlow nodded slowly, handing me the unused test. She was seemingly annoyed with herself. Hell, shit like that happened. No big deal. She’ll get the pill and everything will be fine.

  Jagger’s voice coming from the front door calling Harlow’s name sent shivers down my spine in a weird way. Why was I afraid of being in the same room as him and the other two? His footsteps came closer and I didn’t turn to look his way. He was standing right there, yet I refused to turn and look.

  “Did something happen?” he asked, breaking the silence. Hunter and Harlow shook their heads but kept their mouths shut. Great support, I thought.

  “Feels like a damn funeral in here.” He walked over to the kitchen, turning his back to me and I finally looked his way. His clothes were dirty from the cars he worked on and the white cap he was wearing had black fingerprints all over it. “How was the trip?” he asked, now turning with a beer in his hand. His eyes met mine for a split second before he looked at Harlow.

  “Perfect. It was amazing,” she told him with a smile, then wrapped her arm around Hunter’s shoulders. “Hunter got me my favorite R.E.M. LP.”

  Jagger sat down next to me, which surprised me. He was acting weird. The last time I saw him he was all over me.

  “So now you can listen to it on your new record player.” He grinned, and Harlow nodded excitedly.

  I had enough of him already. I hated him for the way he acted around others when I was around. It was almost as if I only existed when we were alone. I took in a deep breath, standing up from the couch and grabbing my bag. “I should go. I’ll see you guys around,” I directed to Hunter and Harlow. They both just nodded, feeling just as awkward as I did.

  I gave them a tight smile before heading for the door. I didn’t say another word, mainly just to let Jagger know how pissed I was thanks to him.

  When I opened the door, Jagger’s hand wrapped around my wrist and he pulled me back just enough for me to stop in my tracks.

  “You okay?” he asked, and I almost laughed.

  “Why do you care?”

  He sighed, pulling at my wrist to make me turn to him. I did, so he would see my expression. “Don’t start this bullshit, Bliss. I’m tired. Work was shit and all I need is sleep. Now, tell me. Is everything okay?”

  Damn him. He could ignore me all he wanted, but in the end, I was the one running back to him like a fool.

  I slowly nodded. “I’m fine,” I whispered, pulling my wrist free from his grasp. He studied me for a while and nodded slowly.

  “Mind if I come over tonight?” Yes. I did mind. Because all he wanted was to let out his frustration and make me feel like a piece of shit in the end. But of course, this was Jagger. So, rejecting him wasn’t in my schedule, ever.

  I shook my head and even offered him a time. How stupid was I? “Nine?” I asked, and he smiled, leaning in to kiss me as a confirmation that nine was perfect and he would once again come over to fuck me, then leave in the middle of the night.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Harlow

  Hunter witnessed me taking the morning after pill at the pharmacy and his face was immediately filled with relief. It was obvious he didn’t want to become a dad right now and to be fully honest, I wasn’t ready to get pregnant. Just like Hunter said, it wasn’t the right time.

  We went to go get the pill right after Bliss left. Jagger looked emotionless as he came back into the living room and I wondered what he said to her. It felt like whatever they had going on wasn’t making either of them happy, but asking Jagger about it seemed not to be right at the moment. He looked stressed out because of Bliss and Bliss looked hurt. Hunter told me to just let them live before we pushed ourselves into their private business.

  Before driving back home, Hunter took me to the record store he told me about yesterday and I bought myself five new records. All of them were used, but still in perfect condition. Before we left the store, Hunter got a call from Jagger and the look on his face was enough for me to understand that he had to go to work. For Gunner, of course.

  We arrived back home but instead of getting out of the car, I turned to look at Hunter.

  “Will I ever get to meet Gunner?” I asked, immediately regretting the question. Hunter let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head.

  “Fuck, no.”

  Saw that one coming, I thought. Without another word, Hunter got out of the car and walked around the back of it and over to my side. He opened the door for me, and I stepped out, grabbing the bag with my new records in it. “And you’re really sure you’re okay with Bennett babysitting me until you’re back?” Jagger arranged Bennett to look after me while they went to work. When Hunter told me about it, he looked pissed. Almost furious, to say the least.

  “I’d beat the shit out of him if I had a say in this. But your brother thinks you’ll be safe with him, so I’ll just accept it and move on and try not to get angry because I’m a grown man.” He stopped for a second, then added: “As long as you’re safe, I don’t mind another man looking after you.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. He was being incredibly sweet lately, showing me how much he wanted to change. He’d come a long way already, so a little jealousy was okay with me.

  “He’s doing his job. I don’t think he wants to lose it by trying to get in a client’s panties.” I grinned, looking up at him.

  He shrugged, then took my hand in his. “But if he tries to, I’ll make sure he’ll be the next man I kill after tonight’s guy.”

  Knowing that he and my brother killed people for money didn’t bother me as much as it should’ve. Probably because no matter what I said, they wouldn’t just stop doing it, and the other thing was, I saw past the crimes they were committing. I loved both of them unconditionally. Like Bonnie supported Clyde through all the bad he did. In my case, though, I didn’t help Hunter do the criminal stuff.

  I tried not to think much about the fact that I was the Bonnie to Hunter’s Clyde. Funnily enough, Bonnie Parker was also born on October 1st.

  When we reached the front door, Bennett’s car pulled up behind Hunter’s and he got out, wearing a white Oxford shirt and black pants.

  “The fuck did he dress up for?” Hunter mumbled next to me and I slapped his chest.

  “Be nice,” I whispered, stepping aside as Jagger came out the door just in time.

  “We should be home by midnight. Just stay until we get back,” Jagger said to Bennett as he made his way up the steps to our door. Bennett nodded, looking at Jagger and Hunter, then at me. A smile spread on his face and just then I realized he was holding a bag in his left hand.

  “I got us some dinner. Thought I couldn’t just come to hang out here without bringing something.”

  I heard Hunter mumble something behind me, but I ignored it, smiling back at Bennett. “That’s nice of you, thank you.”

  Bennett then gazed back up at the two men standing behind me and nodded once. “You guys gonna be okay? Gunner all right?” he asked, sounding more serious now.

  “Yeah, we’ll manage,” Jagger answered and then kissed the top of my head. “See you later, sweet girl.”

  I looked up at him and nodded. “Be careful,” I warned bo
th of them and then Hunter cupped my face in his hands and pressed a kiss to my lips, probably just to remind Bennett of the fact that he was my boyfriend.

  I returned the kiss, hoping it wasn’t too awkward for the others to just stand there and watch, but then, I wanted Hunter’s kisses, so I enjoyed them.

  “I love you,” he whispered against my lips and I pulled back to look into his eyes.

  “I love you too. Now, go. We’ll be fine.” Hunter nodded, then gave Bennett one last look before leaving with Jagger.

  I entered the house, Bennett following behind closely. That’s when it hit me. Bennett knew about them being hitmen. But why was he so casual about it? He was working for the law, not against it. So why was he letting Jagger and Hunter still go and kill people?

  “Everything okay?” he asked and walked to the kitchen to put down his bag. I nodded slowly, then watched him take out some vegetables and two steaks. Oh, so he was going to cook.

  “I was just wondering…” I started saying, then stopped myself because I reminded myself about Hunter’s words. Gunner’s none of my business. But then, I already knew enough.

  “You’re like a cop, right? I mean, you could easily just arrest people.” Bennett nodded, then a grin appeared on his face. “And now you’re wondering why I know about your brother and your boyfriend’s illegal work and don’t do anything about it?”

  Yes. That. I nodded slowly and studied his face. He chuckled and opened the fridge. “Because I know Gunner. Even if he’s got some illegal business going on, his men, like your brother and Hunter, they take down people who’ve done bad things. Sure, hitmen aren’t really good people either, but why would I arrest people who make sure others won’t rape or abuse children anymore? Or, rob banks or innocent families?”

  Oh, okay. Well, now I have a whole new picture painted in my head. I just nodded again, not really wanting to hear any more of those things. I’d been abused by my father and knowing other kids had to go through something like that as well just hurt.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said.

  “You didn’t. Thanks for telling me, I guess.” Bennett nodded and closed the fridge again after putting his groceries inside.

  “No worries. You want a little update on your father?” he then asked, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. But then, the more I knew, the more I would feel safe, I thought.

  “Okay,” I told him and set down on the couch, the records still in the bag and on my lap. He walked back to the living room and sat down across from me. “My partner’s watching him. Dean’s got his car parked in a parking lot in front of a laundromat. He’s been sitting in his car the whole time, staring straight ahead. He’s exhausted, I think. Not sure he’ll keep up with this shit any longer than two days.”

  I wasn’t sure what to think about that. I hated Dean for what he did in the past and what he was doing now. Yet, I wanted him to get better. He was obviously not in his right mind. But then, there was not much I could do.

  I took a deep breath, nodding slowly and giving Bennett a smile. “Would you like to listen to my new records?” I asked, trying to change the mood. I reached into the bag and pulled out one of the five records, revealing an old Oasis album.

  He looked a little surprised. “You still listen to vinyl?” he asked with a bright smile. I nodded, then got up and walked over to the new record player Jagger got me.

  “Music sounds better this way,” I explained. He chuckled and leaned back.

  “Can’t say you’re wrong about that.”

  Turned out, spending an evening with an investigator wasn’t as bad as I thought.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Harlow

  Bennett’s cooking wasn’t as good as Hunter’s. I did enjoy it, but Hunter clearly knew a lot more about what he was doing in the kitchen than Bennett. While he was cooking, I took a shower and then cleaned up around the house a little. After dinner, I helped him with the dishes and then we decided to watch a movie.

  I didn’t understand why Hunter was jealous of him. Sure, Bennett was a good looking guy, but he wasn’t trying anything on me. He was just being nice and looking after me. Also, I was pretty sure about him having a girlfriend. He got a few messages from someone with the name Ellis and next to the name there was a heart. Another reason why I felt comfortable around him.

  We didn’t talk much, but when we did, it all came easy and didn’t feel forced at all. And as time went by, I felt tiredness come over me and I was ready to go to bed. It was past eleven, and Jagger said they would be back around midnight, yet I wasn’t sure I could stay awake until they were home. So, I closed my eyes and didn’t mind the fact that I was about to fall asleep on the couch.

  I felt my body relax and I knew I was going to be out in some minutes but when Bennett’s phone rang, I was suddenly wide awake, and I sat up again to look at him. He took the call and kept his eyes on the TV.

  “Drew, what’s new?” Bennett asked his partner. Having a job like theirs must be boring. Just sitting in their car and observing someone for hours sounded dull to me. But then, they probably also had other tasks to do.

  “Are you sure?” Bennett looked at me, slightly concerned. I straightened my back, knowing they were talking about something Dean-related.

  “All right. Keep an eye on him. I’ll be right there.” He hung up and got up from the couch, tapping on his phone. “You need to stay here. I’ll lock you in so nothing’s gonna happen. I’ll call Jagger to let him know you’ll be home alone.”

  I didn’t understand what he was trying to achieve at that moment, so I gave him a confused look and got up as well. “What is going on?” I asked, watching him lift his phone to his ear. He then looked at me and his serious expression told me that he didn’t have much time to discuss it with me.

  “Dean is at Frankie’s Diner and he’s about to go inside.” I furrowed my brows, wondering why Dean was at my workplace when he probably knew I wasn’t there.

  “Jagger,” Bennett said into the phone, his eyes on mine again. “We got a situation with Dean at Frankie’s. Drew’s watching him but Dean’s about to walk inside. I’m headed over there.” He paused and listened to what Jagger was saying, then nodded. “All right, I’ll take her with me and meet you guys there. Hurry.” He once again hung up the phone and sighed, shaking his head in disagreement.

  “It’s not safe for you there, but your brother wants you there so Hunter can take you to his place while we handle Dean.”

  I nodded, in my mind thanking my brother for his great idea not to let me here all alone.

  ***

  Hunter

  That son of a bitch was lucky Harlow and I weren’t working tonight, or else I was sure I couldn’t keep from hurting him. He crossed the line once by following us around like a mad man. And he crossed it twice, now that he was walking into the diner with his dirty clothes on. Jagger and I arrived at the diner just five minutes after Bennett had called. Luckily, we were just driving back home, and I had informed Frankie about Dean. They knew each other personally; both grew up here in Hastings. I told Frankie to be careful, since Dean probably had a gun on him, but Frankie just laughed it off and shot back with: “I got one too.”

  We were now standing behind our parked cars with Drew, Bennett’s partner, and Jagger was looking through Drew’s binoculars to get a better view of what was happening inside.

  “I’m gonna kill that motherfucker,” he mumbled, and the tension could be seen all over his body. He was angry and ready to burst, but he couldn’t do that until Harlow got here with Bennett and I would take her home with me. Harlow didn’t need to see whatever was going to happen.

  “Easy, brother. Dean looks lost. Probably outta his mind,” I told him. I heard a car drive up next to us and I turned to see Harlow get out with fear in her eyes. I met her halfway and pulled her into my arms. “Hey, sweetheart,” I whispered, holding her close to my body. She didn’t say a word, instead, she hugged me tighter, letting me know that she was scar
ed.

  “It’s okay. They’ll take care of him. I’ll take you home where you’re safe.” Harlow shook her head at my plan and backed up so she could get a glimpse of the diner.

  “Frankie is in there,” she said and gazed up at Jagger. “He needs to get out of there. Everyone needs to get out of there!” Her voice grew louder, and I could tell by the shaking in her voice that she was about to cry.

  “We got it under control, Low. Go home with Hunter,” Jagger told her and kept his eyes on Dean.

  “Shit,” Drew mumbled while keeping the binoculars he was now looking through directed on the diner.

  “We gotta get in there. He’s got a gun,” he added and then looked at Bennett with a nod.

  “Take her home!” Jagger roared at me and I grabbed Harlow’s wrist to pull her to my car. She didn’t move and tried to free herself from my grip.

  “Harlow, get in the fucking car,” I said in a calm but harsh voice which didn’t seem to bother her at all. She kept on struggling and tried to get my hand off her with her free hand.

  “Hunter, now!” Jagger shouted, and just like Bennett and Drew, he grabbed his gun and unlocked it so he was ready to shoot if necessary.

  “Harlow,” I warned again but she kept on resisting, tears now rolling down her face.

  “I can’t just leave!” she argued, and I was about to lose my patience. Bennett and Drew were already walking up to the diner and Jagger turned to us, wrapping his hand around Harlow’s neck so she had to look up at him. He looked mad and I was damn close to telling him not to lay a hand on her like that. But then, Harlow was being stubborn in a dangerous situation and I wasn’t having it, just like Jagger.

  “I got this under control, goddammit! You need to listen to me and go with Hunter.” His words were full of anger and I knew he wasn’t just about to get Dean arrested. Jagger had other things in mind.