HAVOC

by Debra Anastasia

  Then Nix used the information from Albany’s two cell phones that we had to listen in on a few of her contacts.

  Albany was more desperate for T than she was me. The time T had spent listening to Albany had shaken her. Gave her a taste of someone giving an actual shit about her.

  Nix placed some bait in Albany’s Facebook profile. Tips on where T might be. He used the algorithm they had to put pictures of girls that looked like T in the advertisements. Then he started suggesting T as a friend under a fake profile we’d made for her.

  It showed how little Albany actually knew about T, that my girl liked to keep things close to her vest. She’d never post how her lunch tasted on a social network.

  Nix tracked it as Albany stalked T’s fake page for a few days. Eventually, she requested T as a friend.

  We all traded fist bumps. Of course, we could’ve gone up to Canada and popped her, but we wanted vengeance, not just revenge.

  T started flirting with Albany in private messages, asking for forgiveness for leaving. She let her know that I was being a huge dick and Nix was moving against her. Just enough to get Albany on a plane.

  When the day arrived to meet Albany, we all went to the airport to wait for her private jet.

  When Albany touched down and descended in a thick white coat and glasses, Merck and his men were waiting.

  We had handed them so much evidence of Albany working to establish a new illegal drug in America, he was able to arrest her on the spot.

  I think Nix, T, and I all had twitchy trigger fingers when we saw her face.

  I made sure to make eye contact with Albany. When I had her attention, I dipped T into a kiss and we both shot her middle fingers while we made out.

  The resulting media hellfire for Breston affected their stock deeply. Just as Albany’s arrest was hitting the news waves, reports about the things we’d planted against Breston started to trickle out. Within two weeks, Breston was the top headline in the news. And the bonus? No one was hurt while we destroyed their reputation. Now, they had enough money to fix it. They had billions upon billions to pour into congressional and media pockets.

  We had choices to make. The Feybi side of the business was far too risky to keep in the loop. As much as I hated to have them be official opposition to the Kaleotos and my crew, we sliced our relations. The danger was maybe not more pronounced, because if we couldn’t trust them, they were of no use to us. But it was more distinct.

  They had been working with Albany against us. Had they cornered the market on a new drug, they would have demolished us.

  There was a resolution for now. And that was enough for me to smile at my girl.

  T and I could get married. We had enough stability.

  Chapter 61

  T

  I looked at the ring on my finger. He’d somehow figured out how to make his hospital bracelet from when we were kids part of the setting on my engagement ring. I shook my head and wrinkled my nose at him. We were flying to Vegas to get married. The whole crew was here. Nix, Becca, Ember, Wardon, and even Merck. We’d been through so much. To be able to have a trip where our whole focus was fun and vacation felt like a dream.

  I reached out and held Animal’s big hand. He lifted my knuckles to his mouth and kissed my ring. I was lost in his deep brown eyes.

  It was funny. As a girl and a teen, having dreams come true wasn’t something I counted on. It was survival. It was loyalty. But the way I felt about him was a secret wish. I’d pictured my wedding day with him over and over when I was outside overnight.

  He smiled at me, then looked over his shoulder, checking on his family. I snuggled against his chest after I was belted in. We had first-class seats and plenty of room. I was finding it odd how easy I could sleep with Animal next to me. He was protection. I felt him kiss the top of my head before I let my eyes stay closed for our ride.

  Just before we were wheels down in Vegas, Animal woke me by touching my cheek and then my shoulder. “T, didn’t want you to be shocked awake when we landed. Get some good rest?”

  I patted his hard chest. “Yeah, thanks. Did you sleep a little?”

  He beamed. “No, princess. I’m too excited. I get to make you my legal wife tonight.”

  I felt myself blush. He was so all about me, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was forever.

  That he could be with just one—as long as that one was me.

  We all stretched and then grabbed our bags after we got the all-clear from the attendants. Seeing Nix shocked me a bit. It took my mind a while to remember that Becca had smeared his skin with makeup for the trip. Being completely covered with tattoos was just asking for extreme pat-downs from TSA.

  Nix was handsome but somehow too plain. Too someone else. I noticed that Becca kept having to soothe Nix. He didn’t like being without his ink.

  As soon as we were by the baggage carousel, she passed him makeup wipes. We all applauded when we had the real Nix back with us. I watched as Merck kept positioning himself near Ember and Wardon. Wardon had a gigantic crush on the girl. It was obvious. Merck was clearly torn between trying to relax and wanting to bounce Wardon like a basketball.

  I felt Animal’s hair against my neck and his deep voice. “Never miss a trick, huh?”

  I turned toward his words and his ticklish mouth. “Try not to.”

  “So, I have to ask. Are we going to find out what your full name is?” Nix was visibly relaxed now. I wondered if we shouldn’t just budget in some extra time for security on the return flight so he wouldn’t have to go through the process he certainly didn’t like again.

  I shook my head. “No, why would that matter?”

  Animal put his arm around my waist. “’Cause I’m marrying you so legal and so hard that all the church bells in Nevada will be ringing their asses off.”

  Becca grabbed Nix’s hand. “You know, what happens here, stays here, so they say.”

  “Including my government name?” I pointed out the few checked baggage pieces we’d brought as they popped out onto the carousel.

  Ember stepped away from Wardon, who leaned in, trying to flirt some more. Animal and Nix went to grab the bags.

  I watched as Merck seemed out of place. He’d left his wife at home, but wasn’t sure really where he belonged. I came up next to him and tapped his shoulder. He turned to face me.

  “I know what your name is, and it’s real pretty. But it can be our secret.” Merck nodded at me with the promise.

  Animal knew my name as well, but he was a big believer in self-labeling.

  I touched his forearm, “Can I ask you a favor?”

  “Of course.” Merck bent his head like a person who was used to being the one to solve problems.

  “My mom couldn’t make it.” That was a massive understatement, but Merck knew how it was for me, from my past. “So, I don’t know who would, you know, if the chapel we go to even has one? The aisle, you know?”

  I was bungling this big ask.

  “You want me to give you away?” He squinted one eye, as if he wasn’t sure he got my request correct.

  I nodded. Maybe it was a stupid idea.

  “Absolutely. I’d be honored.” He gave me a subdued bow.

  “Thank you.” I maybe should’ve said more, but I was hoping he’d understand he had an important role in the ceremony. It wasn’t just so he could be here for Animal.

  Merck was standing in for the parents in our lives.

  Nix teased Animal, whose thunderous laughter was catching. We didn’t even need to know their joke. Everyone in our group was smiling, and a few fellow passengers were grinning as well.

  We were headed to town with a big job. Time to get all official.

  Chapter 62

  Animal

  She was with Merck and he looked pleased as hell. That was T. Silently making things better before people even knew stuff was amiss. Her watchfulness was superior. That I could love her more today than I did yesterday seemed impossible but true.

&nbs
p; Nix was thrilled for me. Apparently, he and Becca had been rooting for T and me since he’d came back from the Feybis.

  I was still dealing with some guilt for the lifestyle she’d watched me participate in. I knew she understood more than anyone. But still, I’d make it all up to her. For the rest of our lives. She’d know that she was never second best or always enough. With her, I was unafraid.

  I’d set the wedding venue up in advance. It wasn’t an Elvis or craziness theme. It was a pretty chapel, and it’d be covered in lavender, T’s favorite flower.

  It’d been amazing to watch her excitement. Beyond that, she was bashful about being the center of attention. I loved that part, too. Seeing her glow with the sudden awareness that we were all here for her. It was my wedding day, too, but it wasn’t really. This was T’s moment to shine.

  We’d need to get our papers in order first, then the whole group would separate by gender until we met up later. We were getting dressed up. I had my suit and so did my boys. After T and I had our certificate, I kissed her deeply. Becca, Ember, and Wardon were going to a hotel to prepare. Wardon was the hired gun, so he was an honorary girl, and we razzed him about it. I had a few extra security measures in place, just so T could see them and take the damn day off in her head.

  I wanted her drinking and laughing and dancing with me without the burden of trying to make sure we were safe. Just joy. That’s what today needed.

  When we parted, I got Nix and Merck to huddle up with me. I’d done something I wasn’t sure about and wanted their opinion.

  We all sat at a table. Getting food became a priority. Traveling had stirred the beast in all of us. I noticed how little attention was paid to Nix and his unusual tattoos. Vegas was ready for different, so it seemed. I liked it and wondered if Nix felt it.

  When we’d ordered, I laid it on them. “I did something, and I’m not sure if it’s a great idea.”

  Nix twirled a napkin in his fingers. “Shoot, brother.”

  “So, you both know that T’s mom isn’t, well… She has issues that are unique.” I was second-guessing my impulses. I thought back to how I’d kept Merck’s identity from Ember and how poorly that had gone. “I set up a way to live feed the wedding to her mom.”

  Merck’s face showed genuine surprise. “Oh.”

  Nix nodded. “I see why you’re stressing. T hasn’t spent time with her mom in how long?”

  “It’s been years. I’ve been working with a psychologist and a doctor. This isn’t a split-second decision. I mean, I wanted to work her mom into T’s life. There have been advances made. We have the means to keep her in comfort. I just hope. I mean, I don’t think I know better than T. And I can flip this. Only the doctors know. T’s mom has no idea. No one would be the wiser.” I tossed up my hands.

  Merck offered his opinion, “It’s a beautiful impulse, and I see why you’re torn up about it. That might be a hell of a surprise. Maybe give her the choice.”

  I waited while our food was delivered. I really wasn’t sure if I’d made the right decision. I mean, getting T’s mom more help and qualified, dedicated mental health specialists could be done without contact between T and Anastasia.

  But I wanted T to have her mom. I wanted her to have all the people she loved able to see her when I made her my wife. Merck had a point. It was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, but I didn’t want to have the concern to hang over this day.

  A wedding gift of increased help for her mom could be enough. It didn’t have to be a video broadcast.

  I lightened the mood once we were fed, and I texted T that I wanted to tell her about a few of my husband plans before we said our vows.

  She agreed to meet me in the hallway in her hotel. I hightailed it over there while Nix and Merck made sure our suits looked decent.

  I knocked gently on her hotel room door with my knuckle. T answered the door with rollers in her hair and a satin robe tied tightly around her.

  “Wife.” I pulled her into the hallway and closed the door between us and her giggling friends. I ran a hand across her flat stomach. She swayed closer to me with a moan.

  “Someday I’m filling this spot right here with little baby Animals and Ts,” I growled and nuzzled her cheek. She smelled like conditioner and a touch of perfume. I was hard thinking that her preparation was for me. Her eyes sparkled.

  “Why are you breaking the rules? You should be getting into your fancy best.” T put her arms around me.

  “I realized that I had to tell you something I’d planned for you. I hope it wasn’t a mistake, like it was when we sheltered Ember. I didn’t want to surprise you at the ceremony.” I tilted her chin up so I could look into her dark, coffee-colored eyes.

  “You’re starting to scare me. What’s up? I’ve already had a glass of champagne, so don’t make me think too much.”

  I could tell—now that she’d said it. She had a relaxed posture. Shit. My dream was her enjoying this.

  “Tell me.” She made her eyes wide.

  “I’ve been working with your mom’s doctors. Just making sure that she has the best and stuff.” I looked at her to gauge her response.

  She smiled, albeit sadly. “That’s nice of you.”

  “It’s not that you didn’t already have it set up, beautiful. I just wanted it to be over the top. She loves the house and the friends she has there, but…” I took a deep breath. “I wanted there to be a way for her to participate today, if you wanted it. So I have her therapist and her doctor in on a possible live feed, if you want your mom to see what’s going on.” I rushed in with the rest of the words, wanting her to know everything before I heard my fate.

  T patted my cheek as she sighed. “You’re thoughtful. And sweet. And I know that you’ve been in touch with the doctors, because they told me. So your big secret is less so.”

  “Okay.” I had to give her props for that.

  “I didn’t know about the live feed, though.” Instead of pulling away, she hugged me closer. “I want her here so bad. Every day. She’d love it so much. To see me in a gown.”

  And then I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but I listened anyway.

  “When I was a kid, I would pretend to be a bride with a toilet paper veil and bouquet of fake flowers. And my mom? When she was happy? She would sing the wedding march and set up any stuffed animals I had as an audience.” I watched as T’s eyes filled with moisture. “She’s really loving, you know? If she could, she’d be the best mom ever.”

  I kissed T’s nose and her chin and then her mouth. I gave her the start of the next sentence. “But…”

  “But I can’t do it to her. She’s been even for years now. On her meds. She thinks I’m still in another country, so the temptation to reach out to me is far less. They distract her. She’s been painting and gardening. She’s happy.” So much pain in T’s voice.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to make you sad. I just…”

  She covered my mouth with her hand.

  “No. That you’ve been working on this? That you remembered her? That you hope for her and me? It means the world. And I know when I miss her, I can do it with you.”

  She was so strong. Did she know? That she could forgo herself the comfort of a parent for her entire life so that her mom would be okay? Have a good day?

  “Your selflessness astounds me. My God, I love you so much.” I hugged her hard.

  She snuggled herself under my chin. “From the man that’s spent his life taking care of others.”

  Becca opened the door after knocking on it from the inside. “Hey! Put a little space between you! You all can get biblical in a few hours. T has an appointment in here, and it doesn’t include you.” She wagged her finger at me.

  T and I kissed one more time. On my way out of the hotel, I ran my hand over my mouth slowly.

  She was one hell of a woman, and I was proud of myself for locking her down.

  Chapter 63

  T

  I grinned at Merck as he waited for m
e in the foyer. Becca and Ember were already inside, and the wedding march was about to begin.

  “You are beautiful.” He wasn’t that kind of guy. He didn’t go around telling girls that, so it was sweet how he seemed shy about it.

  “Thank you again for doing this.” I hooked my arm around his elbow.

  “Animal was really excited when I told him why I was headed back here.” He angled us toward the two big doors that opened into the ceremony.

  I nodded. The doors swung open and the music filled the alcove we were in.

  Not many people were waiting on the other side, and I was thrilled. A crowd was never my favorite. Being the center of attention was my least favorite thing in the world. But for him, I’d do anything.

  I thought about my mom as I looked down at my simple, long, white dress. I had a veil, which I touched quickly. It was far from the getup we’d used to role-play when I was a girl. I whispered a short prayer about her happiness, and then I lifted my eyes to his.

  My Animal. So many years he was my first concern when I woke up in the morning. Was he hungry? Was he safe? Being connected to him kept me going when things were hopeless.

  I watched as he lost a sliver of his composure. He touched his index finger to his mouth. Nix grabbed his shoulder from behind.

  Animal was a beautiful man on any day, but in a tuxedo, he was like a model on a magazine cover.

  I only love once. Don’t forget.

  And it turned out I was right.

  Chapter 64

  Animal

  T in her white gown with her long brown hair softly curling down her back would be the most stunning image for the rest of the days I got to breathe on this planet. Her gorgeous lips painted in a gentle rose and enough makeup to highlight her beauty made the center of my chest hurt.

  This woman, who was mine long before I recognized it, made me believe that the universe wasn’t just a giant game of chance.

  When Merck offered her to me with a backslapping hug, I knew that happiness could be overwhelming.