The meeting disbands, and the other board members disappear through the door. I marginally relax.
“I am glad we could resolve our differences, Harlow,” Sinner says, coming up alongside me. “It will help with Giana.”
“You do know she wants nothing more to do with you?” I say. “And that’s all on you.”
“I can be very persuasive when I need to be.” He flashes me a shit-eating grin, and I want to slash it to pieces with my knife.
All the blood drains from my face. “Leave her alone, Neo.”
“Can’t do that, sweetheart. I miss her. Need her. And she needs me too.”
Yeah, no she doesn’t.
He pats my arm, and I jerk back out of his reach. “I highly doubt that.”
He grins, and his usual devious expression is firmly planted on his face.
Goose bumps prickle on my arms, and I sit up straighter in my chair.
“That’s where you’re wrong, daughter-in-law. If she doesn’t miss me, doesn’t need me, why did she agree to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
CHAPTER 24
“HE’S LYING,” I say after Sinner has exited the room, leaving us alone with Bry. We’re standing at the end of the table, reeling from that little bomb Sinner just dropped. “She wouldn’t go back. Not after he did that to her.” I power on my burner cell and dial Mom’s number, chewing on my lip in agitation as I listen to the ringtone. It rings out, so I call again, but she doesn’t pick up, and I’m not feeling the warm fuzzies.
“What the fuck was that back there?” Bry blurts, glaring at Saint.
“I improvised,” Saint drawls, returning his glare. “And what difference does it make? You’re one of us now.”
“Or are you?” Galen asks, plucking the cell phone from my fingers and ending my fourth unanswered call.
“Don’t start with this bullshit again,” Bry hisses, running a hand back and forth across the top of his cropped hair. “I think I’ve more than proven myself at this point.”
“So, you shouldn’t care if we blow The Arrows supply warehouse to kingdom come then,” Caz says, smoothing my furrowed brow with his thumbs.
“I care because they’ll fucking know they have a mole and they’ll come after me and my family.”
“We’ll protect your family,” Saint says. “Unless that’s not what you’re really worried about.”
Bry pushes himself all up in Saint’s face. “Say what you fucking mean, asshole.”
Saint shoves him back a couple steps. “Get the fuck out of my face.”
Bry reclaims the space, pushing his chest against Saint’s. “We’re supposed to be a team,” he says through gritted teeth. “We should’ve discussed it first.”
“Improvisation means spontaneous, asshole,” Saint retorts, pushing him back again.
“I know what the word means!” Bry hisses, and his fists clench at his side, his biceps rippling as he prepares to let his fists fly.
I slide in between them. “That is enough.” I eyeball them, warning them to back the fuck down. I drill a hole in Bry’s face. “Saint is our leader, and we don’t get to question his decisions or his motivations. We will protect your family, but if there’s more to this, you need to tell us right now.”
“Like you told me your plans to get married?”
“That’s got nothing to do with this, Bry.”
“The hell it doesn’t.” He steps back, rubbing his temples. “You say we’re a team, but we’re not. I’m still on the outskirts. I’m always on the fucking outskirts, and I’m sick of it.” He throws his hands in the air. “Fuck this. I’m out of here.” He stomps off before I can stop him, leaving me wondering what the hell just went down.
“What the fuck is his problem?” Caz asks.
“I don’t know, but I still don’t trust him,” Saint says.
“He’s hiding something,” Galen agrees.
“He more or less admitted that to me one time,” I remind them.
“We should go.” Theo threads his fingers in mine, casting a none too subtle glance at the camera mounted in the corner of the room.
We walk silently out of the room and out of the building, and no one speaks until we’re back in the car. I sit in the back, in between Theo and Caz again, and Theo kneads my tense shoulders. “If Giana’s not picking up, call Diesel. See if he can find out what’s going on,” he suggests.
“I already sent him a text,” I confirm. “Because he didn’t answer my call either.” I stare at Saint through the mirror. “Please tell me she isn’t this stupid.”
Saint shoots me a sympathetic look. “Their relationship has always been fucked up. Maybe Dad said it to piss you off, or maybe it’s true. You need to prepare yourself for that.”
“She’s dead to me if she takes him back. I mean that. I’m done with her if she has such little self-preservation.”
“Let’s just wait until we have the facts,” Theo coaxes, pressing a kiss to my cheek as he continues massaging my shoulders, while Caz holds my hand in his warm, large palm, offering me silent support.
We ditch Ashley’s party, heading straight back to the barn, because we’re no longer in the mood. Instead, we settle in front of the fire, attempting to watch a movie as we drink some beers. But I can’t stop my brain from working overtime, and I need to be doing something to distract me. “I’m going to work out for a while,” I say, putting my beer bottle down.
“Is that wise?” Theo asks. “You’re still healing.”
I wish I could indulge in some vigorous kickboxing, as I really need to hit something, but Theo is right. My ribs are still sore, and it’d only risk further injury.
One of the first things Diesel taught me as a kid is that you’re no use to anyone, least of all yourself, if you’re not in prime physical condition. I’ve been slacking these past couple months. There’s been little downtime to work out in our home gym or to attend my usual weekly kickboxing class, and I’m feeling the effects. As soon as my ribs are healed, I’m getting in better shape. Although I’ve zero desire to return to my kickboxing classes now that my bestie is gone. I met Sariah there, and I can’t go back without her. All it would do is serve to highlight her loss, and I’m struggling as it is.
I’ll have to make do with our home gym and joining the guys on runs. And maybe I can convince Diesel to train with me again.
“I’ll just do some light running,” I reassure Theo, because I can manage that much. Hopefully, it will help to burn off some of this restless frustration.
“I’ll come with,” Galen supplies. “I need to rebuild my stamina and my strength.”
We change into training clothes, making our way outside to the smaller structure that houses the gym and recreational area. We run amicably side by side on treadmills, and I stare into the woods beyond the wide windows as I push my limbs faster, not really seeing the forest, because my brain refuses to switch off. I run until sweat plasters strands of hair to my brow and trickles down my spine and my legs feel like they might go out from under me.
“Here,” Galen says, leaning over the arm of my treadmill, holding out a bottle of water to me. I didn’t even realize he had stopped running. He uses his training top to wipe sweat from his face, tossing it on the floor before guzzling water. I watch his throat work, and it’s hot as fuck. Desire coils in my belly, and I switch off my treadmill, leaning back against it as I quench my thirst, never taking my eyes off my sexy husband.
“You keep looking at me like that and I’ll be balls deep inside you before you can blink.”
I lick my lips, recapping my water bottle and sliding it into the cup holder. “Is that a promise?” I arch a brow, pushing damp strands of hair off my face.
Galen’s dark chuckle reverberates through me, and a delicious shiver ghosts over my skin. “Damn fucking straight.” He grabs me off the machine, throwing me over his shoulder.
I admire his tight ass from this angle as he strides across the space before setting me down and pushing me
up against the wall. His lips descend on mine, and he plunges his tongue into my mouth while his hips pin me to the wall. The feel of his big erection pressing against my pussy through my thin yoga pants turns me frenzied, and I claw at his back while I wrap one leg around his waist, thrusting my core against his cock.
He growls into my mouth before ripping my pants and panties away. Shoving his shorts to his ankles, he lifts my other leg until I’m snugly wrapped around his waist, at the perfect angle, and he pushes inside me in one hard move.
We fuck like savages against the wall, clawing, biting, and bruising one another, and I can’t get enough.
This. This is what I needed to distract me.
“Harder, my dark prince,” I rasp, biting his lower lip and drawing blood. “Deeper. Rougher.” I cry out as he slams into me with force, but it’s still not enough. “More,” I demand, digging my nails into his shoulders as his lips fasten on my neck and he sucks hard.
Galen pushes me on all fours on the floor, entering me from behind in one swift thrust, and I scream as he pushes in so deep I see stars.
“Yes.” I whimper as he drapes himself over me, pounding his cock inside me while he squeezes and tweaks my nipples. When his hands move lower and he viciously rubs my clit, I explode around him, gripping his cock tight as he spills his seed inside me.
“Fuck.” Galen pulls out, flopping flat on the floor, pulling me into his side. His chest heaves, and air gushes from his lungs in exaggerated spurts. “I always feel like I’ve just gone ten rounds in the ring with Mike Tyson after we fuck.”
“Is that a bad thing?” I ask, genuinely curious, because I’ve always felt he gets off on the pain the same way I do.
“Fuck no.” His tongue darts out, licking a spot of blood on my lip. “Never. Sex with you is literally out of this world.”
“I love fucking you,” I admit. “I love fucking all of you.”
“We’ve noticed.” He smirks, and I tweak his nipple.
I make swirly patterns on his stomach with my finger while contemplating my next words. I promised Theo I wouldn’t interfere, but that was before I realized Saint and Galen are aware of the attraction between him and Caz. Now, I’m curious. “I know you’ve noticed about Caz and Theo,” I admit, wanting to see what he says. “Why haven’t you or Saint said anything?”
He tightens his arm around me, pressing a kiss into my hair. “It’s not our business, and we’re not exactly the touchy-feely type.”
“It doesn’t bother you?” I ask, propping up on one elbow so I’m looking into his face.
“Nope. It might change the dynamic, but we’ll deal with it if that happens.”
Warmth spreads across my chest, and I rest my head on his arm, kissing the underside of his prickly jawline. “I love how you guys support each other, no matter what. It’s beautiful to behold.”
“If we don’t have each other’s backs, we’ve got nothing. We realized that a long time ago.” He toys with my hair as my lips trail up and down his neck, sending a rake of shivers firing in all directions.
“I promised I wouldn’t interfere, but I think it would help Theo to know you and Saint support him.”
“I’ll see what Saintly says,” Galen promises, cupping my face and forcing my chin up. “You make everything better, angel. I hope you know that.”
“I feel the same way about you guys.” I peer into his loving green eyes. “You’re my only family now.”
I’m not sure what he sees in my face, but he kisses me softly, pulling me in closer to his sexy body. “Don’t write your mom off yet. We don’t know anything other than Sinner is completely fucked in the head.”
“I know she’s avoiding me. I’ve called her a ton of times now, and she hasn’t called me back.”
“I know what it’s like to think the worst, but Giana isn’t like my mom.”
“How is Alisha?” I ask. “Have you heard from her since your last visit?” Galen dropped in to see her the day after we returned from the cabin, but he was fairly tight-lipped afterward.
“She’s not good.” He sighs, nuzzling his nose in my neck. “And I’m running out of patience.” He buries his face in my neck, exhaling heavily.
I run my hand up and down his arm, my fingers lingering on the defined contours of his upper arms. “No one would blame you for that or fault you for all the ways you have loved and cared for her.”
“I told Mrs. Murphy I’d come for dinner on Sunday, but I’m dreading it, because I never know what state I’ll find her in.”
“I’ll come with,” I offer. “If you like.”
He lifts his head, staring into my face. “You don’t have to.”
“I want to.” I make a note to message the gardener to see if he can get the maze finished by then.
“Okay.” He visibly relaxes.
“You should ask me more.” I sit up as a cool breeze whips across my skin. “We’re a team in every part of our lives, and I want to be there for you.”
“I’m not very good at asking for help,” he admits, wincing a little when he sits upright.
I stand, extending my hand to help him up. “I’ve noticed.” I grin as I pull him to his feet. “But get used to it. Because you’re stuck with me now.”
CHAPTER 25
MOM FINALLY RETURNS my call the following morning, and we have an epic argument over the phone when she admits she is meeting Sinner for dinner tonight. “Do you have a fucking death wish, Mom?” I hiss.
Behind me, the guys are silently setting the table for breakfast, sharing troubled looks as I screech down the phone.
“He’s truly apologetic, and I at least owe him the opportunity to have his say.”
“Are you insane?” I yell. “You owe him nothing. He tied you up and raped you with his buddies. In what universe is that okay?”
“I’m not saying it’s okay. I just want to hear him out.”
“Have you considered it could be a trap?” I pace the floor, so enraged I could scream. “Do you know how many times he’s threatened your life?” She doesn’t, because I’ve never admitted it fully, but I’m done holding back.
Mom was safe.
Hidden with protection someplace where he couldn’t hurt her and he couldn’t use her against me anymore.
If she goes back, she will undo everything. “He could kill you, Mom!”
“He won’t get the chance,” she snaps, as if she can outwit him. “We are meeting in a public place for a reason. I’m not as naïve as you seem to think I am.”
“I can’t support this. I won’t.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Good, because I won’t be there if you choose to throw your life away by getting back with that fucking psycho, and he is a psycho, Mom. That’s why he’s so dangerous.”
“I know how to handle Sinner.”
No, she doesn’t, or she wouldn’t have ended up tied to a sex sling in our basement, abused, bruised, and bleeding.
“You know what, Mom. I can’t do this anymore. Do what you like. It’s clear my opinion counts for nothing.” I hang up before she can reply, throwing the burner cell at the wall as I scream in sheer frustration.
I drop to my knees, burying my face in my hands.
“Hey.” Theo’s voice is soft as he kneels beside me, scooping me into his arms. “We’ll follow her. Keep an eye on her and make sure she’s safe.”
“How?” I ask, looking into his eyes. They are more brown than green today, and I can see the little amber ring around the edge from this proximity.
“Diesel placed a tracker on her new cell phone. We can go there and watch to ensure he doesn’t hurt her.”
“We can’t.” I shake my head. “The mole is meeting The Arrows tonight. We’ve got to be there. We might not get another chance.”
“We could always split up,” Caz suggests as he walks by carrying a pot of coffee.
“We could,” Saint says. “But separating makes me nervous. It’s better if we stick together. We could
ask Diesel or his brother to follow your mom, and I could send a couple guys as well?”
“Let me check with Diesel,” I say, climbing to my feet. I run to the bedroom, grabbing a new burner cell from my stash, and call my trainer-slash-friend. This time, he answers straightaway.
“You okay?” he asks, and his tone is a little off.
“Yes. I’m just worried about Mom.”
“I heard.” He sighs.
“She can’t meet him, Diesel. He’s too unpredictable.”
“It’s too late. She’s already left the place she was staying at with Lincoln.”
“For fuck’s sake. Ugh.” I press my forehead against the wall. “Couldn’t you stop her?” I lean over the railing, noticing the guys sitting down, so I walk out of the bedroom and down the stairs with the phone pressed to my ear.
“She’s not a prisoner, Lo. I went over there last night when I got your message, and I tried talking to her, but she refused to listen. She’s not thinking clearly right now, but neither I nor Lincoln could get through to her.”
“I’m worried about her. Plus this could fuck everything up. He’ll use her against me again. This is only going to make everything ten times harder.”
“I know.” His tired sigh trickles down the line.
I slide onto a seat beside Saint, and his hand automatically goes to my thigh. “We have that mole meeting tonight, so we can’t shadow Mom. Could you or Lincoln watch her?” Theo loads my plate with food as I talk.
“It’s already arranged with Lincoln. I have somewhere I must be, but I’m on standby if I’m needed.”
“Saint said he could send a couple guys with Lincoln if you like.”
“I’ve got it handled.” His tone is sharper than usual, and it throws me for a second.
Awkward silence pervades.
“What is it?” I ask, and Saint lifts his eyes to mine, his brow puckering as he listens to one side of the conversation.
“Were you even going to tell me?” Diesel asks, softening his tone this time.
I open my mouth to ask what when it clicks. Shit. I should’ve known he’d find out. “Of course. But I was hoping to tell you face to face.”
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