Beep…. Beep…. Beep….
“Yep.” He grinned, bringing a green apple to his mouth and taking a crunchy hunk out of it. That explains why he smells like a produce section. “He’s back alright. Glad to see getting shot for the first time didn’t affect your mood.”
Isaac quietly opened the door and stepped into the room, carrying two white mugs. He passed one off to Manny and joined him at the side of the bed. “How are you feeling?” he asked softly.
Beep. Beep. Beep. My voice was stronger the second time around. “Like I got run over by a bus. Oh, and shot. I’ll be better if someone can mute that fucking noise.”
Isaac pressed a button and the sound blessedly went away. He held a finger up to his mouth. “I’ve got you, but you might want to keep it down.”
My eyes narrowed. “Why?”
A half smile formed and he tipped his head. I followed his indication towards the darkest corner of the room where even the light from the large window wasn’t reaching. It took me a few moments for my eyes to focus, but when they did, emotion caught in my throat.
Sylvia was curled up in a large chair, sleeping soundly, a fluffy blanket covering everything but her face. The blood on her skin was gone and she made a soft, little sound as she shifted that I wanted to trap and hold onto. I wished I could see more of her, both for selfish reasons and to know if she was injured.
“She’s fine,” Isaac said, guessing my thoughts. “You’ve been here overnight so this is the first time she’s slept in however many hours, and she’s been busy as hell staring holes in everyone who comes through to check on you. She turned one nurse into a trembling mess without speaking a word.” I smiled. Sounds like her. “A bullet grazed her thigh and she’s a bit banged up but I think most of that might be from trying to get your big ass back up to the main house.”
“She got me out?”
“Most of the way,” said Manny. “Raze’s recklessness managed to work out for us. He spotted some of the runners coming back in through a window and followed them. Once they were taken care of, he started sweeping through upstairs and found your girl trying to drag you out into the hall.”
I processed what he was saying, then focused on the important bit. “He carried me out?” My head fell back onto the pillows propping me up and I stared at the ceiling. “Great. He’s going to hold that over my head for eternity. What else is there? Have we heard from Rockwell?”
Isaac grinned fiercely. “Resounding success. They seized enough weapons, drugs, and cash to make your head spin. We’ve done it, finally. The backbone of the Cartel throughout the state is shattered. They’ve lost so many holdings the odds of recovering from it are nearly impossible, and they won’t be getting the chance to try it either way. Creed has every chapter on the warpath, running down any traces still remaining.”
“Is that where Raze is?” It galled me to admit it, but I did owe him a thank you. Isaac and Manny shared a look and my mood slipped. “He made it out with us, right?”
Manny took a last bite from his apple and threw the rest in the trash. “He came by earlier and Sylvia kicked us out.” She did? They listened? “I don’t know what was said but he left looking like he was headed for the electric chair.”
“Creed recalled him,” a soft voice said. We turned at the same time, finding Sylvia sitting up, eyes at half-mast but awake all the same.
“Sorry we woke you,” said Manny. She shrugged and I looked on, wondering when this had become the twilight zone.
My fingers clenched. Well, the fingers of my right hand anyway. The left wasn’t good for much more than a weak wriggle. “Recalled,” I repeated. “What does that mean, exactly?”
She glanced out the window then back, gaze roaming over my brothers and I. “I spoke up on his behalf, but the whole reason I came here was because things weren’t running as they should. This was a huge victory, and Creed knows you were responsible for it. But facts are facts. Raze chose to be loyal to you over him.” She shook her head before continuing on in a voice gone firm. “Oaths were taken. Oaths were broken. Debts must be paid.”
Isaac shifted on his feet. “That’s...concerning.”
Her eyes found mine. “He knew the consequences from day one. For what it's worth, I can say with confidence that he won't be harmed in any permanent way. And I've asked Tone to look out for him if he can as well."
I sat on that for a moment. "So they're all back in Oakdale."
"Except me."
"Except you," I echoed as that sank in.
"On that note," said Manny. He grabbed Isaac by the shoulder and hustled him towards the door. "We've got lots of loose ends to start tying up. Don't forget about what I said in the gym, hermano. Think vacation."
They were gone in the next breath, leaving me alone with my woman. I immediately extended the hand I could move. "Come here."
"The drugs they've got you on are probably keeping the pain at bay, but you do remember getting shot, don't you?"
My fingers beckoned. "Diosa. Come. Here."
Sighing to try and hide the slight smirk I could still make out, she got to her feet. She tossed the blanket on the chair behind her as she made her way to me, revealing sweatpants and a hoodie that absolutely hung off her frame. Because they were mine. My chest warmed, then she was taking my hand and all was almost right in my world.
"Up."
Her brows rose at my tone and I grinned.
"Please."
"You’re seriously going to pull the please card?" I didn't think she was waiting for an answer so I said nothing. Sylvia squeezed my hand before carefully hoisting herself up and into the bed. She watched me closely as she tucked herself against my side, and it took an Olympic effort to keep the pain of being jostled from flashing across my face. I knew if she saw so much as a hint of it, she would get down.
I would've rather taken another bullet than given up the feel of her soft curves molding against my body. Her warm breath fluttering against my neck. Her crisp, clean scent wrapping me in a comfortable cocoon.
My lips found the top of her head and she curled closer to me, arm gently going over my middle. "So, not only did you not leave the city, but I hear you've been keeping a vigil at my bedside for longer than a full day."
"This is going to go to your head, isn't it?"
Absolutely.
"Probably. Although It should be easy enough to keep my ego in check. You've saved me how many times now? I'm starting to lose track."
"It isn't about keeping score. Besides, you saved me too."
"Really? I know I lost a fair amount of blood, but I distinctly remember you pulling all our asses out of the fire on multiple occasions."
She propped herself up on an elbow, staring down at me intently. "I'm not just talking about last night," she said softly. "I mean…everything. You. Us. This." The hand on my stomach moved up, careful fingers tracing along my neck, over my chin, across the rest of my face. I luxuriated beneath her touch, relaxing into it. "You made it possible for me to close the last door into my past, but there's more to it."
"Before you set this thing in motion between us, I was an empty shell, running off hate and violence and the need to take it out on those who wronged me. Sure, it kept me going through the motions, but that was all I was doing. All I planned to do until I took my last breath. Then you happened."
Her eyes were shining and I squeezed her hip. "Sylvia-" She shook her head and my mouth snapped shut.
"You came strolling in with that infuriating smirk and you challenged me at every turn, knowing I wouldn't be able to back down." A single tear escaped and I watched it roll down her cheek. "For God's sake, you pretty much dared me to share a meal with you and dangled your own livelihood like bait. And it worked." She laughed in disbelief and I wasn't sure I had ever heard a more perfect sound. "It wasn't long before you had given me enough to destroy you. I could've sent a single text and it would've been over with."
"But you didn't."
Her lips turned u
p, even as another tear fell. "I didn't. Because before I truly realized it, those empty, missing pieces were coming back to me. You touched me, and I didn't want to run. You spoke to me, and I spoke freely in return. You loved and worshipped me, and as my feelings for you continued to grow, there wasn't room for the hate."
She sniffled and stared at the ceiling, dashing wetness away with her sleeves. Then she took a deep breath and let it out on a shuddering exhale. "When I spoke to Creed, he offered me something I had always wanted. Free reign to travel the state, hunting any leftover members of the Cartel like the animals they were. But I turned him down. I want to be more than violence. I want to be yours."
I growled and forced every bit of strength into my body that I could in order to haul her on top of me in one motion. The exertion left me lightheaded and winded, but it was worth it to feel her as close as I could possibly have her. She rolled her eyes while she adjusted so that she straddled me, and the light playing across her features made my goddess glow.
"You are mine." I grabbed her left hand with my right, linking our fingers together. There would be a ring there, one day soon. One bright enough to reach to the heavens and let the firmaments themselves know I had claimed one of their own. "That's all I've wanted for as long as I can remember. And I'm yours. Heart, body and soul. I love you and I wouldn't have it any other way."
She smiled down at me, the picture of perfection, exhaustion and all. "Good, because I plan on keeping you. You saved me from a life that wasn't a life and the places it would've led. For that and so much more, I love you so much that I can barely stand it."
I waited for the machine I was hooked up to to start beeping again. I was sure my heart must’ve stopped. It had to. But nothing else changed. If this was the afterlife, I was sure I could deal.
My own smile was hurting my cheeks. "You wouldn't happen to have your white board with you, would you? I might need to get that last part written down."
Her body shook silently as she grinned down at me. "Lord, give me patience to deal with this man." She spread herself across me and I swear our hearts beat in sync. "But don't worry, warlord," she whispered against my ear. "I'll be sure to tell you again. And again. And again…"
CHAPTER 33 - Sylvia
One month later
"Now listen up!" I raised my voice to grab their attention and waited for five sets of eyes to turn my way. "Can anyone tell me what today was about?"
The row of heavy bags along the back wall swayed from recent use while my eyes traveled over the small assembly in front of me. They sat in a semi-circle on the black, rubber mats covering the floor, catching their breath. Erin was the only one who didn't look like death warmed over as she removed her fingerless sparring gloves and captured the hairs escaping from her blonde ponytail. I couldn't say the same about the rest of them.
Joy and her sister, Carmeron, were laid out with their eyes closed, chests heaving. Maya and Maddie from the salon were taking turns either glaring at me or looking at each other like they were questioning what they had signed up for. Apparently, no one had listened when I said this wasn't going to be easy.
I ran a hand absently over my scalp as I waited for them to have enough oxygen in their lungs to form words. I was starting to get used to having the mohawk gone, but being nearly bald hadn't worked for me either. Maybe an inch or two of soft platinum covered my head now.
I hadn't decided if I wanted to let it grow out farther or not. I was inclined not to though. Carlos seemed fascinated by it at this length, taking every opportunity he could to massage and play with it. Why change something my man and I both clearly benefited from?
Erin cleared her throat daintily, which shouldn't be possible. "Can you not daydream about our boy when I'm in the room? He's like my brother, so it makes it kind of sketchy."
"I wasn't-" Her lips pursed and I saw the trap I was about to fall into. Nope, we weren't going there again. "Since you're the first one capable of speech, how about telling us what the purpose of today was?"
Joy snickered and I shot her a quelling look.
"Torture," said Erin, raising a finger as she listed items. "Cardio, which is also torture. Working off those two donuts I ate right before. Oh, and giving all of us an excuse to go get our nails redone." She put her hand down and crossed her legs, looking very proud of herself.
If we hadn't become so close since she helped me buy this studio in the heart of downtown, I would've been more upset. As it was, I really didn't have much to complain about. I was only set up a few blocks away from everything I might need. Coffee shop, a pizza place, antique weapons gallery. The latter of which I managed to limit myself to one visit per week, and I hadn't bought too much from there.
Just a halberd set, inlaid with purple feathers to hang over the front door. Along with framed throwing stars of a dozen varieties decorating the parts of the wall not dedicated to murals of cherry blossom trees. And there were a few swords and knives displayed here and there but at least nothing dangerous was hanging from the ceiling.
Yet.
More importantly, Carlos's office was equally as close by. So yes, Erin was in my good graces and would remain there for the foreseeable future. Or at least until she started lamenting, again, over how buff and sexy Manny was but not really because he was the biggest man whore on the planet and a complete asshat. Her words, not mine. Though I did agree with the asshat comment.
"Today was a test of our general fitness," said Maya.
I inclined my head respectfully, ignoring the eye roll from the woman beside her. Their attendance was a bit of a mystery to me, given our interactions since the less than stellar introductions had been on the frostier side of friendly. I had a good feeling Erin was at the bottom of it. A feeling only helped along by her obvious attempt at watching the interaction casually. But it wasn't like I was unhappy to have them here either.
These first few weeks were going to be a closed trial run before Erin started inviting the dozen or so people she'd already lined up. Better to get used to the mean looks now, while I could, so I knew how to maintain my composure. Threatening to hurt potential clients would probably be counterproductive to what I was hoping to achieve.
My eyes swept the room again, brow raised. “She's exactly right. So, second question. Does anyone think they passed?” A hand started going up. “Does anyone not named Erin think they passed?” The hand went back down. “Good, because none of you did. It was a half mile jog, ladies. Followed by a minute of bag work. You should've been able to do that much with your eyes closed.”
Cameron made a long, whining noise, twisting back and forth on the floor. “I hate running. I learned how to forge my mom's signature just to get out of running in school.”
“Seriously,” said her sister, blowing away a tuft of brown hair stuck to her face. “When do we get to the part where we learn to stab things and do ninja flips and bend silly boys into uncomfortable positions?”
Patience is a virtue, I reminded myself. But seriously?
“Ninja flips?” Joy had the grace to look away, cheeks flushing. I fought back a grin. “Nevermind. To answer the relevant part of your question, none of you will be learning anything but discipline until I say otherwise.”
“Laaaaaame,” five voices called simultaneously.
My easy mood vanished, fingers clenching. The soft approach wasn't going to work. They must have sensed the shift in me, or maybe my expression had given it away, because the soft laughter tapered off, dying a quick death.
I began pacing around them, forcing them to turn their heads to keep me in their line of vision. When my voice came again, it was the blade sharp version I used to command killers and thieves. “Let's get a few things straight.” They all flinched, shifting nervously. “Whatever else we might be outside these walls is irrelevant. When you're here, on my time, I'm not your friend. Is that understood?”
Silence greeted me, no one daring to speak up. Progress. “I said. Is. That. Understood?”
&
nbsp; Overlapping voices gave answer, “Yes!”
“When I ask questions, I expect an answer. When I tell you to do something, I want you to do it without the added moaning and groaning. If you can't handle it, you know where the exit is.” I waited a beat. No one moved. “This isn't going to be some little club hangout. I won't pass on what I know to people I don't trust to be responsible with it.”
“Whether we like it or not, we're naturally weaker than our male counterparts.” A few heads nodded. Maya bit down on her lip hard enough I thought she would break the skin before Maddie patted her thigh. “Finding an escape route and taking it should always be your first priority, but that won't always be possible. And in those situations where it isn't, a kick to the balls isn't always going to be effective. So I'm going to go beyond that.”
I stopped in front of them again, and I was glad to see the resolve looking back at me.
“When I decide you're ready, I'm going to show each of you how to disable an attacker. Permanently.” Bodies shifted nervously. I paused, letting that truth sink in. “You'll know how to break bones, gouge eyes, even kill if you're left with no other choice. Because knowing how might save your lives, and in my book, survival is what truly matters.”
I was a testament to that particular brand of truth. For a long, long time, survival at any cost was all I knew. I didn't regret it. Clinging to life by the edge of a blade had gotten me far enough to where I could relax my white knuckle grip. But I wanted to spare them that trial.
Knowing back then what I know now could've seen a lot of lives spared. I wasn't sure I believed that everything happens for a reason. Nor did it really matter.
If passing on what Creed had given me could spare one soul from a similar or worse tragedy, I would do it gladly. Erin raised a hand again, drawing me back to the present. “Go for it,” I said.
Saved by a Sinner Page 34
