Accepting His Home

by Ember Davis

  Troy is right behind Beckett when he breaks free of Ryder and runs toward the bathroom area. I watch his face turn to sheer horror and fear in an instant and my heart sinks. I squeeze Andrea’s fingers and we share a worried glance.

  Troy yells over his shoulder, “Walsh! On me, now!”

  I can barely hear him over the din, but Walsh instantly snaps his head in that direction and gives one more shove to the two guys fighting which causes them to fall on the floor. Then he’s across the bar in a flash. What? Walsh is a strong guy, but that shouldn’t have been so easy, not with adrenaline or whatever coursing through the two guys fighting.

  Duncan grabs one of the guys and pins him to the wall next to the hallway to the bathroom, his forearm across his throat. I watch the guy’s face register real fear. Blake is next to Beckett with Troy and Walsh right behind them as they step into the hallway. I’m too far away to hear them or see what’s going on.

  Zeke grabs the other two guys fighting near our table and holds them on either side of him, his arms stretched out and his fingers twisted in the collars of their jackets. They look like two kids being separated by their teacher and that thought almost makes me laugh. I’m not sure if it’s my nerves getting the better of me, but this whole thing feels so fucking ridiculous.

  Grayson and Ryder take off out of the bar entrance and that’s when I know, without anyone saying anything, that something horrible has happened. The sinking feeling I’ve been trying to ignore almost takes me under.

  Andrea squeezes my fingers and when I look at her there are tears are in her eyes. She whispers, “He must have her.”

  I start shaking my head and I’m about to reassure her when the two guys Walsh knocked on the ground get up, shake hands and grin at each other.

  What the fuck?!? I’ve only seen a few fights in my life, but I’ve never seen two guys fighting stand up and basically congratulate each other.

  I step around Dex before he can stop me and get in one of their faces and yell, “What the fuck was that? What were you doing? Why the hell were you fighting?”

  I hear Zeke’s warning tone behind me, “Olivia. Step away.”

  I make a sound in the back of my throat which I hope Zeke knows is directed at him, but I don’t take my eyes off the two jackasses in front of me. I stick my finger in one of their chests and try to sound as menacing as possible, “Well? Start fucking talking.”

  Zeke sighs behind me and I hear shuffling before he grunts, “Here, take these two.”

  Zeke’s at my side a moment later and he crosses his arms across his chest, making the most of his imposing height. I can feel his annoyance at me. I could care fucking less in this moment.

  Andrea’s starting to panic, “He has her. They haven’t come back.” Her voice is rising with each word and I hear Steve using soft soothing tones to try and calm her down.

  I hazard a glance at the hallway and Duncan is still holding one guy against the wall, the other two that were fighting with him look confused. Duncan looks pissed and that’s saying a lot since he is the most affable of the Higgins Security guys.

  I put all my attention on the asshole in front of me and take a step forward. Zeke mirrors me. That would be sexy as fuck if part of my brain weren’t trying to freak out right now.

  “Why were you fighting? I’ve never seen a fight break out in this bar and now there’s five at the same time?”

  The guy cups the back of his neck and looks at his feet sheepishly. “It was a job.” He shrugs his shoulders and it makes me want to throat punch him.

  Zeke gets right in the guy’s face, his tone menacing. “What do you mean it was a job?”

  He puts his hands up in surrender and meets Zeke’s gaze. “Look, man, it’s no big deal. We didn’t even hit each other.” He shrugs, “There was an online ad that said you’d have to be available Friday night at a moment’s notice and be ready to fake a fight when given the go signal. Like a flash mob kind of thing.” He flashes a little grin, “Got paid when we checked in here.” When no one smiles back he rolls his eyes and says defensively, “No one got hurt.”

  I feel my eyes widen and the truth of what’s happened seeps into me; I hear Andrea sob behind me. Zeke’s fits clench and then unclench. I can feel his rage growing. I glance at the bathroom hallway, but the guys still haven’t come back and neither have Grayson and Ryder. Fuck.

  I’m seething when I step forward right in the guy’s face. I’m not sure if I’m screaming or hissing at him, “No one got hurt? You fucking low life piece of shit. You just gave a stalking psychopath, who just happens to be my best friend’s ex and a suspected murder, a distraction in whatever plan he’s concocted.” I watch the color drain from his face; I wish that were satisfying. “If he takes her. If he hurts her.” I choke out, “Or worse.” I feel Zeke’s arms wrap around me and I’m not sure if it’s to give me support or stop me from physically lashing out at the guy in front of me. “That’ll be on you.”

  The bouncer shows up just in time and ushers the flash mob assholes away. Flash mob? What year is this? Fuck.

  I’ve never hit anyone in my life, I prefer peace and love and all that shit, but if I had to look at that douche’s face for another second I think I would have had to rethink my entire philosophy. They better stick around for the cops or else I will lose my fucking mind. I’m sure it’s not a crime, but still.

  I turn in Zeke’s arms and bury my face in his chest. He wraps one arm around me, pulling me closer; the other he runs up and down my back. His voice is a low rumble and while I know it shouldn’t, given the circumstances, it turns me the fuck on. “Olivia. You angry is sexy as fuck,” I let out a surprised squeak, “but I told you to step back from those guys.”

  I’m so mixed up that I have no idea how to even begin to respond to that. Zeke’s voice goes low and husky and his one hand drifts down and squeezes my ass; I pull my head back and look up at him. “You promised that you’d be a good girl.” His pupils dilate and his gaze grows hungrier, primal. “Good girls listen.”

  My entire body shivers and I lick my lips. His eyes track the movement and a deliciously devious grin spreads across his face. Jesus. I rasp, “I guess I wasn’t a good girl then.”

  He pulls me against his body fully and I feel his hard cock dig into my stomach. I groan softly and his eyes sparkle. Damn. Was I really thinking about giving up the possibility of this a month ago? Seeing him like this is a revelation.

  He cups my face and searches my eyes, “I was scared I wouldn’t be able to get to you in time if they tried something stupid. Don’t disobey me like that again, little fairy.” I nod slowly. “Give me the words, Olivia.”

  “I won’t, Babe. I’m sorry I scared you. I just needed answers.”

  Zeke’s eyes soften, “I know, Livy.”

  I whisper, “I’m scared for Amelia. Do you think he got her? Why haven’t the guys come back?”

  The hand cupping my face glides across my cheek and he buries his fingers in my hair, gripping the strands. The tug grounds me before I can go into full panic mode and get lost in all the questions swirling around us. I relax and he smiles. It’s like the sun parting thunderous storm clouds.

  He looks between my eyes and my lips. I lick my lips out of instinct and he groans. I think he’s about to kiss me and my breath stalls in my lungs. He runs his nose along mine and I melt into his body. His lips are hovering above mine, so fucking close, but then his eyes flick to the hallway leading to the bathroom over my shoulder. His grip tightens in my hair a fraction and I swear my eyes roll back in my head.

  Zeke releases me slowly and I take a deep breath and try and get my lust under control. It’s waging a war with my fear and I’m not sure what emotion to grab on to. Walsh and Troy walk to the table and both down the rest of their beers in one long swallow. Troy’s wild eyes meet mine and I swallow hard. Fuck.

  Walsh’s hands are shaking when he puts the bottle back on the table and that’s all it takes for the fear to grip me and douse my l
ust in ice. Before I can get to them, Andrea’s there gripping Walsh’s arm tight. I can see her nails digging into his skin and he winces. Steve wraps his arms around Andrea and tries to pry her fingers from Walsh, but she shoots him a glare over her shoulder.

  Andrea hisses, “If you don’t tell me what the fuck happened out there, I will cut your balls off right here in this fucking bar. I swear to God Walsh.”

  Dex appears out of seemingly nowhere with two shots of something brown and two more beers. He sets them down in front of Troy and Walsh who both shoot them back without a second thought and then they pound down half of the beers. Fuck.

  Walsh’s voice is raspy and full of emotion, “Amelia’s okay. We got to her in time.”

  I feel Andrea’s gasp of relief deep in my soul. She lets go of Walsh’s arm and slumps, but Steve catches her and holds her up. Her eyes dart between Walsh and Troy and I can see the pleading there to tell her what the fuck just happened.

  Zeke mutters, “Thank fuck.”

  Troy runs his hand over his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so close to breaking. I wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. He looks down at me and I see his eyes come into focus, like he’s been replaying whatever happened out there. He hugs me tight and takes a deep breath and I hope he’s taking whatever strength he needs from me; he’s my brother and he’s hurting. He slowly lets me go and Zeke pulls me away slightly and cages me in against the table from behind.

  Troy’s voice falters as he starts, “That psycho must have grabbed her the moment the fights broke out. What the fuck was that? Banks clocked that they weren’t landing any punches.”

  Dex speaks up, “It was all an act, a job for them. That fuckwad put an ad up and paid them to be ready to come to this bar on Friday night and stage some fights, like the most fucked up flash mob known to man.”

  Walsh mutters, “Fucking bastard.”

  Troy nods slowly, “Well he used that distraction and grabbed Amelia from the hallway. We found the phone Blake gave her at the threshold, but thankfully she had another tracker on her.” I raise my eyebrow and Troy shakes his head, “I didn’t know about it either but I’m so fucking thankful.”

  Walsh’s voice is low and full of steel, “He didn’t get her farther than the back ally, thank fuck. I don’t think there’s enough alcohol in the world to make me forget what we saw when we rounded the corner.”

  Troy shakes his head, “No shit.” He takes a deep breath, “He had the trunk to his car open and was grabbing her shoulder, threatening her with a knife.” His voice cracks, “A big fucking knife.” Walsh cuts his eyes at Troy, a definite warning there. Troy snaps, “Don’t fucking look at me like that man, they should know what happened.”

  Walsh scrubs his face, “You’re right. Sorry, man.” Walsh meets my eyes and I swear I see unshed tears. “Amelia was so fucking brave, she kept him talking and didn’t give into her fear so we could get to her. She told him she was going to throw up, which kept her out of his car, but left her open to his cruelty.” His body shakes and I have to fight back tears. “I can’t believe someone would speak to Amelia like he did. She’s so fucking good, ya know?”

  Troy gives his shoulder a squeeze, “That’s why she has us so we can make sure we fill her head with good things and can help erase all the shit he said. She knows it was all the mad ramblings of a psycho.” Troy shakes his head, “I have no idea how Banks kept his mouth shut when Ca…nope, not saying his name, when that toe sniffer said that Amelia needs him to love her because no one else would.”

  Dex growls, “Fuck. I bet Banks wanted to rip his throat out.” Then he gives a curt nod, “We’ll make sure she knows everything he said was bullshit.”

  Troy finishes the rest of his beer and croaks, “Yeah.” He shakes his head like he’s shaking off the horrible shit Amelia heard about herself. “When Blake confronted him, dick for brains must have seen us out of the corner of his eye because he grabbed Amelia and pulled her in front of him with the knife to her throat.” He closes his eyes; his hands still shaking.

  Walsh clears his throat, “Blake got him talking and got him to admit that he hurt his high school girlfriend.”

  Andrea croaks, “He would have killed her.”

  My body shudders and I feel tears welling up in my eyes at the thought of Amelia being taken away from us. Zeke presses his body against me, and I let myself go a little so he can take some of my weight.

  He whispers in my ear, “It’s okay, little fairy. She’s safe.”

  Troy nods slowly, “Yeah, but he won’t get that chance now. Not ever. Grayson and Ryder came up from behind. Grayson put a gun to his head and Ryder snapped the wrist that was holding the knife. Blake pulled Amelia away and then handed her over to Banks.” His eyes go glassy for a moment, “It happened so fast.”

  Walsh wraps his arm around Troy’s shoulders. “They took him down and put him in cuffs.”

  Andrea runs her fingers over the crescent shaped scars she left on his arm. She looks up into his eyes and whispers, “I’m sorry.”

  Walsh shakes his head and grins. He shakes off her hand and wraps that arm around her, pulling her to his side, but not letting go of Troy. He kisses the top of her head, “Don’t be.”

  Andrea takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. She looks up at Walsh and searches his eyes, “She told you herself that she’s okay? That he didn’t hurt her?”

  Walsh nods, “Yeah, I promise you, Andrea. She’s okay.” He rolls his eyes, “She even thanked us.” Andrea scoffs and Walsh chuckles, “Exactly. Like any of us wouldn’t do anything for her.” He cuts a sly look to Troy who gives him a big grin in return. “She also said she loves us.”

  I can’t help it, I start laughing; partially from needing an outlet and partially from relief. Dex shoots me a horrified expression, but Troy and Walsh grin at me. I take some deep breaths and get myself under control. I shake my head, still grinning from ear to ear. “Of course, she loves you. She loves all of us just like we love her.”

  Andrea’s voice is small but firm, “We need to make sure she knows that.”

  We look around the table at each other and nod, a different determination settling over us. Thankfully, it’s no longer about keeping Amelia safe and now it’s about making sure she knows her value. That she knows how important she is to all of us, individually and as a group.

  Duncan strolls over with 7 bottles of water. It surprises me, I had completely forgotten about him. Zeke’s hand grips my waist and I hold back a chuckle. Duncan looks around the table, “They filled you in?” We nod our heads and he gives a curt nod. “Good. The cops are here, you’ll need to give a statement which shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes or so. Just tell them what happened here tonight, they have all the background information since it’s tied to her restraining order. Then I suggest that everyone goes home,” he scrubs his hand over his face and scratches the light stubble on his jaw, “it’s been a long fucking night full of stress. Thank fuck it’s over now.”

  Troy claps Duncan’s shoulder, “Thanks man. For everything.” Troy looks around the table and I can see the wheels turning in his head and he slowly starts to nod his head. His eyes start to sparkle with mischievousness, and I know he’s formed some sort of plan. “After we talk to the cops, we’re not going home. We’re going to Amelia and Banks’ place; everyone needs to see that she’s okay and she needs to see that everyone is there for her.” Troy makes eye contact with Zeke over my head, “No matter what. That’s what families do.”

  Walsh gives Troy a squeeze, “Dude, yes!” Walsh looks at Duncan, “You guys will be there too, right?”

  Duncan grins, “You know it. That’s what families do.”

  CHAPTER 11

  ZEKE

  If I ever have to talk to another cop, it’ll be too soon. I guess it could have been worse, but all I could think about was how I almost kissed Olivia and wondering what she tastes like. I want to get away from the bar as quickly as possible because I plan on making a
detour to my house with Olivia before we go to Beckett and Amelia’s place.

  In the month since Nacho Bar night I’ve tried to give Liv the space she needs so she doesn’t feel like I’m suffocating her, and it’s given me the space I’ve needed to figure out some of my shit too. I need to tell her everything that’s held me back from her for the last two years. I need her to understand and I can’t continue to make the decision for her if the risk of being with me is worth it for her.

  Amelia was right, I’ve been sacrificing my future to my past and that’s not fair to Olivia or myself. I knew the moment that I saw Olivia that she was special and that I’d love her for the rest of my life. She lit up the world around her and she’s made me a better person every single day. Even if I haven’t let her know that and even if I’ve been keeping a big part of myself hidden from her—my past.

  Amelia sending out the group text yesterday that she was going to be at Friday night beer night made my stomach knot and twist. I knew in my gut that something bad was going to happen, but I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to change Amelia’s mind if Beckett wasn’t able.

  It also sent my mind into a terror spiral where I imagined how I would feel if it was Olivia that was in danger. That was a dark and twisted area of my mind that I hope I never have to revisit. The only way to dispel some of the images was to draw Olivia as the woodland fairy that I always imagined her with wings the same color as her hair and a dress made from verdant leaves.

  It helped but not for long. My mind was racing and plaguing me with questions as I was lying in bed last night. Alone, like I’ve always been. What if some psycho wanted to get his hands on Olivia? Would she know how much she means to me?