Call You Mine

by Claudia Burgoa

  That’s his excuse?

  “I don’t know how to feel about this.”

  I want to punch him, to shake him because he knows better than to lie to me. Like a bucket of cold water, the truth of why he called it off all those years ago hits me.

  “So, if you’re in charge of my safety, we can’t…” I’m so mad at him. How do I even finish that statement?

  This strikes me as a betrayal. He knows how I feel about having a bodyguard. He’s my best friend. Which means we understand each other. I know him better than anyone. That thought pushes me to analyze what he just said. He can’t imagine anyone taking better care of me than him. I believe him.

  This is what Beacon does best, taking care of those he loves. He also knows that I want to stand on my own. I am more than capable of protecting myself.

  “Is this why you said we are better as friends?”

  “I had to choose between you and the job, which sounds cold, but really, it wasn’t. I love you too much to let just anyone else be in charge of your safety.”

  We stare at each other for several beats without saying a word. I’m not sure if either one of us is breathing. His familiar face is filled with worry. I want to run my hand down his cheek. Assure him that everything is going to be okay. But I also want to break his nose.

  “I won’t apologize or regret what I did,” he says without hesitation.

  If he’s working for my father and he’s my bodyguard, there’s one rule he can’t break, or he’ll fire him. We can’t be together. My throat clogs. I don’t have any trouble understanding emotions. I have difficulty handling them.

  “So, what is this?”

  “We’re dating.”

  “Until you’re back on duty? Then what’s going to happen?”

  “I don’t have all the answers. Don’t you think I’ve been asking myself the same question over and over again?”

  I’m not sure where the rage flooding through my veins comes from, but it’s so much I can’t bottle it up. I increase the volume of my voice when I tell him, “You chose the one thing I never wanted over me.”

  He’s about to speak, but I cut him off. “I don’t care what you say, Beacon. That’s exactly what you did.”

  “Your options were to have a bigger, more intrusive team at your service,” he offers. “Have your family move to New York with you. Or stay at home and go to the local college. Your dad thought about retiring just to keep an eye on you.”

  “So, you’re blaming Mom and Dad?”

  “No. I…” He exhales loudly. His shoulders slump. “I’m not going to get through to you. You’re pissed at me because it’s easier to take it out on me than your parents. I’ll take the heat.”

  “You didn’t let me choose,” I yell.

  Maybe he’s right. I’m unloading everything on him. He’s not the only one to blame.

  “He wasn’t going to give you a choice, Grace,” he roars. “You know your father.”

  “Then what? You took on a job to become his favorite?”

  “No. I. Chose. You,” he insists.

  “No. You can’t say that everything was done because you loved me.” I exhale, trying to push away the anger. It’s impossible. I’m furious. “So, you left me, chose the job, and then slept your way around?”

  “Did I sleep with all those women, Grace?” His voice is harsh. The hurt in his eyes pulls my heartstrings. “If you believe it, well, then I have to pat myself on the back because I’ve done a spectacular job letting people believe I’m a playboy.”

  “You’re not a saint,” I retort.

  He crosses his arms. “Grace, I think you’re trying to place your anger on the wrong person.”

  “I could take care of myself,” I argue.

  “I know.”

  “Then, why would you take on that job?”

  “I already explained it to you. If someone was going to watch over you, that should be me. He was going to do it, G. It’s his nature. Just like it’s my mission to watch after you—always.”

  “This…” I trail my voice, not knowing how to finish my sentence.

  “If you want to kick my ass, just do it.”

  “No!” I warn him. “Do not throw jokes to soften the blow. I’m so, so…I’m mad at you. At my father. I don’t know what to think.”

  “Please don’t leave.”

  “You’d rather have me here spewing venom and wanting to punch you?”

  He nods. “I prepared for it.”

  “So, you were aware that I’d be upset, and you didn’t care?”

  “I care. This wasn’t an easy choice. It was the best though,” he counters. “I understand what I’m facing. It’s going to take a lot to convince you that I love you. That you’re not a job. To get you to forgive me. I’m prepared for all that.”

  “Well, then you know it’s time to call it a night.” I point toward the door.

  “You need to eat. We don’t have anything in your fridge or pantry.”

  “I’ll figure it out.”

  He nods, steps closer to me, and I take a few steps back. “Come closer, and you’ll end up with a black eye, Aldridge.”

  “A black eye in exchange for a kiss?” His eyebrow lifts, and he moves an inch toward me. “What do I get for two?”

  “Beacon, I’m not kidding.”

  “I thought we’re negotiating.”

  “Out!”

  “I’m leaving only because I know you need space. You’re not only upset at me but at him.” He shows me his phone. “Call, okay. Remember that he tries his best. He’s one of the best dads I’ve ever met.”

  He leaves, and I stare at the door before I pick up the phone and call my father.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Beacon

  Leaving Grace seems wrong.

  I have to respect her wishes and give her space. My mind is running at a hundred miles per hour, wondering how I’m going to grovel. I want to get the fuck out of town to burn some energy. I could use an outlet. Checking on the guys is my first option, but I’m not in the mood to be around anyone. Which is why going home to play mind-fuck games with my brothers isn’t an option.

  When I reach the mansion, I march toward my studio instead. It’s better if I avoid everyone. Banging some drums could be the ticket to release the pent-up energy I accumulated since I spoke to Mason. This situation could’ve been prevented long ago.

  I’m concerned about G. She’s pretty levelheaded. She also hates when people lie to her. I send her a quick text before entering my place.

  Beac: I’m here if you need me.

  I put my phone away. Knowing Grace, she’s already talking to her dad. Instead of going to the studio first, I go to the underground house. I need to change from the stuffy suit I wore—just for her—to a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

  When I hear a commotion, I cock my head toward the game room.

  My jaw clenches when I notice my brothers and my band are talking on top of each other while playing pool.

  Fuck. So much for being alone.

  What the fuck happened to no one is allowed in this place without my authorization?

  I need some time for myself.

  Get the fuck out of here, people!

  Ugh. When the guys learn what happened, they’re not going to want to leave. It’s not like I’m going to grab a case of scotch and drink myself stupid. I walk by, hoping they don’t notice me. If they do, I’ll just ignore them.

  When I check my cell phone, there’s nothing from Grace. Is she still on the phone with her Dad?

  Probably. That’s a long, overdue conversation. After she hangs up, she’s going to have to process everything she learned today. Fuck. I knew this day was coming, but I wish she hadn’t kicked me out. I blame him.

  Who assigns a security team to his daughter without her knowledge?

  Mason fucking Bradley, that’s who. If he had tried reasoning with her…well, he never gave her a chance. Did he?

  Grace likes to find the logic
behind everything. They could’ve compromised. At eighteen, I just did what I believed was best for Grace. I was just a stupid kid in love who would’ve died for her. Well, I’ll still die for her. Four years ago, I told him he should discuss the subject with her. He responded that I didn’t know shit about his daughter.

  I fucking know her, asshole!

  Because of him, my first date was a bust. I should be wooing my woman with a nice dinner. I’m not helping him get out of the hole he dug for himself. It’s every man for himself.

  “I thought you had a date,” Henry says when he spots me.

  “Yeah, well, her father forgot to mention something—eleven years ago.”

  Mane glances at me. It is Lang who says, “You came out unscathed. I thought she’d at least break a bone or two when she figured it out.”

  “What is it?” Pierce asks, his gaze narrows.

  He’s onto me. I shouldn’t have offered to look into his family’s business. They sell babies to wealthy couples, as in illegally taking them away from their mothers to make some couple happy. According to Seth, they’ve prevented at least three kidnappings from happening. Placing them in jail and shutting down the operation will stop them forever.

  Okay, I don’t regret stepping into that. I’m glad I did. Those people need to be stopped. I feel bad because Pierce’s mom might end up in jail, but she’s getting what she deserves. Seth is now working with the authorities. The Organization hopes to close this case by late March.

  “It’s a family thing. Unfortunately, he dragged me into it,” I answer vaguely. “She’s upset at me too. I’ll have to grovel my way back into her good graces. It’s a matter of just doing all the shit you, Henry, and Hayes had to do to convince your women that you’re worth the hassle.”

  I glance at the three of them and chuckle. “If you could do it, I can.”

  “Eat something,” Henry orders. “You must be starving.”

  “Fuck!” I mumble and look at the guys. “Would you mind picking up the food they were prepping for us at the restaurant and delivering it to G? If I do it, I might not come back alive.”

  “Not it,” San raises his hand. Mane and Fish join him.

  Lang groans. “Fine, I’ll take the cat with me. Maybe she’ll forgive me if I bring him along.”

  “Good, I was about to mention that Buster doesn’t like felines.”

  “Well, teach him to like Mozart,” I retort. Our cat is a friendly guy. He gets along with almost every dog he’s met. The Bradleys have three dogs and two cats. Mozzy loves to hang out with them. “This is his place too.”

  “He’s yours?”

  I squat, and in two leaps, Mozart is on my lap. “’Sup, dude. Did you have a nice trip?”

  “Meow!” he answers.

  I straighten up, look at Pierce, and say, “Yes, he’s mine. Let’s get this straight. He has the same rights as your children. Therefore, let’s train them to get along.”

  Pierce sighs. “This isn’t going to be pretty.”

  “You want me to take him to Grace’s house?” Lang asks.

  I shake my head. “No, I’ll do it when she’s less…aggravated.”

  “Okay, kid, level up with us,” Hayes says. “What could you have done so long ago that came back to bite you?”

  “Leave it,” I order, and usually, my voice comes out pretty chill, but this time I can’t pretend that everything is cool.

  I regret the tone when my brothers turn to look at me, surprised.

  “What? If you tell us you’d have to kill us?” Henry jokes.

  “No, that’s Vance’s line,” I point at my brother, trying to redirect the attention. “Isn’t it, Vancy?”

  He glares at me. I shrug. “Always in a good mood.”

  “They know what I do,” he says with a loud voice and chuckles. “I’m not a deceiving asshole making up shit.”

  “You sure about that? Maybe you forgot to disclose a thing or two,” I say, giving him a fake smile. But what I want to tell him is that he’s a fucking liar.

  Nobody knows what he does. He’s always vague about his military life. When it comes to his former crew, he always avoids discussing them.

  His friends are a bunch of mercenaries. He used to work with them. They work for money and not for a cause. I wonder if he knows the dirty jobs his former partners do on any given day. Did he agree to work for cartels willingly, or does he believe in his friends blindly?

  Unfortunately, Seth dug too deep and found too much crap about his former team. I want to believe that my brother isn’t capable of shit like those guys. I’m just not sure if I’m right.

  “You know something I don’t know, Beacon?” He laughs. “Did your little friend find crap on me? Am I under investigation like Pierce’s family?”

  We know he’s always on alert. He never lets his guard down. Right now, he’s on high alert, ready to attack. A few months ago, I’d be happy to show him that I’m not afraid of him. All our brothers walk around him like fragile glass. I don’t. But I don’t want a throw down. I’m too upset. I might not be able to control myself.

  He looks at Mozart. “Cat got your tongue? Little Beacon is afraid of me?”

  Mane glances at me and moves his head so slightly. No one can see the movement or understand his gaze. He’s telling me, fucker, don’t take the bait.

  He doesn’t need to warn me. Vance might be all broody and shit, but he’s pretty predictable. He wants a fight. Also, there’s a reason he’s onto me. I need to retrace all of my steps to figure out where I might’ve fucked up and given myself away.

  “Obviously,” I answer. “Not to the point of peeing my pants like Henry, but I’m fucking scared.”

  “I’ve never peed my pants,” Henry protests.

  “A time or two, but we won’t tell anyone,” Pierce jokes.

  Hayes’ cell phone buzzes. “The wife wants me back home. I’d love to stay and see how Vance kicks Beacon’s ass, but we’ll have to reschedule that for another day.” He gives our brother a warning glare. “I mean it. Beacon doesn’t have your training or your strength. I am not going to spend a day trying to put him back together. Do you understand?”

  Fish snorts.

  “What’s so funny?” Vance is just looking for a fight. “You want to take his place?”

  Fish winks at him. “Babe, you’re so hot I’d let you walk all over me.”

  We all laugh because Vance turns white and leaves the game room immediately.

  “I’ll follow him,” Mills says, hugging me. “Call me if you need me. I know you’re saying that it doesn’t matter, but I’m sure it does. You live for her.”

  “Thank you.”

  My brothers leave, except for Pierce.

  “What do you know about him?” he asks.

  “About whom?”

  “Vance,” he explains. “You know more, don’t you? I’m not going to pressure you to disclose more than you want to, but is everything okay?”

  Fish shakes his head.

  I sigh. “That’s a loaded question.”

  “Packed, awkward, and classified,” Fish mumbles but is loud enough that Pierce can hear it.

  “What do you mean? Is he in any trouble? Are we…?”

  “Nah.” I wave my hand. He has an elite team of secret agents living in town. Nothing could happen while we’re here. “I assure you that no one is in danger.”

  “Because Vance is here?”

  “Sure.”

  “I wish you would trust me,” he says, disappointed.

  “Maybe it’s not a lack of trust, but to ensure your safety,” I say. “Trust me when I say this place is secure. I don’t mean my bunker. I mean the entire town.”

  “Who are you?” he asks, and I swear this time he’s giving me almost the same scared look he gives Vance.

  I look at the guys and then at him. “We’re musicians.”

  After he leaves and we’re sure that no one else is in the house, Mane says, “Why haven’t you told them? Is it because you
don’t trust Vance or all of them?”

  I shake my head vigorously. “I’m not sure.”

  “Dude, did you seriously almost lick his brother’s balls?” San asks Fish, slapping the back of his head.

  “He’s not my type, and I have a girlfriend. I just deflected the attention,” Fish answers looking all innocent. We stare at him because he and his girlfriend have an open relationship. That has never stopped him from fucking other people. “He’d at least have to buy me dinner to let him into my temple.”

  “Who is buying you dinner?” Lang asks, entering the room.

  “No one,” Fish answers a little too fast.

  “He came onto Vance,” San answers.

  Lang’s jaw sets, but he doesn’t say shit. I could ask what that is about, but I don’t want to hear that he’d let my brother do shit to him. My brothers are off-limits. He knows it.

  “How is Grace?” I ask.

  “Raging,” he answers. “I’m surprised you’re still alive.”

  “Do you think she’s going to leave?”

  “Doubtful,” he replies. “Unlike you, G thinks before she acts. Is she planning how to kill you? Possibly. Make sure your windows are locked. She might smother you in your sleep.”

  I comb my fingers through my hair and sigh in relief. He’s right. Unlike me, Grace thinks before she acts. She agreed to take care of my nephews. I can see her leaving for the weekend to confront her dad or avoid me though.

  I’ll just have to wait and see what her next move is before I make mine. Fuck. I hate not being able to do anything to fix what happened between us until she’s ready.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Grace

  The conversation with Dad leaves me fuming. He never trusted me. I hate that most of his arguments were valid. For a man who can build a computer within hours, hack into government servers, and run an entire operation to stop a trafficking cell, his fears can get the best of him.

  My family looks typical from the outside. On the inside, we’re all a little damaged. I was five when Mom almost died. She was pregnant with Nathan. It happened too fast. One moment we were all happily preparing for the arrival of my little brother, and the next an ambulance came to take her to the hospital.