by Rachel Jonas
After that, he does something unexpected when he shoots Ricky an inconspicuous look, nodding as he mouths the words, “You need to go.”
Southside told me these two have history, but it’s different seeing it in action, I guess. He obviously wants Ricky to be in the clear before anyone else sees him. Someone who’d want to question his involvement, or maybe someone who’d want him dead—considering the consequences he could face if he’s found out. Still, knowing all of this, he came through in the clutch tonight.
All because of his love for Southside.
With that, Ricky shoots me a look, tucks the gun into the back of his jeans, then takes off faster than I’ve seen anyone run who wasn’t hustling a ball down the field. Roby, flanked by the other officers, moves toward Vin’s desk, removing a set of cuffs while kicking aside the gun that’s still lying on the floor.
“My name’s detective Roby,” he announces. “Gonna need to see both your hands on the desk, Mr. Golden.”
Vin peers up with defiance in his eyes, but after taking note of the officers’ hands on their guns, he complies. Roby reads him his rights as I stare—only half believing what’s happening before my eyes. Cypress Pointe’s most powerful man, most dangerous man, has just been brought to his knees.
“Let’s go. It’s gonna be a long night,” Roby sighs, before glancing toward me. “And we’ll need to get a statement from you, too, son. More of my guys are on their way up to clean this place out, see what interesting things we can find,” he adds, definitely enjoying that part.
Vin doesn’t respond as he’s led toward the door, but I don’t miss how he glares. A narcissist can never see their wrongs, so I’m sure in his mind, this is my fault.
Lucky for me, I don’t give a fuck.
While the detective isn’t looking, I flip Vin off and smile, hoping he knows that whatever comes next for me will be so much better.
Because he’s gone.
Fucking finally.
Chapter 46
BLUE
My nerves are shot to hell. Pacing in the police station lobby, all I can think about is how badly I need to lay eyes on him, see for myself that he’s in one piece.
It was one thing getting the report from Ricky, but it’ll be different getting to hold West for myself.
Dane, Sterling, and Joss have been here just as long, and they’re anxious, too. The scene we saw during the live stream was terrifying, forcing us all to consider what it would do to us if Vin had taken West’s life. I’ve known fear, but what I felt while watching that footage was something far worse. Something that reached deeper into the soul than fear ever could.
The double-doors squeal and I spin on my heels, only to be disappointed when I see a woman walk past with her nose buried in a file. This wait is killing me.
“What the fuck?” Dane groans, clearly frustrated by the lack of updates.
All we know is that West is in back with Detective Roby, like he has been for hours now. The sun will be up soon and the only thing that’s kept me from going crazy is walking from one end of the room to the other.
The door whines on its hinges again and, this time, when I turn a gasp leaves me.
“Ma’am, you can’t run in here,” a voice calls out from behind the front desk, but I ignore it completely, because all I can see or think about is West.
My body slams into his and he lifts both my feet off the ground, sweeping me up into an embrace.
“I was so scared,” I breathe against his neck. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”
It’s irrational to blame anything that’s happened tonight on him, but I’m out of my head right now.
He laughs quietly into my ear, sounding every bit as exhausted as I expected him to, but still, he pacifies me with a response.
“Promise. You have my word on that.”
My feet are on the tile again, and when Dane approaches, I’m not sure what I thought would happen next, but I wasn’t expecting him to grab West as tight as he does. It’s a hug, yes, but it’s the kind you give someone you weren’t so sure you’d ever see again.
Which, for so many reasons, is perfectly fitting.
Sterling and Joss follow Dane’s lead, and despite all that’s gone on throughout this highly charged, terrifying day, the Golden boys are going to be fine. Better than fine.
The others are a few paces ahead, letting West and I trail behind to talk a bit.
“Are you good?” he asks. “I can imagine you lost your shit when you saw Pandora’s stream.”
How can he worry about me at a time like this? I’m not even a little bit surprised, though.
“I’m okay. It would’ve been worse if Ricky hadn’t called as soon as the video ended. He let me know you were fine, and that Roby had things under control.”
“He’s okay? He took off pretty quickly.”
The urgency in his voice when asking about Ricky catches me off guard. It’s almost like, on some level at least, he cares.
“Yeah, he’s fine,” I answer.
We descend the steps and casually stroll the sidewalk toward Sterling’s car. I hadn’t had a moment to even think about it until now, but with all this shit behind us, there’s no need to pretend anymore. No need to hide that we’re together and in love.
Vin’s reign of terror in Cypress Pointe is over.
In my periphery, I’m aware of the white SUV that’s just parked near the curb on the other side of the street. Realizing this has West’s attention, too, I keep my eyes trained there, shocked to see his mother climb out.
Even from this distance, it’s clear she’s been crying—from her red-rimmed eyes, to her flushed cheeks. Tucked beneath her arm, there’s a small leatherbound book.
“Is that—”
“The ledger,” West answers.
I glance at her again, wondering what brought her to this moment. She and West have been on the outs lately, but it would seem she’s on her way inside to hammer the final nail into Vin’s coffin.
“Should you go talk to her?” I ask, peering up at West.
He shakes his head. “No. She needs to do this on her own, needs to see she’s strong enough.”
As if having just heard West’s words, his mother approaches the steps of the station and stares up at the building, breathing deep. A few seconds later, she finally finds the nerve to go inside.
West stares at the empty space on the sidewalk where his mother just stood, only glancing toward me when I squeeze his hand.
“Let’s get out of here.”
His response to my suggestion is to lean in and warm my lips with his. The relief I feel holding him again, kissing him again, it’s unmatched.
As God is my witness, the fear ends here, and I swear I’ll never be ruled by it again. From here on out, the only emotion that’s ever allowed to consume me… is love.
Chapter 47
One Month Later…
BLUE
At the risk of being perceived as the resident fun-sucker—that person that sucks all the fun out of life—I’m watching West like a hawk. It has nothing to do with the brunette shooting her best shot while he grabs us drinks, but has everything to do with this being our first real outing since Vin’s arrest. I thought we should continue to lay low for a while, but King Midas insisted that we come out and live a little.
So, here goes, I guess.
A smile touches my lips when West says something to the brunette, then leaves her at the table where she now sulks like someone ran over her puppy. Meanwhile, West is unaffected, weaving through the crowd, making his way back to me.
He drops down onto the couch and my body slumps toward his weight. Then, I’m handed one of the canned drinks he nabbed.
“Looks like you broke her heart.” I point toward the one who tried sinking her claws into him a moment ago.
West glances that way, then leans in because the music’s incredibly loud.
“She’ll get over it. Besides, she knows she doesn’t have a chance, seeing as
how I told her we recently married in secret.” When he smirks, I shove his arm a little.
“Great. Now, we can expect that little gem to be plastered all over social media by midnight.”
He shrugs. “Good, it’ll give people something to say about us that doesn’t involve my father.”
I eye him for a second. “You might be on to something.”
He hits me with that killer smile again.
“Seriously, though. Don’t get any ideas. I’d never even consider eloping. We’ve been through hell, so the moment you pop the question, I want the entire world to know.”
He eyes me in a way that makes my stomach feel all knotted, then his smile widens. “Noted.”
“And we can’t forget Aunt Sheryl’s request. She’s calling for a big wedding at Landry Manor, remember?”
West laughs now. “Right. Can’t forget about that.” His eyes flit toward my lips before meeting my gaze again. “You really want that? The big wedding? My crazy family? The media up our asses every day?”
The laugh he lets out is sort of dark.
That part’s been rough on him and his brothers. It was bad enough being stalked by Pandora’s loyal subjects, but now it’s the big boys keeping tabs on his family’s every move. Everyone’s interested in seeing what will come of the sons of the now infamous Vin Golden.
Still, even with all that going on, I’m almost shocked he needs to ask at this point.
“West, with you, I want it all. That’ll never change.”
His lips crash down on mine and who cares that we have an audience. Hell, we’ve had one our entire relationship—through the good, the bad.
Certainly the dirty.
His fingers warm the side of my neck when he touches me there, bringing me closer. Having him back still feels like a dream. Pretending not to love him broke me. Fearing I might lose him killed me.
But this—touching him, kissing him, loving him out in the open—this is where I belong.
“Need to get that?” I ask against his lips. His phone’s vibrated in his pocket about five times now.
West pulls away to check whatever messages have come through.
“Shit. He’s serious.”
My interest piques. “What is it?”
“Fucking Ricky,” he sighs. “He wants me to meet him at the gun range in the morning. He mentioned it a few days ago, something about how he’s ‘not coming to save my ass again’. He hasn’t let up since.”
He’s staring at his phone, but I can’t stop smiling. He does a double-take when meeting my gaze.
“What?”
“Not sure if you’ve realized this or not, but you two are falling into a pattern. One of you texts the other at least twice a week.”
He shoots me a look, like I’ve lost my mind or something. “You’re exaggerating.”
“Okay, but why can’t you just admit it?” I ask with a shrug. “You like him.”
There goes that look again.
“Whatever, Southside,” he huffs, drawing a laugh out of me. I won’t push the issue, but I know I’m not wrong.
Next, my phone’s the one going off. I unlock the screen to find a pic of Scar and Mike posing like idiots in their 3D glasses in front of a movie poster. Heading to the theater has become part of their weekend ritual. It seems to have taken away the loneliness Scar would’ve felt from having lost Shane.
Scar: Wish you were here!
Blue: Have fun!
Scar: We will. Mike says he loves you.
I stare at that last message and smile a bit before answering.
Blue: Ditto
“Everything cool?” West asks.
I respond by showing him the pic and he laughs just like I did. “She looks happy,” he points out.
“She does. I’m glad I didn’t get in the way of that.”
Sometimes, it scares me to think how close I came to building a wall between them. One that would’ve caused them both undue pain.
West pulls me close and kisses my forehead before rising from the couch. “Let’s find the others.”
I stand when he lifts me to my feet, clinging to his hand as we move through the tightly-packed crowd. Of course, we make several stops because every few steps, someone’s calling his name—mostly just guys he’s played ball with over the years.
“I swear you know everyone,” I say, clinging to his arm.
He shrugs all casual like. “I’ve just run in the same circles as a lot of these kids my whole life.”
“What you mean is that the rich stick together,” I tease, earning myself a playful glare. “It’s true, though, isn’t it? It’s the reason our paths never would’ve crossed if I didn’t get a scholarship.”
“Whatever brought you to me, I’m just glad it happened,” he answers.
Not sure if he’s trying to rack up points or not, but I’m definitely rewarding him for that later.
I spot Dane and Joss first, chilling against a pillar near the patio. He’s talking and she’s smiling, both pretending they don’t wish to be more than they are. Sterling’s got two on his lap, one kissing him, the other… I don’t know. Waiting her turn?
The guy’s wild and single, so who knows what’s going on over there.
All in all, it’s a good night. Everyone’s in their element, having a good time, and I have my guy at my side.
“I love you, West Golden.”
He peers down at me, and I swear I feel his response before the words even leave his mouth. “Love you more. Forever.”
Epilogue
Three months later…
BLUE
There’s a bonfire, there’s music, but the Bellvue house feels completely different when there’s no party. Tonight, it’s just us—the solid fivesome Pandora’s dubbed “The Golden Crew”. Graduation’s been over for hours, but we only changed out of our caps and gowns twenty minutes ago. Guess we kept them on for so long because we’re all kind of proud we made it.
And maybe a little surprised, considering.
I’m perched on West’s knee, staring out across the water while we sit poolside. This just feels right. Like all the drama, all the chaos was to get us to this very moment.
As soon as I walked across that stage this morning, I felt the change. It was like a switch had flipped and we all took one giant leap forward. No, not every important person was present, but I’m okay with that. This chapter of my life is closing, and I’m beyond excited to see what’s next.
My mother was one of those key people missing from the audience, but she’s exactly where she needs to be—in rehab, finally getting help. It’s not the same as having her home, clean and sober, but if that’s ever going to happen, this is the first step. I, at least, have peace of mind. Every night, when I lay down to sleep, I know she’s someplace safe, too, being looked after.
Which brings me to Mike, who’s made a complete turnaround. For five months now, he’s been an actual father to Scar, which is all I ever wanted. To me, it’s priceless to see him fully invested in her life, in her future. He’s even taken steps to get her waitlisted at Cypress Prep. I’m not usually one to give second chances, but he’s proven that it was totally worth it this time.
I certainly had family members missing today, but I wasn’t the only one.
We can’t turn on the TV or scroll social media without seeing Vin’s mugshot. He’s been slapped with all kinds of charges, and although he’s still awaiting trial, it’s common knowledge that he’ll likely spend the rest of his life in prison. Not only for the crimes he’s committed, but the lives lost on account of him. However, one thing has remained abundantly clear—he’s planning to go down alone.
Aside from the few key people brought in on charges tied to the trafficking organization, the Ruiz family has yet to be named. Mike seems to think Vin’s keeping his mouth shut because life behind bars will be a million times worse if he’s labeled a snitch. Especially with the Ruizes having connections inside, and outside, those walls.
L
ong story short, Vin can either rot in jail for the rest of his life or die a very painful death when news reaches the Ruizes that he’s talked.
Whatever the case, I’m just glad to have him off the streets.
Roby’s still on a mission to bring down everyone involved, and I’m learning to trust that whatever the outcome, this case couldn’t be in more capable hands. Once they’ve found irrefutable evidence leading them straight to Paul and crew, they’ll all be brought to their knees.
I can only pray that won’t include Ricky.
With my thoughts now on him, I picture him seated in the audience today, supporting me like he’s always done. No matter what. He didn’t stick around long, though. As soon as I exited the stage and looked up, his seat was empty. Not many others know this, but he’s heading to Puerto Rico as we speak. Yes, he misses Shane and Carla, but he also needs to lay low. With Roby and his task force up all the Ruiz’s asses, they’re looking for any excuse to lock up members of the family.
Somehow, Ricky caught wind of this before shit started going down, which some might see as a coincidence, but I know better. Roby definitely tipped him off, and I’ll never believe he didn’t.
Add that to the list of reasons I’m glad I took a chance on trusting him.
Another reason being that he personally interviewed the rescued victims of the trafficking ring, digging for evidence that eventually proved Hunter hadn’t fired the shot that killed Robyn Helms. Since then, he’s been moved to a facility closer to home and his sentence has been lightened to only reflect his true involvement in the scheme. Because, according to the witness, Robyn’s death isn’t on him. It’s on the one who actually pulled the trigger.
Vin.
But all that’s behind us now. Well, as much as it can be. I suppose we’ll always bear the scars of the past to some degree.
As if having heard my thoughts, West’s hand settles on my knee and I face him.