RACHEL
“I’ve had enough of your whining, bitch.”
The slap echoed through her brain as the hand collided with the side of her face. Blistering hot pain seared through her cheek and she stumbled sideways, falling against the couch cushions. She was tired and aching from the relentless abuse she had suffered since they broke into her apartment. She used the moment to look around at the men who had been taunting her. Valentino smirked from next to her, his feet propped up on the table. Three other men sat at a dining room table playing poker, occasionally looking up to spectate the scene but continuing their game regardless. The fifth man had been the one to break through the bathroom door and rip her away from Kevin when they had busted in. She had felt like a rag doll being tossed over his shoulders, while she helplessly watched them mutilate her faithful bodyguard. She couldn’t forget his piercing screams as they gouged out his eyes and hacked at his arm. The memories would haunt her forever. After they were done brutally murdering Kevin, they turned their attention to her. Valentino had done his best to get her to sleep with him out of her own free will, but she had turned him down every time. She knew that his patience would wear thin eventually and he would have his way, no matter what she said. In the meantime, she had been punched, kicked, spat at, thrown and verbally abused to no end.
And what about my baby?
That was all she could think about since the tirade of abuse had begun. Rachel had just discovered she was pregnant when she heard the commotion outside the door. She had gone out to check what was going on and one of the scumbags had grabbed at her and chased her around the bedroom, leaving chaos in his wake. At the last minute, she had managed to escape him and lock herself in the bathroom, but they soon got through that barrier too. Valentino was determined to have her.
“It would be easier if you just gave in, little redhead. It would make all the suffering go away. Hell, you’ll probably have fun. I’ll call Bruce off as soon as you say the words,” his voice was taunting.
“Go to hell, you fucking scum,” she spat some blood at his face.
He flashed her a look of disgust as he wiped the spit away with the edge of his vest. The anger in his eyes flared up but was soon replaced with amusement.
“Maybe I should let Bruce warm you up first, huh? I bet he wouldn’t mind a few rounds with the feisty little attorney. What do you think, Bruce?”
The burly man smirked and reached out for her, gripping her slender wrist in his meaty hands. She could feel his hands were sweaty and they stuck to her skin.
“I can’t say I would mind. Although, unlike my boss, I don’t usually ask for permission. It’s more fun that way.”
Rachel screamed and ripped her arm from his grasp. She tried to duck and roll from the couch. Once again attempting an escape, only for it be foiled by the massive creature in front of her. He kicked her in the stomach and she cried out. More fear for her baby than herself at this point. When she curled into a ball of submission, he laughed and threw her back onto the couch next to Valentino. Before she could squirm away, he had his arm wrapped around her shoulder and pulled her into him. His breath stunk of marijuana and bitter whiskey.
“There’s no point trying to escape. I’ve sent your friends on quite an errand. From my intel, they should be showing up at my father’s warehouse in approximately two hours. I’m sad that I’ll be missing the show, but at least the old man will go out with a bang like he always wanted. Then it will finally be my time to take center stage. I should have been head of the operations a long time ago and the old fool only prolonged his fate. I could have been quite happy letting him sail away on his own private yacht, never to be seen again. But no. The miserable old fucker just couldn’t let go. Kept claiming I wasn’t ready to take the reins. Well, let’s see about that, father dearest. It looks like the old bastard has been outplayed once and for all.
And after all this happens, where do you want to be? Wouldn’t you rather be my queen on the up rise than a used and abused old hag on the outside? Just succumb to what your body is already telling you and give in. I’ve wanted you from the minute we met. Sure, I got a bit carried away that night, but now is our chance to start over again. You’ll soon start seeing things from my perspective. Just wait.”
Rachel sat there in stunned silence listening to Valentino’s ramble. She was still stuck on the part where he had misled the Romanos. Now, who would come to save her?
I don’t want to be his queen. I don’t want to have anything to do with him. But if I refuse, then where does it leave me? No one is coming for me, he’s made that very clear. If they start a massive gang war with the real Martinez crew, then they’ll soon forget about me. I was just a pawn in their stupid game. One they can afford to lose when it comes to the bigger picture. But then they’ll soon notice me getting bigger. He will soon know I’m pregnant and what if he thinks it’s his? I can’t have them take Red’s baby. I’d rather die. Maybe this is my only option?
“I need to use the bathroom,” she barely whispered, her throat sore from screaming.
“Hmm. I’m still waiting for an answer. Whatever. Bruce, escort my lady to the bathroom. Make sure you don’t leave the door for a second. I can’t have the bitch trying to make a getaway. She’s not leaving until she sees my way.”
Bruce grunted and grabbed Rachel by the arm. He practically threw her into the hallway and laughed as she eagerly scrambled up the stairs. When she got to the top, she waited for him to point her to the right door and she quickly locked herself inside. The bathroom was modern. It had a wall hung toilet, counter top basin, and a whirlpool spa bath. Everything was stainless steel or black enamel and was very minimalist, including the contents. She fruitlessly searched the cabinets and examined every object she could find. No bleach, no razors, no medicine, nothing to help her escape. Sighing, she dropped down to sit on the toilet seat and starting sobbing.
Has it really come to this? How did I ever find myself in this mess? I was scared, but ecstatic, when I found out I was pregnant, and within the same hour everything was ruined. In the last month I have been chased down by men, removed from the man I truly like, gotten pregnant, and now my only option is to end it all. It is the only way. The only way I can keep me and the baby safe. Forgive me, Red.
She stood up and aimlessly wandered around the bathroom, trying to think of an alternative to what she had already planned. She knew she was buying time until the inevitable, but she wasn’t ready to die just yet. Rachel found herself at the sink and started splashing water in her face. When looking up, she caught sight of herself in the mirror and gasped. She was thinner from when she had first joined the firm and her face was pale and worn. To add to it all, she now had a fresh collection of bruises sporting her skin and cuts lacing their way around her limbs. When she looked into the mirror, all she could see was a corpse looking back.
I guess I was dead all along.
Steadying her breath, she attempted to clean herself up when she noticed what she was wearing. She had been wearing the t-shirt, Red had lent her, nearly every day since she left him. Today was no different. She was so used to it hanging loosely around her that she no longer noticed it. Now, at this crucial time, she was drawn to her memories surrounding the item. She wished she could see him one last time, before it all went down. She wished she could see his face, when she told him she was pregnant with his child. Would he be happy? Would he be willing to settle down with her?
These are questions I’ll never know the answer to. My time is up.
Opening the bathroom door, she looked directly into the face of Bruce. He looked like he had been listening at the door. She didn’t know whether if it was to make sure she wasn’t up to anything, or just because he was being creepy. His face was no giveaway when she walked out. Rachel stopped abruptly at the top step.
“You’d better go down first. You don’t want me running straight out the front door, do you? Valentino wouldn’t want you to be so careless,” she hissed.
“Calm down
bitch. I’m going first.”
He thumped down the stairs, creaking under his weight. She remained at the top, but he didn’t notice until he was already in the hallway, staring up at her. He looked at her quizzically before shouting at her.
“Get your crazy ass down here, bitch. My boss is waiting for you. He wants that answer and you’re going to give it to him.”
Rachel closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. It was time. She couldn’t waste another minute playing his stupid games. She was finally going to escape. Just not the way they expected.
“Goodbye Red,” she whispered as she let her body weight take her.
She tipped herself down, fighting against her instincts to lash her arms out. Her body felt weightless when she fell forward until the first step collided with her head. Her neck twisted at an awkward angle as she continued to roll. Everything played in slow-motion as she tumbled down the stairs. Lights fizzed in the back of her head. She smacked the flooring time and time again. As she was about to reach the landing, out of the corner of her eye she saw the front door smash open. Three silhouettes stood in the doorway, but she couldn’t make out their faces.
Then everything went black.
***
“Baby, wake up! Wake up now!”
As she tried to open her eyes, pain seared through her face first, followed by the rest of her body. It seemed like her nerves had sparked to life and seared with the sun’s flame. Everything was burning. She was burning. The pain made her scream wildly.
“Oh, thank god she’s alive. We need to get her to a hospital now.”
Behind her semi-closed eyelids she could just make out shadows and light. One of the shadows moved away after speaking and the fresh light seared into her eyeball. She wanted to cover her face from the light, but her arms wouldn’t move. Although she could feel pain stabbing into her, she was unable to move. It was like her body had given up on her. She knew she was tired though. All she wanted to do was sleep. Her eyes rolled back as she tried to put herself to sleep. Suddenly, there was more shaking and she could hear yelling in the background, followed by gun shots.
I should be shocked about these noises, but I don’t care. I just want to sleep. I’ve had enough. Just let me sleep.
“Oh no, you don’t!” a voice cried out before gripping into her shoulder tightly.
The new pain seared down her arm and spread to her fingers. It sent a jolt through her which wakened her slightly. She tried once more to open her eyes and was a little more successful in her attempt than the time before. She could now make out blurred shapes and colors.
“What’s going on?” she murmured.
“Baby, it’s me. We found you. You’re safe now. We need to go. Ace, where’s Van and Joe?”
The voice seemed familiar and Rachel tried to place it. It was a nice voice. A friendly voice. One she loved to hear, it made her happy. But who?
“Who are you?”
“It’s me, Rachel. It’s Red. Red Bailey. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here earlier. We’re going now.”
The name sent a shock through her system and suddenly her eyes were wide open. She knew who Red Bailey was. Red Bailey was the man she had spent the last few weeks longing for, never leaving her thoughts. There was something she needed to tell him.
But what? Oh shit…
“Your baby! Red, your baby. I’m pregnant. Holy fuck. Red, I’m so sorry…” she began.
Within a second he had her cradled in his arms and laid a finger across her lips.
“Hush now. There is nothing you need to be sorry about. It is me who should be apologizing. I got you into this mess and I promised to keep you safe. I have done none of that. I should kill myself for what has happened to you.”
“But you’re here now. That’s all that matters,” she breathed.
He brushed his lips across her forehead before scooping her limp body up in his arms. Without speaking, he walked towards the door. She could make out the scene around her now. There were bodies lying slumped everywhere and Red had to carefully step over each to make his way to the exit. Rachel also took note of the men they were following. Ace and Van looked grim as they led the way, Joe close at their heels with Red carrying her last. Her mind was racing through what had happened while she had been passed out, but she decided it was better not to linger on it. All she knew now was that she was safe and with Red. That’s all that mattered.
“Open the door,” Red demanded as they neared the car.
Ace quickly opened the back door and helped Red get Rachel inside. They laid her out across the backseat, her head rested on Red’s lap as he slid underneath. Joe got behind the wheel and the two remaining brother’s stood outside.
“I’ll meet you at the hospital, I’ll take my bike,” Ace called out as he rushed off.
Van leaned in and patted Red’s head, “Everything will be okay now. I’ve got to help the guys finish off inside and I’ll meet you at the hospital afterwards. Stay strong, Rachel.”
With that, he slammed the door shut behind him and the car pulled away. From where she was laying, she could only see the tops of houses skimming by as they raced for assistance at the hospital. She could feel a sharp pain in her abdomen and she clutched at her stomach, screeching into the silence of the car. Red placed his hand on top of her and frowned.
“Hold on. We’ll be there soon. Just hold on, baby. Both of you.”
“Red, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I’m scared,” she mewled.
“Don’t be scared. We are going to get through this together. I love you, Rachel.”
She stared directly into his eyes, tears welling, “What did you just say?”
“I love you, Rachel. We are in this together. I am never letting you leave my side again. No matter what happens. I’m not scared anymore. I should never have let them take you away from me and I never will again.”
Rachel smiled for the first time that day, “I love you too, Red. We will get through this together.”
Even as the blackness faded over her, she felt a warmth in her heart that she knew would never go away.
Epilogue
RED
“Pass me a beer, my little tigress.”
Red leaned back in his chair as he watched Jennifer wobble across to the cooler and whip out a beer for her husband. She was once again glowing with pregnancy and he could only imagine his brother’s happiness at the thought of a daughter. The day was getting on and the sun beamed down on the garden where they had gathered for a BBQ. Van and Ace hovered over the grill.
“Hey babe, do you want one too?”
Red whipped his head around to see Rachel walking out the house. Red waves bounced over her shoulders and she wore a green flowing maxi dress, skimming the tops of her sandals. The green of her dress complimented her emerald eyes which flashed in the sun as she grinned at him.
“Sure, grab one for yourself too and come join me,” he patted the seat next to him.
Rachel headed towards the cooler and pulled out two beers before joining him at the table. She popped the tops of the beers off and passed one to him. He took a long sip while she settled in. Rachel placed her dainty hand on top of his and he couldn’t help but admire the silver band wrapped around her finger. His mom’s wedding ring fit her finger perfectly and he felt truly blessed to have the memories of his parents being a part of his wedding day.
“What are you thinking about?” she smiled.
“I’m just thinking how beautiful you are and how lucky I am to have you.”
“Oh shut up, you soppy man,” she swatted as his shoulder and they both laughed.
Ace looked over from the grill and grinned while Jennifer wobbled over. Maternity jeans did little to keep her belly in balance as it jiggled with every step. It was almost a comical sight for Red.
“What’s up, sis? You coming to join us?” he called to her.
“Sure am,” she pulled up a seat, “My feet are killing me. You wouldn’t believe, how swollen they are getting
this time around. I think I’m finally going to surrender and let Ace take over the household duties from now on. The midwife has told me I have to rest up for the last two weeks. I can’t wait for this Bailey to be out of me. Your genes certainly are strong. Talking of which, where’s my son? Tom! Tom, where are you?”
There was some yelling before a small brown-haired boy rounded the house. He had chocolate eyes and freckles dotting his entire face. Whenever Red saw him, he couldn’t help but think of his younger brother as a child. That combined with Jennifer’s crazy spattering of freckles. The kid gave them a cheeky grin before hugging his mother’s leg and whining.
“Mia won’t get off my bicycle. It’s my turn. She’s not being fair.”
“Hush now, Tom. You’re older than her and need to share. Where is she anyway?” Jennifer attempted to smooth down her son’s hair to no avail.
“Mia!” Rachel called out.
At the sound of her name, the little girl came sprinting around to join them, her cheeks flushed from activity. Red grinned as she leaped up at him and cuddled into his chest.
“Daddy, I want a bike like Tom. Can I have?”
Red ruffled his daughter’s flaming red curls and laughed.
“You’re still a bit too small for your first bike. What happened to your scooter?”
“Scooters are for little girls. I’m a big girl now. I want a bike.”
Red was slowly giving in when Rachel shot him a warning look. He knew better than to cross his wife when it came to decision on raising their daughter. Mia had the same green eyes as her and he always gave in to them, one way or another.
“I think we might have to give the bike a miss for now. But you should watch out for your fourth birthday. You’ll never know what might happen then.”
Mia squealed with delight and leaped off from her father’s lap, grabbing Tom’s hand as they ran off once more. Rachel patted her husband’s leg and he knew he had managed to appease both the women in his life. Nothing meant more to him than his family’s happiness.
“Red, get your fat ass up and help out, will you? Bring some plates over. Foods ready and I’m starving!” Ace called over to him.
The Bailey Brothers Box Set- the Complete Trilogy Page 35