"Lane, she's here," she shouts excitedly. "Oh my gosh she's gorgeous! Can I hold her?" she questions impatiently. I'm about to lose every ounce of patience I have when I hear his reply.
"Lacey, would you at least let them in?" Lane says grumpily. I smile, glad I didn't lose my temper. This must be his sister. Noah and Molly said Annie looked like her and I'm flattered. She really is beautiful.
"I'm so sorry. Please come in! I'm Lacey, this jackass’s sister!" she says elbowing him in the ribs. I can't help but laugh, I like her already. I walk in the front door and everything is the same as I remembered it to be. A big screen TV takes up half the wall and his leather sectional surrounds it. I could see him and his family watching football games here and having a good time and it warms my heart. Annie will have a wonderful family surrounding her.
"Thanks," I mumble as another wave of nerves hit.
"We went shopping today. I got Annie a gift. It's the first thing any new member of our family receives," she says handing me the bag. We do a trade off and I hand Annie to her gently. I peek inside and see a blue and orange onesie with the Chicago Bears logo.
I smile as I speak, "Oh. That's nice, but I already bought her Green Bay Packers stuff..." I say joking and like clockwork, Lane takes the bait and lets his temper gets the best of him.
"No fucking way will my daughter be a Packers fan. Burn that shit tonight!" he snaps without an ounce of humor in his voice. I laugh hysterically at his reaction before I speak.
"It's a joke. I don't even like football. If you want to dress her in Bears crap, go ahead." I reply smiling.
Both Lane and Lacey start laughing.
"I like her." Lacey says and my cheeks blush crimson. I think I like her, too.
Lane
I had to practically toss my sister out of my apartment. I wanted some alone time with Mallory, and Lacey was having none of that. After I finally manage to push her out the door, Mallory nurses our daughter on the couch and I can't stop staring. Her tits have gotten huge.
"Do you want me to come back after work or do you think you can handle her tonight?" she asks nonchalantly as I try to remain focused on the question she asks me. How can I when Mallory's breasts are practically calling my name?
"I can keep her. Mallory, I got you something today," I say handing her a small gift bag once she's finished nursing Annie, the bag has a cell phone in it.
"Lane, you didn't need to do this. I've never had one and I've gotten by."
"I know, but anything could happen. You could get a flat or be running late. I just want to know that while my daughter is with you that you have a way to reach out if something happens. I programmed my entire family’s numbers in there. So, if you need anything, we have you covered. Doctors, lawyers, firemen, policemen," I say.
"What does Lacey do?"
"She graduated from nursing school a few weeks ago. She’s trying to do a mission trip with my Grandpa in the fall. Did you decide on a major?"
"I think so. I want to be a grief counselor. Mom, Amy and I didn't have anyone after Dad died. I think maybe if my mom had someone to talk to, she wouldn't have turned to drugs," she confesses with sadness, I can see her own grief in the way her head hangs.
"That's a good choice then. I think we should pick what calls to us. We should all have the life we want. I knew early on I wanted to be a teacher. In elementary school, I remember a kid being picked on because he couldn't read fast enough. I remember joining my class in laughing at him one day, and when I told my parents about it they explained to me, it wasn't funny. That maybe he didn't have parents to help him in the evenings or that he could be dyslexic. So, I went back to school the next day to apologize and found out he and his family were living in a homeless shelter. I didn't think it was fair for kids to fall through the cracks..." I realize I'm rambling so I stop and clear my throat, hoping she’ll change the subject.
"You're a good man, Lane. I should be going though," she says with a warm smile.
I stand up and ask her to wait while I lay Annie down. After I lay her down, I go back into the living room and Mallory is standing by the door. She's wearing yoga pants and a plain white t-shirt. My guess is her costumes are at the strip club. I walk over to her and place my hand on the doorjamb. Shit! I smell the vanilla coffee and I want so badly to kiss her. Instead, I beg, "Please don't do this."
"I have to Lane," she whispers.
"You don't!" I say and I'm unable to stop myself from leaning into her.
"Please, Lane. I need to go," she says, placing her arm on my chest to keep some distance. My whole body comes alive and instinctively I grab her hand and pull her in close, taking in a deep breath of her addictive scent. I feel her inhale fast but exhale slow as she’s pressed against my body for a moment.
"I don't want anyone else seeing you, Mallory. I'm not judging what you feel like you have to do. I hate myself for making you feel like you couldn't come to me, and because eleven months ago I was a coward. But hear me Mallory, you're mine, I'll be patient but I'm not ever going to be ok with another man seeing what belongs to me." I confess before I lean down and kiss the top of her head. She doesn't say anything before turning around and walking out the door.
Mallory
God, Lane just laid claim on me. It makes me both happy and completely fucking irritated. I gave him a chance to claim me months ago but he wanted nothing to do with me then and it hurt me so deeply. I can't just forgive that. Well, I can forgive his behavior, but I can't ever forget it. The whole time I was pregnant, I didn't even think about crossing paths with him again. And that's how I know he isn't for me; I think I would've wanted something more if it was supposed to happen.
I'll need to let him know soon that it isn't going to happen between us and I hope he understands why. Even though I don't see a future between us his words ring in my ear, 'I don't want you to be a stripper. I don't want another man to see what's mine.' But I bury those words deep down and continue to get ready for the first show.
I'm surprised I'm not as nervous as I was yesterday. Maybe I feel more determined to get Amy, Annie, and I out of that shit hole. Or maybe it's because Lane apologized and said he didn't think I was trash, those words meant so much, because I’ve honestly felt like trash since that day.
"We're not expecting any trouble tonight are we?" Thom barks and I jump.
"No. Sorry about that. It won't happen again."
"It better not. You're up in five," he says before turning to leave.
All right. I can do this. I've got to do this. I think as I head onto the tiny stage. The music starts and I transform.
Chapter
15
Mallory
Heading home from work for the night, I can't help but think this job is much easier than I thought. The no-touch policy makes baring it all so much easier. That, and I made one hundred and ten dollars for only three hours of work. I need to have a talk with Amy; we need to get our shit together and move out of the motel for good. We can finally afford something better, we just have to start saving to make the deposits. Two thousand is a lot to save, but it’s doable.
I pull into the motel and immediately get a bad feeling. I don't know why, but it's late and our lights are still on. It's two in the morning and Amy is typically in bed at this time if she doesn’t have to work. I put my car in park and grab the can of mace that Olivia bought me a while back and then put my phone in the other hand before quickly making my way into the room. I don't see Amy, and immediately I'm scared. Something isn't right. Where is she? This place is tiny; the only other place I can look is the bathroom. I run over and open the door.
"Oh my God, Amy!" I scream, kneeling beside my unrecognizable sister. Her face looks like something out of a horror movie, like someone took a baseball bat to it. I start sobbing and I try to hold onto her, "What happened?"
She mumbles a few words through swollen, bloodied lips as I reach for my phone. I know I should probably call 9-1-1, but Lane's cousin Gavin is a cop. Tha
t counts, right? I hope he doesn't hold a grudge. He's the one that Lane fought with at the club. Thankful that Lane thought to program his number in my phone, I push the call button and it rings several times before I hear a groggy Gavin answer, "H-Hello?"
In a panicked tone I say, "Gavin, I'm sorry to bother you. It's me Mallory. We met last night."
"Yeah?" he questions, clearly trying to figure out why I'm calling him at this hour.
"My sister’s been attacked. I didn't know who else to call."
"You should start with an ambulance then."
Dammit! He’s obviously the wrong person to call.
"Alright. Sorry to bother you. I was worried whoever it was would come back," I say as I hit the end button abruptly.
"Amy, put your arm around my shoulder. We’re going to the hospital."
She remains in the fetal position on the floor and that's when I realize how bad it is. I am trying to call an ambulance when my phone rings, scaring the shit out of me.
"Hello?"
"Where are you?" Gavin asks. How do I explain to Lane's family that I've been living in a motel? Tears are running down my face and I sob softly as I tell him the address.
"What the fuck are you doing there?" is his reply.
"Are you coming or not? My sister needs help!" I plead.
"Yeah, I'm on my way. I'll call Lane and have him meet me there."
"Please don't do that! He's keeping Annie tonight and I know he has to be exhausted."
I hear him grumble before saying, "Alright, stay on the phone with me then."
"Ok. Who would do this to her?" I ask, trying to make small talk. I know he doesn't have the answer, but knowing someone is listening truly helps.
"I don't know honey. I've called Eli who’s on duty tonight. He’ll be meeting me there."
"Fine. Just hurry."
I sit and wait, stroking Amy's hair while humming the song Mom used to sing to us as children. I MUST find a way to comfort her, "Amy. Talk to me please?"
She is still mumbling incoherently, but keeps repeating, "Don't meet him."
"Meet who Amy?"
She doesn't say anything but she closes her eyes and starts making a low humming sound.
"I'm pulling in now, Mallory. Meet me at the door and let me in," Gavin says. I hurry to the front door and nearly jump into his arms. I'm so relieved someone is here to help.
"Thank you for coming," I grab his hand and lead him to the bathroom hurriedly.
"What the fuck?" he barks as he sees Amy's condition for himself, "She needs an ambulance now," he states firmly as he calls Eli to tell him to have the squad meet us at the hotel.
"Is she going to be ok?" I question hysterically.
"Help me get her laid flat," he says, maneuvering her body on the floor. I grab her head and gently slide her so it's through the bathroom door. She whimpers as she tries to curl herself up into the fetal position again.
"Stop, its hurting her!" I cry out.
"Amy! Can you hear me?" he asks. When she doesn't answer he says, "Mallory, do you have any idea who would do this?"
"No. Not a clue. But this place has a bad reputation," and then it hits me, "Well, maybe. A guy moved in around a year ago, and he's been watching me. He told me to meet him..." oh my God. That's what Amy meant when she said don't meet him.
Taking in my expression, Gavin asks "What?"
"I was meeting Lane today and as I was leaving here to go that guy stopped me. I told him I was in a hurry, that I had a meeting; he said to come find him after I was done. Amy said earlier, 'Don't meet him', I think that's who she was talking about."
"Why is she even here?"
"We live here."
I watch as he raises his eyebrow but says nothing.
"Gavin, you in here?" Eli calls out.
"Bathroom."
"What do we have?" Eli asks as he approaches, trying to assess the situation.
"Twenty-one year old female. She's been assaulted."
"Sexually?" Eli questions and my heart drops. No! No! Please no!
"It doesn't look like it. But I can't lay her down to check. Her shorts seem to be intact and I didn't notice any bruising or blood down there when we moved her."
"Ok. I called Dad and Uncle Noah. They're on their way down," Eli says.
"She needs a hospital, dumbass."
"Well this is family business. I didn't want to get anyone else involved if they didn't need to be." Eli explains. My heart burst open at the word family. I've known them two days and they consider me family? I feel the tears thickening, threatening to fall from my eyes. They think of me as family.... Amy as family....
"Go look for evidence in the room. If you don't see any we will move her to the bed," Gavin demands. Eli walks away and several minutes later comes back in.
"I don't see anything. My guess is she was attacked here in the bathroom."
"How would he get in here?" I question.
"Honey, this place isn't safe. At all. The locks on those doors are so easy to pick you might as well not even bother taking the time to lock them. One swipe of a flimsy credit card and it's open!" Gavin explains. The color drains from my face at my next thought. What if Annie had been here?
"Amy, I'm going to pick you up," Gavin says softly. The gentle tone of his voice comforts me, and when Amy doesn't respond, he picks her up as gently as possible. Almost as if he were picking up a newborn, he lays her softly on the bed and says, "Eli, go grab some ice."
A few minutes later Eli returns with an ice bucket and is followed in by Noah and I'm assuming the other man is their father. I know it's weird, but good Lord their father is smoking hot, too. He must’ve noticed me hold my breath because he smiles and says "Hi, I'm Maddox. Eli and Gavin's father. I'm also the Police Commissioner for the Chicago PD. Do you mind retelling your story to me while Noah checks on your sister?"
I nod my head and start explaining everything all over again. Just when I'm about to finish the story Lane comes busting through the door and his face alone tells me how angry he is.
"What the fuck is going on?" he demands angrily and everyone freezes.
"I swear your mother can't keep a secret," Noah says resigned.
"Well why would she if my girl is in trouble?" he spits out.
"Lane, I'm fine. It's Amy. Where is Annie?"
"Lacey’s with her, and by the way, she doesn't sleep like you say she does. Seems her fingers are really entertaining, so much so that she refuses to sleep," he says with mock sarcasm but I can hear the love in his voice.
"Well I usually don't give her a bottle if I'm trying to put her down. I just let her fall asleep on my chest."
"Why are you girls here?" Lane asks.
"We live here." I reply shamefully.
"You live here? With my daughter? Mallory!?"
"That's why I need to keep my job... We’re trying to save enough to put a deposit on a new place."
I can tell Lane is angry, but I’m thankful he doesn't say anything because now isn't the time for us to talk about this. I walk over to Noah and Amy.
"How is she?" I ask.
"She's lucky. No facial bones are broken. Not even her nose which is surprising." Noah informs me.
"Was she? You know… Did he rape her?" I ask.
"No honey. He didn't."
"Good. That's good!" I reply. I’m so relieved that I break down crying. It’s so therapeutic after such an overwhelming day. Relieved to know she’ll be okay and that whoever did this didn't rape her, I let the tears flow unabashed. Within seconds, I feel Lane’s strong arms wrap around my sobbing frame. I snuggle my head into his chest and listen to the beat of his strong heart. Hearing the perpetual beat calms me down and makes me realize how exhausted I am.
Lane
Mallory’s still keeping shit from me. Why the fuck wouldn't she tell me she was living in this dump? Why is she keeping my daughter here? How long has she lived here? I have a million questions but I don’t want to wake Mallory. She fell aslee
p standing, leaning against my chest a few minutes ago and I'm frozen in place just holding her light body against my chest. Amy also seems to be resting somewhat comfortably. Thank God my girls weren't here.
I look around and see my family staring at me like I'm supposed to have all the answers. Hell, I'm just as confused.
"You guys can go. I'll stay here tonight," I inform them.
"I'll stay too," Gavin says.
"Lane, you've gotten yourself into a mess here. What are you going to do?" my uncle Maddox asks me, looking around at this shambly place.
"I have no idea. The girls can stay with me until we get them into another place."
"We aren't leaving here," Amy makes a point to say this loud enough for everyone to hear even through her pain and we all look over to her. Tears are falling from her swollen eyes.
"It's not safe here," Eli says.
"It's the only way our mom can find us. If we move..." she moans again and we can all tell she stopped talking because the pain is overwhelming. She knows we get the point of what she’s saying.
"We’ll figure it out. Please try to rest," my dad says.
After a few moments, Amy is resting again and my dad and uncle leave.
"Do we know who did this? And why?" I ask.
"We think Mallory was the target. This was a warning to her!" Gavin explains and a growl leaves my chest.
Why the fuck would anyone want to hurt Mallory? I need answers. Soon.
Chapter
16
Mallory
The light shining through the windows wakes me. This was the best night’s sleep I've ever had. What the hell? I'm practically on top of Lane. Why is he here? I quickly jump off of him and scan the room as the memories of last night start flooding back. Shit. Gavin is here too? He's sleeping on the disgusting chair both Amy and I refuse to sit on. He looks like hell. Just like Lane. He was right, they could be twins with their matching black eyes, but the both of them would be gorgeous no matter what. Assholes.
Lane (Made From Stone Book 1) Page 12