Evan stands his ground even with Max advancing toward him, his attention focused on Nick. “I had her first, you know.”
This stupid motherfucker really does have a death wish. Unless he knows. Somehow aware that Shae asked Nick not to seek revenge against him even after all the torture she endured. Probably from Nathan’s long ago warning that only Shae’s request for mercy keeps him alive. Damn their friend for telling the bastard.
A cocky ass smirk plays on Evan’s face. “I’m the one who held her when she cried after I proposed to her. It was my name she called out the first time she had sex. I was the one who carried her to the shower and washed her blood off of us." Absolutely zero fear in his tone as he shakes his head. Only fucking smug attitude that needs to be eliminated. "So think about that at night when you’re fucking her. You’re nothing but second choice.”
Max shoves his hand against Nick’s throbbing chest. Trying to defuse the bomb Evan attempts to light. “Don’t do this. Think of Shae and Evie. You can’t take care of them with your ass in a jail cell.”
"Nah, I got this." Nick jerks away from Max’s palm, ready to fight Evan and anyone else who threatens his family. The self-satisfied gleam in the physician’s eyes won’t survive much longer. Not with the insults slicing through his boss like blades. “Yeah, motherfucker because you weren’t man enough to keep her when she needed you the most. I may be second, but I’m also fucking forever.”
His voice falls lower yet the hardness still rings through. “Because you know her gorgeous smile? That lights up her beautiful face? It’s all mine now. And her enormous heart that protects a punk ass like you? Belongs to me. And that sweet body carried my baby.” A slow shake of his boss’s head drives home the reminder of everything this dumb ass lost. “So you can be damn fucking sure when my wife is in my bed, neither one of us is thinking about you.”
Andy steps closer. Perfect because they need to shut this shit down. Now. “He may have promised Shae he wouldn’t kill you, but I didn’t.”
Fucking swear to god Evan flinches from the vicious thrill lighting up Andy’s face. He’d love to pound this motherfucker as much as they would. And this time, they’ll probably let him.
Evan’s arm swipes across his body like a fan. “Fuck her. Fuck all of you.”
Loud footsteps smack the tile from his defeated exit. Luckily just in time as the nursery door swings open and a nurse pushes Shae’s wheelchair into the waiting area.
“Nick?” A worried gaze scans over each of the men, landing on her husband. The tension in the air not lost on her. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, sweetness.” Nick accepts her outstretched hand and kisses her palm before taking over the handles from the departing nurse. “Everything’s fine. Max’s just here to check on you.”
“She’s beautiful, Shae.”
Shiny eyes look up to him, saying so much before she even speaks. Max dips down and folds her against him, welcoming her heartfelt embrace. Grateful that despite her fatigue, pure joy radiates through her expression. She and her daughter are safe and healthy.
“Thank you.” A slight sob catches in her choked voice as she clutches him tighter. “Thank you for everything. There’s so much I need to tell you. I’m sorry about Enrique. I'm sorry...”
Fuck. Panic squeezes his taut muscles. He meets Nick’s gaze over her head, and his friend gives a slight nod, confirming what they agreed to tell her. And everyone else. They were attacked, and Enrique and Gina’s brothers were killed in the crossfire. Only he, Nick, and Gina will ever know the truth.
He leans back from her trembling body, cutting off her breathless declarations. Giving her the smile she deserves, hoping to relieve her guilt-infused words. “I know. All of it. I know.”
“Okay.” She swipes at the tears glistening on her flushed cheeks. “Is Gina okay?”
No. “She will be.”
“I know, with you taking care of her.” Her small hand curls around his cheek. “Evie and I are proof of how good you are.”
So sincere in her insistence. Enough to draw a small chuckle out of him despite the fear churning in his gut. “Thank you.”
A gentle smile answers him back. “What can I do to help?”
“We’re good. You take care of Evie. I’ll take care of her.”
“Okay.” Soft lips brush his cheek. “I love you. Please let me know if you or Gina need anything.”
Nick slides behind her again, wrapping his hand over her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go see my daughter.”
She looks back at him, giving him an even brighter grin along with an eye roll at his possessiveness. “Our daughter.”
“Un uh. All mine. Both of you.”
He winks and nuzzles her neck while pushing her to the door and lifting their wrists to the scanner. Red lines dance across their white plastic bands before beeping. Granting them admittance to the other girl who owns his friend’s heart.
Once the latch clicks shut behind them, he turns to Andy. A tight expression still darkens the bodyguard’s countenance. “Good catch.”
“I have a memory for faces. Can’t forget that asshole’s stupid shitty look from the photos and videos you gave me.”
His vigilance and protectiveness solidify the decision that Andy is the right man to be in charge. “Listen, Nick and I were talking. I need to take off for a while and want to turn everything over to you. Not just Shae, but his entire security management. Are you up for it?”
A slow dip of his head accompanies the decision making process playing out on Andy’s face. Not the usual work for the mercenary. Maybe a commitment the man can’t make. He releases a long sigh.
“I like Shae. She reminds me of my wife. Dainty and sweet, but still pretty tough.” The bodyguard swallows hard, pain lurking in his eyes. “Until they’re pushed too hard and break.”
A reminder of the fucked up shit Andy barely survived. He’s only shared some of the details, but they’re more than enough to make him wonder how Andy still functions. “Madeline was an amazing woman.”
"Yeah, she was." The mercenary’s lips purse together, and he shakes his head. “I wanted to give her the luxurious life she deserved. Instead I issued her fucking death sentence.”
Jesus Christ. So fucking messed up. His gut clenches at the thought of what he would do if that was Gina. How the bastard would pay. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“Fuck yes it was. I should have known. I should have protected her.” Long fingers slide over his shaved head. The black tattoos a stark contrast to the bare skin. “Forget it.”
Max swallows down his own rage. Her loss too much of a reminder of the innocent victims of their world. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too. So that’s why I’m here. I protect the ones who need it and kill those that don't.” His head tips toward the nursery. “Women like her don’t belong in this life. Nick may be fair game, but you don’t fuck with a man’s family.”
“Agreed.”
“I’m in.” He offers his hand. An old-fashioned agreement neither man will break. His word his bond. “I’ve been hearing good things about a guy named Blade Ryan. He’s actually in the States right now. I can have him come in to talk to you and Nick about Shae when you get back.”
Now it’s Max’s turn to sigh. Fast. Easy. Official. More than he ever imagined. No going back now. “Okay. Make it happen.”
8
Chapter EIGHT
"Are you ready, G?"
They sit on the runway. Just the two of them. The pilots long departed while she strokes the orange stone dangling from her slender throat. Over and over. Totally unaware they’ve landed and are alone. Lost in her own cyclone of guilt, fear, and shame, swirling with an overwhelming need for comfort from her mother. That he fucking hopes she receives.
Heart-broken but realistic about the danger inherent in her husband’s life, Renata seemed to accept the story of Enrique’s demise. Yet Gina’s oldest brother Bruno isn’t quite as trusting. Which creates another fucking
battle his girlfriend doesn’t need.
He grasps her small hand, caressing over her delicate fingers which instantly link with his. “Hey. Are you ready?”
“W-what?” A blurry gaze matches her slurred tone. Drowning from too much damn tequila she’s sucked down these past few days. Rather than the pain killers Nathan prescribed after begrudgingly agreeing to examine her. Grateful that as pissed as the doctor is with him for the violence he exposed her to, he remained forever gentle with Gina. Putting his concern for her health above his irritation. While accepting the harsh fact that neither he nor his wife Carrie can ever escape their criminal world. Not with the intense bond between the three women.
She swallows down the rest of the golden liquid pooling in the bottom of the etched tumbler and stands up. Grasping his forearm for balance and making his gut clench again. Damn it.
He’ll let her overindulgence slide for a little bit longer. Allowing her to survive Holly’s funeral through a drunken fog. But she can’t continue to numb herself from reality. Unwilling to let her hide in a shot glass from the turmoil of her life.
“Yeah, okay.”
He draws her against him, tucking her into his side, protecting her from her own instability as well as the chilly breeze while they make their way down the steps. Despite the abundant sunshine goosebumps raise on her arms, yet she doesn't seem to notice. Too drunk to feel anything. Physically or mentally.
A petite woman with long black hair stands next to a small, silver SUV waiting for them. She fidgets, alternating between hugging herself and smoothing down her skirted legs. “Gina!”
His girlfriend’s head flies up from watching her heels wobble on the metal stairs, and she emits a small gasp. “Leticia!”
Loosening his tight grip once they reach the tarmac, he releases her waist and she runs to her sister-in-law, welcoming her engulfing embrace. Rapid Portuguese flies between them, the women talking over each other in their rush to share their emotions.
Unable to understand a word, he gives them their time and focuses on their safety. Scanning the flat landscape, past the green expanse to the city lines raising along the horizon on both sides. That unsettling feeling creeps up his spine again now that they're here. That something far more devastating than a funeral awaits them.
Gina turns back to him, leaning on Leticia for balance. “You remember Max?”
He steps closer and shakes Leticia’s outstretched hand. “It’s good to meet you in person. Thank you for your help before. I really appreciate you translating for me to her Mom.”
She offers a slight smile with her nod. Well aware of the awkward beginning to their relationship. From the worry lining her face she wants to ignore the memories of their unpleasant phone call as much as he does.
"You are welcome." She gives Gina another squeeze. “We should go now. Your Mamae is so very anxious to see you."
Uncertainty contorts Gina's face and she steps backward. An involuntary reaction to the reminder of why they're here. Of who she has to face.
His hand slides around her shoulders, and he kisses her temple. "It's going to be okay."
Leticia glances from her to him, her mouth opening before quickly closing. Anxiety twisting in his stomach from what she's too timid to say.
Guiding Gina to the car, he pauses at the passenger door. His giant frame cannot bend enough to squeeze in this tiny backseat. Fuck if he'll let her sit alone either. "G, I..."
Her body shakes before a half crazy laugh bubbles out. "You're never going to fit."
"I did not realize you are this large of a man." Leticia giggles a bit too. Her hand flies over her mouth. Shame filling her eyes for finding a bit of humor in the midst of such a somber situation. He returns her hidden smile. Easing some of the tension straining all of them.
Unable to keep from chuckling himself, he shakes his head. Irrational. Absurd. Surreal. A killer forcing himself into a god damn fucking clown car to attend the funerals of his victims. They really do live a fucked up life. "How about I drive?"
Eyebrows lift from his question, both of them laughing again. Yeah, he'll probably drive like shit, unfamiliar with the roads and the area. But otherwise, his ass is walking to the ranch.
Both girls climb in the back. Even better to keep Gina occupied. They talk furiously, the most Gina's said since the warehouse. Only stopping occasionally for one of them to give him directions in English. Which is more than fine. He'll play chauffeur all damn day if it keeps Gina from drinking. Or looking so despondent.
Their chatter fades after he pulls onto a winding road as directed by Leticia. He glances in the rear view mirror. Gina falls mute, sinking into herself, the seat belt strap sliding across her chin as she slumps down.
Budding flowers fill the wide median, providing bursts of red, purple, and white, waving between the intricate gray paving bricks. Ivy climbs the stone pillars securing the black wrought gate. Only partially obscuring the ocean framed by the open air garage, filling the horizon beyond the pool. Sunlight sparkling on the clear water before fading on the darker waves in the distance.
With the driveway already filled three deep with two sedans and a SUV almost identical to the one he drives, he pulls into one of the empty bays. Before any of them can climb out, the thick wooden doors swing open, and her mother and two men fill the entryway.
"Vamos." Leticia squeezes Gina's trembling hand. Giving her the comfort and support she needs to face the welcome she doesn't think she deserves. Her sister-in-law drapes her arm around Gina's shoulders and walks her to her mom. Damn it. The spot where he should be. What he should be doing.
Her family engulfs her, hugging her one by one. Smiles mixed with tears. Whispers sprinkled through boisterous assertions. Eventually sweeping her inside. He shakes his head. At least she receives a warm greeting.
Turning on his heel, he strides to the car to grab their bags and calm his shitty attitude. This is going to be a long three days.
"Max, please wait."
He pauses at Leticia's voice behind him. Her hesitant tone spiking his anxiety levels again. "Yes?"
One of the men has returned, this time with a toddler about his nephew Henry's age in his arms. The boy watches him with an inquisitive gaze, his chin lifting to take in Max's full height before laying his head on his father's shoulder.
"This is Pedro, my husband, and my son Manuel."
Max shakes his hand. The man's eyes as kind as his wife's. "Nice to meet you."
Pedro's head bobs, a huge smile filling his face. "Obrigado por trazê-la para casa."
"I am sorry. His English is not so good. He says, 'Thank you for bringing Gina home.' He missed her very greatly."
"You're welcome."
Leticia translates, and Pedro nods again. Before his smile fades, and he gives her a look only they understand. Although uncertain of the message Pedro sends his wife, Max knows it's going to piss him off. He uncurls his fingers, trying not to let his suspicions mount.
"I apologize for the rudeness of my family. They..." She reaches for her squirming son, already bored with the adult's conversation. Pinkness dots her cheeks as she hoists the child to her hip after showering him with kisses, and her gaze falls to his shoes. Fuck. This is not going to be good. "They are wishing for...Richard. They are not accepting of you being here."
Heat blazes through his taut muscles. At least someone admits the truth he already knows.
"Maybe it is for the best if you stay at the hotel."
Fuck that. Leticia may be his only ally but she's fucking crazy if she thinks he'll leave Gina. "I'm not going without her."
Shame clenches in his gut when she flinches at his harsh tone. But damn it, he'll put up with any bullshit they dole out. Withstand any abuse. Except for that.
"I-I understand. My mother-in-law, she is um... old-fashioned. You can stay during the day but you cannot...in the bed..." She glances to her husband for support, and he nods and takes her small hand. "We have made you reservations for the night time s
leeping."
Now he gets it. How little they think of him. Not only that he interfered with Gina’s marriage. But that he's just fucking her. And by god it won't be under their roof. Fuck them. He doesn't give a damn what they think about him, but they should never underestimate how fucking amazing Gina is.
"I am sorry. I do not feel this way but they cannot be changed."
Not her fault. Protecting both of them, she does the best she can. He refuses to punish her for the rest of the people who claim to love Gina but don't really understand her at all. "I know. Thank you. I will leave after dinner."
Her body sags with relief, and she bends down to let Manuel run free, his tiny fingers picking at the rocks wedged between the cracks. "It is for the best."
For Gina. That's who it's best for. Who he's doing this for. Fuck all of the others. Reminding himself of her fragility to keep from exploding.
Pedro shakes his hand again. Mutual language not necessary for their acceptance of understanding. His expression just as grateful as his wife's. Blowing out a deep breath, Max follows them inside.
Gina stands next to her mother, absently stirring an oversized mug. Her empty gaze staring at the walnut cabinets lining the huge kitchen while Renata bombards her with words he can't understand. But her tone and flailing hands signify her intensity. That his girlfriend cannot seem to absorb.
"Gina?"
Her head jerks toward the sound of his voice and she blinks a few times before a relieved grin lights up her gorgeous face. She's back, and holds out her hand, which he accepts even with her mother's disapproving frown baring down on them. He'll refrain from instigating any affection on his own. But when Gina needs him, he's her's.
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Sure." He gives her delicate fingers a gentle squeeze. Conveying everything he feels for her into her skin. "Thank you."
Truth About Tequila: Believe in Me (Surviving Absolution #4) Page 6