Truth About Tequila: Believe in Me (Surviving Absolution #4)

by Nikki Belaire

  A sharp jab to Max's temple throws him into the counter, mugs and coffee stirrers tumbling to the floor. He drives forward, ramming his shoulder into the guy's gut falling with him to ground. He rolls through the glass shards, missing the fist aimed toward his kidney, and kicks upward, ramming his heel into the other guy's balls. The asshole grabs his crotch and drops to his knees, a gurgle of agony bubbling in his mouth. Max grasps for the gun in his waistband but freezes at the gunshot that echoes through the space before he can slide out his Glock.

  "You're going to be okay, love."

  The tension gripping his body lets loose from Andy's voice comforting Shae.

  "It's all over now."

  "No!" She shrieks, crawling over to Blade. Small fists grasp the bodyguard's crimson drenched shirt, shaking him with all her might. "Please, please, please don't die! I'll take you to the hospital. You'll be okay. Please, Blade, open your eyes! Don't give up!"

  Her bloody hand shoves against Max as he drags her away from the body. Fighting and clawing to get back to that motherfucker. "Shae, stop it. He's dead. It's over."

  "How could you do this? How could you let Andy kill him?"

  Fury rages through him from her inquisition. From her mourning over the motherfucker who tormented her. "Because he was fucking hurting you. He deserved to die."

  "You don't understand. He was the only one. He's the only one who knows."

  She collapses in his arms, her head lolling as she murmurs. Maybe she really has finally lost it. This makes no fucking sense. "What? What does he know?"

  "Where Nick is."

  18

  Chapter EIGHTEEN

  Max flinches as Nathan’s fingers run over his abs. The first time he’s seen the physician since Nick’s funeral. Nathan didn’t speak to him then and barely utters a word now. Only talks enough to examine him. Performs his professional obligation but nothing more. He can’t blame the man. Not when his enemies are responsible for Shae’s shattered heart and abused body.

  He doesn’t need Nathan to tell him his nose or his ribs are broken. He doesn’t have fucking time for any of this either. But he submits to the examination to cooperate with the police investigation. Too many witnesses for his guys to cover up the attack and subsequent death of that motherfucker.

  He’s beyond grateful for the sound tech who whipped out his phone and started recording the assault right before Blade punched Shae. With RJ conveniently editing the sickening video to splice out Shae’s immodesty and leaking it to the media, the public outcry made pressing any charges against Andy impossible. Now the mercenary and football star play the role of heroes to the fragile pop star whose sympathy level was already sky high due to the unexpected and scandalous death of her husband. So fucked up that she’s the media darling again due to the hell she’s endured.

  “I’ve re-set your nose but there’s nothing I can do for the rib fractures except painkillers. The nurse will be in to give you two pills now, and I’ll write you a prescription for more. Take them every four to six hours as needed. Don’t drive or shoot anyone while you’re taking them.”

  Fuck that. No time to be groggy. Plus the pain keeps him alert, and he needs all the focus he can get to keep going right now. “Thanks but I’m good.”

  “Fine.” Nathan purses his lips together and tosses the pad onto the counter. “You know you’re not invincible. Just like I told Nick.” The doctor shakes his head, the memory of Nick’s stubbornness darkening his expression. “Although this time I wish I was wrong and he really was.”

  So the fuck does he. “How’s Shae?”

  “Black eye, two broken ribs of her own, contusions...everywhere.” Nathan looks up, bitterness filling his eyes and his voice. “And her mental state is as shitty as last time you guys almost got her killed.”

  Motherfucker. He grips the cushion to keep from busting off the exam table and giving Nathan his own beating. But the fight wouldn’t be worth it. Because he’s fucking right.

  “If you don’t want the meds, you’re free to go since the cops haven’t figured out that you all need to be locked up.” One last dig before the physician turns on his heel and yanks the curtain open, striding down the corridor at an angry pace. Probably for the best. No good can come from them arguing.

  He grabs his shirt and winces from the torture shooting through his torso. Motherfucker that hurts. No time for self-pity, He’s got to talk to Shae and figure out what the fuck’s going on.

  After hobbling down the hall, he pauses at her door, steeling himself against the pitiful sight behind the glass. More painful to his heart than the stabbing agony in his stomach. Shae huddles in bed, her knees propped up with Evie sleeping on her legs. Tiny fingers wrapped around her thumbs as she gazes at her daughter.

  “Nathan was able to get special permission for Evie to be here.” Gina’s voice floats to him while her arms slide around his waist. Gingerly holding him as her head rests on his back. “Otherwise, Shae probably would have had another panic attack.”

  “Is Marta okay?”

  “Yeah, Blade’s guys abandoned the house once word got out he was dead.”

  He rubs her arms, the silky skin cold under his fingertips. “I’ve got to talk to her. She thinks Nick is alive.”

  “I know. Carrie and I were too scared to try and convince her otherwise so we focused on the baby.”

  “Yeah, good idea.” Now his frustration turns to her, because he worries just as much about the risks she takes. “You know I’m already fucking pissed at you for sending Andy to the studio, but we’ll talk about that later.”

  She stiffens from his reprimand. “I don’t care if you’re mad. We had three guys with us. You were alone. I’d do it again to keep you safe.”

  “I know.” Despite his turmoil, he still smiles. His woman is a bad ass. Hopefully he can be just as tough to withstand the misery he’s going to inflict on Shae. Again. “I’m going in.”

  “Good luck.”

  One last caress of his abdomen before she releases him into the fire. He shoves the door open, and steps inside. The first dagger to his conscience from her hopeful expression. That he’s getting ready to crush.

  She scoots over, trying not to jostle the sleeping infant too much, and pats the mattress next to her. “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too.” Four words between them. Which convey so much. She wasn’t honest. He let her down. They still love each other. “What happened?”

  “Everything was fine at first. Blade was great. Then one night I found him in Nick’s office. His feet propped on the desk, just like Nick used to do.” She strokes over Evie’s sweet head. The tiny curls bouncing against her gentle fingers. “It hurt so much to see him like that. He shouldn’t have been in there. It was like he was trying to take his place. Which I guess now we know he was.”

  Yeah, because the bastard decided his time to rule had come. Using an innocent woman for his climb. Not giving a damn about the collateral damage.

  “Men I’d never seen before were in there with him. I heard one of them say something about how Bruno had Nick. That he was cooperating because Blade had what he wanted.”

  Son of a fucking bitch. She keeps talking but he can’t hear anything else but that name. “Who did you say?”

  “Bruno?”

  “You’re sure? Absolutely sure?”

  Her eyes widen from him grilling her. Confusion swirling in the blue depths. “Yes. Why?”

  He nods to her. Encouraging her to keep going. Too soon to give her optimism that isn’t warranted. “What then?

  “One of his guards caught me spying and dragged me inside. Blade dismissed them and told me to get on my knees. He wanted me to…”

  Her fingers flit over her open mouth and a small shudder rolls through her. Motherfucker.

  “I told him no. He was so furious he choked me until I blacked out. I woke up in Evie’s room. He said Nick was alive....” Shiny eyes meet his, begging him to believe her and make it true. “...and I’d better obey
him or he’d hurt her too. That I was the only thing keeping him from killing Nick.”

  Fuck him for having to break her heart again. “Nick couldn’t have survived that explosion.”

  Her delicate hand grasps his, shaking both of them with her adamancy to convince him. “But I talked to him. The connection was bad and I could barely hear him. But it was him. He said, ‘Sweetness, do whatever you have to do to stay safe.’ Then he was gone.”

  He uncurls his balling fist. This motherfucker was a fucking sadist. Hanging this hope over her head. Preying on someone so fucking fragile. “It was probably a recording. From a long time ago.”

  “No! It wasn’t!” She jerks her hand away. The first time she’s ever been angry with him. But he can’t blame her. He wants Nick to be alive as much as she does. “You weren’t there. You didn’t hear it.”

  Evie squirms, responding to her mother’s hysteria. He wraps his hand over her tiny chest, soothing her until she stills. Too bad the same can’t be done for his guilt. “You’re right, I wasn’t.”

  “I don’t blame you. It wasn’t your fault.” Shae whispers, trying to regain her control. “I just want you to help me get Nick back.”

  If it’s true, he will. Or die trying. “I’ll do everything I can.”

  “Thank you.”

  A one-armed embrace engulfs him while her other hand protects her daughter. About ready to come out of his skin from her tight squeeze as well as her desperate optimism.

  “Sorry to interrupt.”

  She releases him from Andy’s apologetic voice behind him, and she reaches out to the mercenary. Giving him a fierce hug of thanks too.

  “You’re welcome, love.”

  Max motions to bodyguard and points toward the door. It’s time to find out the truth. Good or bad, they must know. “Call RJ and have him trace Blade’s calls, in and out. Then let’s find what he did before he got to LA.”

  One last look at Shae before he follows Andy out. A huge smile lights up her face as she cuddles with Evie. Please God don’t let him be the one to smother it.

  19

  Chapter NINTEEN

  Gina glances at Max, both of them waiting for Shae’s reaction to the second part of her honeymoon surprise that Nick never had the opportunity to give his wife. She hasn’t uttered a word since they landed on her island, slowly unbuckling Evie’s car seat and packing up her pink and white bag as if stalling. Not in any rush to face another painful reminder of her new life. Alone.

  But Gina can’t blame her friend. Must be bittersweet to be reminded of Nick’s immense love for her. Pain and pleasure twisted together knowing she would give it all up to have him back. Now, standing in front of the beach house everyone else kept secret from her, Shae strokes the back of the baby’s sweet head with a trembling hand. Probably more comforting to Shae than the sleeping infant on her shoulder.

  "Can I go in by myself? Just for a few minutes?"

  Gina nods to her friend, ignoring the sorrow gripping her body. Wishing to somehow make this easier. "Of course."

  She slumps against Max when the door closes. "I don't like her going alone, but what else was I going to say?"

  His lips brush her temple. "I know. I don’t either. But she's strong. She'll be okay."

  Which is true. More than either of them ever expected after Max confirmed Nick really was gone. And Shae is a widow.

  Unable to find evidence of him anywhere. Again and again, he and the guys would return defeated. Especially Max. Beating himself up after they searched across the US, Mexico, and Brazil. Storming every one of Bruno’s shady and legit warehouses, Enrique’s house in the States, even Juan’s compound just to make sure allies of old foes hadn’t been resurrected. Massacring the inhabitants in a preemptive strike. Eliminating any opportunity for retaliation and solidifying Max’s rule over his expanding empire.

  Except at her mom’s. That was a sneak attack under the radar to avoid confrontation and eliminate any danger to her family. Renata never aware her house was searched while she was gone, mourning the loss of another son.

  Gina’s stomach swirls from her own shame. Incapable of feeling guilty for not attending Bruno’s funeral. Especially since she wasn’t invited or welcome. But, her heart hurts for the burden falling on Leticia to support and console her mother.

  After a few minutes, she can’t stand waiting any longer. Shae needs them. Even if she doesn’t realize it. They wander through the mansion, finally finding Shae and Evie atop the spiral staircase. Her friend taking in the unobstructed view of her beach.

  Gina rubs Shae’s back, offering physical and mental comfort. “It’s beautiful up here, isn’t it?”

  Max strides to the railing running his huge hands over the iron. "Nick wouldn't allow any cameras up here. I don't know why. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how stubborn he is."

  Was.

  Still too fucking difficult to believe he's gone. His ghost lingering at every turn within the extravagance and comfort he demanded to ensure the perfect life for his family.

  A broken smile crosses Shae's quivering lips. Brushing away the wet streams on her cheeks, she nods. "He did it for me."

  "I don't understand. Why would—?"

  Gina grasps his fingers and shakes her head. Sometimes men are so obtuse.

  “What?”

  She swallows her laugh. “Nothing. Go find Andy. Do some guy stuff.”

  “Fine.” He smacks her ass, well aware she’s making fun of him. “Do your woman stuff.”

  The first time she’s heard Shae giggle in weeks. Maybe a sign she’s finally begun to heal and accept the revised version of her future. Max pecks Shae’s cheek too on his way out. A relieved smile on his face matching Gina’s.

  She’s the caboose as they traipse downstairs. Max continues on, but Shae stops in the alcove, confusion lining her face from the sketches outlined on the drywall. Hints of bright sky and tall swaying grass contrasting with the white background. “It’s the imagery from the lyrics to What a Wonderful World. When everything else went to hell, I knew the baby would give us hope that it will all be okay.”

  “You did this?”

  Doubt hums in her chest. This may be the secret that pushes Shae over the edge. To know they were planning all the details of her baby's room without her knowledge. “Yes, but if you don’t like it, I’m happy to do something else.”

  “I love it.” Her arms coil around Gina, tight despite her silent tears. “I really love it. And you. Thank you so much.”

  She welcomes the heartfelt embrace. Holding Shae just as close. “You’re welcome. How about I finish it while you’re getting settled?”

  “Okay.”

  Welcoming the peace of delving back into her work, she experiments with mixing Aureoline for the sun while Shae digs through the closet. Both of them quiet yet not uncomfortable while they focus on their tasks.

  She pauses at the unexpected chopping noise, growing loud enough outside the expansive glass windows for Shae to emerge from the walk in. “What the hell?”

  “Is that a helicopter?” Uncertainty pulses in Shae’s voice, her eyes widening with the same fear flowing through Gina.

  No one else expected to arrive until tomorrow. The perimeter secure. At least it’s supposed to be. “Where are Max and Andy?”

  “I-I don’t know.”

  Thick paint scatters like golden raisins across the protective cloth from Gina tossing her paintbrush. She grabs her phone, punching the button for Max. Only ringing sounds in her ear. Not his voice. Not his explanation. Not his security.

  Something’s wrong. Really wrong. “We’ve got to get to the panic room.”

  “I don’t know where it is.”

  “Come on!” She clutches Shae’s hand, trying not to run too fast with Evie jiggling in her friend’s arms. The infant’s startled wails alerting everyone to their path through the house. If there was anyone here to listen. Where the fuck are they? “In here.”

  She grasps the metal
handle. Nothing. Fuck! They need to prompt the techy scan thing RJ installed. She jerks Shae in front of the screen, holding her head in place for the red line to pierce her blue eyes. Huge with fear. Too scared to fight back or argue, she allows Gina to control her.

  The lock clicks open, and she shoves Shae inside, slamming the door shut behind them. Evie’s cries echo in the sparse room, and Shae rocks her, murmuring in the baby’s ear.

  With trembling hands, she stabs the buttons on the console. Tapping the metal with her fingernails, waiting for the monitors to come to life. The kitchen hits the screen first. Nothing and no one. She rolls through more camera locations. Foyer. Living room. Back deck. Damn it.

  “Do you see anything?”

  “No, nothing.” Which is worse than seeing something. At least she would know what’s going on. Not trapped in here by God knows whom or for what reason. “The house is empty.”

  “What should be do?”

  “Wait.”

  Shae slides onto the wooden bench, clutching Evie close as she adjusts her wrap to nurse the sobbing infant. Quiet consumes them from the baby’s contentedness. Gina sinks down next to her friend. Wishing they could be just as easily comforted.

  Minutes tick by. Sweat rolls down her back despite the powerful air conditioning pumping coolness in the compact space. Nothing worse than feeling so fucking helpless. Being so damn powerless.

  Exhausted from her fright, with her belly full, Evie drifts off, and Shae tucks her into the small bassinet. Gina can’t stand it anymore. Hopping up, she strides to the keyboard, flipping through the images on the display. Still empty. Until she flashes on Max, striding down the hallway with another man. Goosebumps raise on her trembling arms. What the fuck? Warm breaths fog the glass from her leaning so close. “My God, is that Nick?”

  Her gaze darts back and forth between the men. He looks so fucking much like Nick. Nose misaligned, bruises covering half his face. A sling holding his right arm, a pronounced limp despite their fast cadence. But still him. And, Max. He doesn’t look scared. Or worried. Just...furious. What the hell?