Chapter 29
Keep Her Safe
Robbie
Ember gets dressed slowly, taking time to try to reduce the swelling of her face. She looks in the mirror and huffs before turning back to me.
“Do you think we can postpone this family meeting until my nose and cheeks can return to normal size?”
“Do you think I can keep Cruz and Alex away for five more minutes?”
“Fine! But promise me you have some kind of trick up your sleeve when my dad goes fucking nuts.”
“Can’t do that because I’m trying to hold in my own shit.”
Her eyes go soft and start to glisten.
Shit! I think of something that may make her eyes sparkle. “For once in my life, I wish Charlie was here. She’d have taken your sister and mom down in one swoop. Maybe we should put her on alert.”
Ember throws herself against me on the bed and giggles. She laughs so hard her chest starts heaving. When she looks at me, her dimples shine. “I think I like Charlie.”
“She’s a crazy nut.”
“Let’s do this?” she asks me and presses her lips briefly against mine.
We walk down the stairs hand in hand, and I freeze when I see not only my parents but Finn waiting for us with the rest of Ember’s family. Thad looks like he could kill and die at the same time. When his eyes hit Ember, they start to water.
“Ember?” he asks quietly, looking for any sign of anger.
“Daddy, I’m okay. But I need to apologize because I think Robbie and James were right. I may have been a bit traumatized when faced with Natalie and Serena today. I lost my voice, and when they told me what they did years ago, it shocked me. Maybe I’m more damaged than I thought.”
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I wrap my arms around her protectively. “You’re not damaged- you’re perfect.”
Cruz and Alex are holding hands, and it’s obvious that Cruz is about to lose his mind. His eyes are dilated as he watches Ember’s every move closely. Alex is equally as tight, his fist flexing in his lap. He gives me a curt nod but focuses back on Ember.
My mom comes and grabs Ember from me, pulling her into her arms. Chloe follows, and then a few sniffs are the only sounds in the room.
“I hate to break this up, but I have a few questions,” my dad says stiffly. “Ember, would you like talk to a woman detective?”
“Detective?” she asks, stepping out of the embrace.
“Yeah, I think we may have grounds for charges of rape.”
I watch the color drain from her face as she drops to the ground. No one can get to her fast enough.
“I wasn’t raped.”
We all watch as the emotions wash over her. I sink to the floor and wrap my arms around her shoulders.
“This is so humiliating,” she whispers as Cruz sits next to us. He takes her hand, and she smiles weakly. “Mom told me Natalie was in trouble because she owed a guy some money. I’d met him a few times, so I agreed to try to talk him into letting Natalie slide. He was a nice guy, not your stereotypical drug dealing ass. He was cute and kind, and made me feel wanted. What a fool. I thought he actually liked me until two days later, when I woke up in his bed and saw him by the pool with Natalie. It was crushing, so I left.
“Now I know Mom bartered me for my sister’s drug debt.”
Thad literally shakes on the couch, and I send him a glare to calm down. The last thing Ember needs is to worry about him. A glass breaks, and Finn storms out the back. My dad’s angry eyes lock with mine. Silently, we communicate, ‘This guy is fucking going to pay’.
“Oh no.” Ember’s horrified expression stares in the direction of Finn.
“He’ll be okay. He’s protective by nature, but when someone he cares about is hurting, it’s a thousand times worse.”
We all sit uncomfortably quiet for a few minutes until Ember breaks the silence. “Can we move on? Maybe discuss how you all flew into the parking lot like bats out of hell? Or that Serena showed up, trying to pull Natalie out of here?”
“Serena showed up at the shop, saying she needed more money and it was time she talk to you. She was edgy, cagey, kept looking at her watch. It made me suspicious. It was a coincidence we were all at the store. She was talking nonsense about Thad’s responsibility to Natalie and the fact that it was time he recognized he had two daughters.
“Your dad let her have it, explaining that he knew everything that happened before and while he was in prison. He offered to pay for rehab and get her into drug counseling. That’s when Serena slipped that Natalie was waiting for you. We shoved her out the door, called the police, and took off here,” Chloe explains. “I think us calling the police is what tweaked her. She knew we were going to protect you and if Natalie hurt you, we’d press charges.”
“For one small second, one glimpse of the old Serena reappeared. She’s scared for Natalie. Goddamn! How did this happen?” Thad runs his hands through his hair.
“Better question is how do we get rid of this bitch?” Finn’s angry voice fills the room. His eyes scan everyone until they land on Ember.
She shutters slightly but moves away from me and walks to him. As soon as she grabs him into a hug, he relaxes. My breathing picks up, and I calm the impulse to claim her like a fucking madman. He’s my best fucking friend, so I’m happy he cares about her, but she’s mine. While she’s hurting like a motherfucker, she’s worried about him.
“I think we contact them,” Ember says slowly and catches her dad’s eye. “No money, but get a hold of Mom, I mean Serena, and see if she’ll help put Natalie in a rehab. No more money, no more games.”
“I’ll call my lawyer tomorrow and set some money aside in case she’s willing to go.”
“Seeing as I wasn’t here to see what went down, did anyone get a read on Natalie’s sanity? Is there a chance she’s physically dangerous?” Dad asks.
“I think the answer to that is pretty obvious, considering she abused Ember when they were under the same roof. We’re getting a restraining order.” I watch Ember nod in agreement.
“I hate to say it, but that’s a good idea. She’s always been horrible, but today, she looked at me revolted. Her eyes were wicked, and the way she glared at Robbie made me nervous.”
“I’ll call in a favor and see if an officer will meet us at my office tomorrow. Anyone else want to request an RO?” Dad looks around the room, but no one answers.
“Until we get a handle on this situation, Ember’s staying with me. Full time. We’ll arrange for her to have someone at the store. And no offense, but I mean one of us guys.” I look at my mom and Chloe.
“I agree,” Thad adds, not even blinking at the fact I announced his daughter is moving in with me.
“Dad, let’s talk to Hank or Tom tomorrow. See which one is available first. I can work from Clyde’s until we can get a schedule together with everyone.”
My dad’s lips twitch before he speaks. “Hank and Tom? Don’t you think they’ll stick out like a sore thumb? What makes you think they’ll even consider this, knowing forty hours a week will be spent in a boutique? Maybe we should talk to Jared.”
“Hell no! Hank and Tom are middle-aged, married, and have kids of their own. Jared’s out of the question. He’ll take one look at her, and then I’ll have to beat his ass. No way.”
My mom and Finn outwardly laugh at me, fueling my aggravation.
“Excuse me.” Ember’s hands go to her hips. “I think my mind was clouded and took a time-out for a few seconds. Did you just declare I’m moving in with you, can’t be alone with the women in my life, and am getting a middle-aged guard while at work?”
“Yes,” every man says in unison.
“A restraining order should be enough, and I know self defense! Don’t I have a say in this?”
“No,” we all repeat again.
“Robbie, we need to talk in the kitchen. Alone.”
“If we go to the kitchen, it won’t be to talk. It’ll be for me to kiss that
fucking sass right out of you.”
Her mouth flies open, and splotches start to form on her chest and neck. The recognizable blush fills her cheeks. “You did not just say that!”
My cock twitches watching her reaction. Call me a sick bastard, but when her blotches spread to her shoulders, all I want to do is run my lips along her soft skin.
“Maybe we should have that talk in the kitchen.” I get up and she throws her hands out to stop me.
“Don’t you dare come over here.”
The room erupts in laughter as her whole upper body becomes stained pink. She tries to remain serious but does a poor job of hiding her growing grin.
“Ember, I hate to tell you, but Robbie’s exactly like his father. There’s really no budging them when their minds are made up,” Mom tells her.
“Can I at least get to pick my guard? Is there a place on your website to see pictures? What about someone like Will Turner? Or maybe this Jared guy?”
When I growl, the laugher gets loud again. Finn even throws his head back and roars.
“You do realize Will Turner is probably going to jump on the bandwagon soon and ask Ella Collins to marry him? Jared’s not getting near you.”
She opens her mouth to argue, and this time I don’t stop myself from rushing to her. She beats on my lower back when I throw her over my shoulder demanding I set her down, but I don’t stop until her ass is on the counter, pinned between my arms.
Her lips are still moving in protest, but I tune her out and lean in, sealing my mouth over hers. She finally shuts up and kisses me back passionately, gripping my neck. Her nails scrape lightly up my scalp, while mine dig into her hips. Unlike earlier, she doesn’t taste like the salt of her tears. Instead, her lips are coated in the flavor of her cherry lip-gloss.
I kiss her until we both pull away panting. My forehead rests against hers, and her eyes are glassy with lust and desire.
“What were you saying about Jared?”
“Who?” She grins slyly.
“It’s not funny.”
“Serves you right for being an idiot.”
“I don’t think worrying about your safety is idiotic.”
“No, but being bossy and jealous is uncalled for. I needed to put you in your place.”
“My place is wrapped around your body, rocking back and forth inside you as you whimper my name.”
A voice clears behind me, and I look to find Chloe standing in the doorway with a knowing grin. Ember lays her head on my shoulder, shaking it back and forth.
“Of course she probably heard that.”
“I didn’t have to hear it to feel the energy buzzing in this room. You two plan to join us back in here anytime soon?”
I set Ember on her feet and kiss her quickly before we go back to the living room.
“Little Star, why don’t you go pack a bag for at least four days? When you get back down, we’ll order pizza,” Thad instructs her.
“Is that Dad speak for you want me out of earshot?”
He doesn’t answer, but looks away guiltily. Cruz grabs her hands and pulls her up the stairs.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Robbie, I want to send Ember as far away as possible until we get this shit sorted.”
“I’m inclined to agree, but it’s unnecessary. She’ll be covered at all times with someone we trust. My house is safe and still unknown. The restraining order will help. No disrespect, but she’s not leaving town without me. If I have my way, she’ll rarely be out of my sight.”
He stares at me and finally nods. “Keep her safe.”
“Always.”
Chapter 30
Forgiving
Ember
“Hank, this is ridiculous. Absolutely absurd. A few minutes will be fine,” I argue like I do ever single time Hank makes me lock the store doors when he wants a break. It’s usually only ten minutes, long enough to smoke a cigarette and use the restroom. This has been going on for a week.
“No can do, girlie, especially after the latest message. Have you told him?”
“No, I’ll call when you’re in the back. Take your time.”
Robbie answers on the second ring, sounding exhausted. “You okay?”
“Sure, we got another message on the voice mail. Funny enough, she didn’t sound high or drunk.”
“You know the routine. Save it on the back up.”
“Got it. How’s your day?”
“Tiring. But your dad saved our asses. He’s an insurance genius. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It never really came up. He was an executive before all the crap happened. I’m glad he could help.”
“Help? He more than helped. My dad’s offered him a consulting position. He’s thinking it over, but we could really use him here.”
“Oh my God! Really? That’s amazing. I’ll go by there after work and talk to him, convince him to say yes.”
“Tell Hank to drop you off, and I’ll meet you when I’m done here. It’ll be around seven.”
“Okay, I better go. There’s someone pulling into the parking lot.”
“Transfer the message, babe. Don’t forget.”
We hang up, and I call to Hank that we have a customer. He unlocks the door and takes his place in the chair in the middle of the room. After a few minutes, when no one comes in, I decide to listen to the most recent message from Natalie and back it up.
Once my restraining order was served to her, she went ballistic. Every day I’ve come into the store with a seething message. Today was no different.
Ember, I know you’re fucking hearing these. I need that money. You think you’re something special, but you’re still a worthless piece of shit. Call me back or you’ll regret it.
The words don’t even hurt me anymore. Only make me sad. The bell over the door rings, and I swallow hard when I see Abbi, Ella, and Charlie walk in with wide smiles on their faces.
“Hi Ember,” Ella says sweetly.
“Hi. How are y’all?”
“We’re great. Do you have a few minutes?” Abbi asks shyly. “I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Okay.”
She rumbles in her purse and pulls out a scrap of fabric. The magenta satin shines with a hint of sparkle. When she hands it to me, I know immediately it’s a high quality material that would be perfect for an evening gown.
“It’s a beautiful color, Abbi.”
“Do you think it would be appropriate for a December bridesmaid dress?”
“Absolutely. It would look stunning.”
She looks at Charlie and Ella nervously and wrings her hands. “Listen, I know we don’t know each other very well, but I want something unique and one of a kind. I’m only having a few bridesmaids, and Dad said I could have the dresses custom made. Robbie told Jimi you have incredible sketches, and I wanted to see if you would help me design the dresses.”
She talks so fast my brain takes a minute to catch up. “You want me to design the dresses for your wedding?”
“I think so. Even though I haven’t seen your sketches, Raven said you designed a dress for her mom and it was phenomenal. Iwantphenomenal.” She says it so fast, I almost can’t understand.
“Raven said it was phenomenal?” Emotions bubble within and one tear falls with the compliment.
“Jesus Christ! We have another emotional one. I can’t stand all you criers. What the hell? I hoped Ember was a closet badass. One compliment and she’s boo-hooing. Good job, Abbi.”
And this is why everyone has a love hate relationship with Charlie. But since I love it, I straighten my shoulders and shoot back, “Bitch, I’m not even close to boo-hooing. There must be dirt in my eye.”
She burst out laughing, and the rest of us join in, even Hank.
“Do you know what you want, Abbi?”
“Is that a yes?”
“Only if you promise to be honest with me. My style may not match your own, but if it doesn’t, I have a network of designers I went to school with.”
> “No, I’m pretty sure I want one of yours. I had no idea the times we’ve been out that you’d done your own dresses. And in my head, I want a combination of things.”
As she tells me her vision, an idea comes to mind and I pull my sketchpad out from under the counter. I flip to an unfinished drawing and make a few notes. She goes silent as she sees what I’ve done.
“Holy shit, that’s it. Can we add a romantic ruffle to that sleeve?”
“Ruffles? Do you think I’m wearing a ruffle? I’m the girlfriend of a rock and roll star. I can’t wear a ruffle.” Charlie slides between us.
“You can also not wear it at all.” Abbi glares at her. “Raven’s married to a rock and roll star, and she’d wear a paper bag if I asked.”
The two banter back and forth for a few minutes as I add some romantic touches. Ella looks around and goes straight to Chloe’s jewelry display.
“Abbi!” she screams, and all our heads whip to her. “Look at this set. It’s perfect for your dress.”
Abbi squeals and runs over with Charlie following. The necklace and earring combination is one of my very favorites. As they hold it up to the light, I agree it’s the perfect color to match the bridesmaid dresses.
“Ember, I thought I’d wear the necklace Jimi gave me on my graduation as my jewelry, but this would bring in a whole color motif. Do you think it’s tacky?” Abbi looks at me with questioning eyes.
“No, more and more brides are adding color to their wedding attire to give an edgy feel. It’s trendy, sexy, and without seeing your dress, I bet it would be beautiful.”
She pulls out her phone and shoves it in my face. I inhale loudly at the sight of her in the gown. “You are beautiful. Absolutely perfect choice for your body type and skin coloring. The beading is elegant and woven to absolute measurements. Satin and lace combinations show the image of shine and angelic when you walk.”
“Are you speaking English? It looks like a fucking dress to me.” Charlie rolls her eye.
“No, she described it as only a professional could. It’s perfect on her.” Ella grins at me.
“Shit, I wish I would have known sooner. You could have designed a wedding dress for me,” Abbi says.
Salvation Page 21