The Life She Wished For (Birds of Paradise Book 2)

by ChaShiree M.

  “Yea. Looks like we have no choice.”

  The drive to the safe house was quick, but it felt like a freaking drive down the green mile. Knowing all the shit at play and all the players involved who do not know about one another is making me twitchy. I don’t like surprises or shit sprung on me. The situation feels like an earthquake with no way around the debris or the collateral damage.

  Pulling alongside of the safe house, I get out to look around and check the perimeter. I do this every time we are here to make sure we haven’t been discovered, breached, and there are no traps. We have traps in place and would know if someone else attempted to set any. The location is very important and plays a big part in the side business my brother and I are involved in. So, making sure it stays under the radar is a huge priority. Always.

  As we walk into the building I see Ghost and Santiago are already here, which is not surprising. They are two of the most reliable men and soldiers you will ever meet. My brother and I owe them more than a little for saving our asses on multiple occasions. I greet each one as I always have. With a pat on the back and a ‘hey brother’. They may not be my brothers by blood, but they definitely are our brother in arms.

  “What’s up Chief. You called. We came. What’s the play?” As usual, Ghost doesn’t like to diddle dawdle and waste time. It comes from his years in Special Ops for the Seals. His list of accommodations is impressive, but nowhere near as impressive as the record he has set for the most kills, from the farthest distance. That’s how he found us. We were in the right place, at the wrong time, and he saved us from a militia of sex traffickers we didn’t see coming. Hell, we didn’t see him either.

  “Ghost. Remember that situation we were working on with Mikhail and his lady?” He nods his head. Never one to waste words. “Well it’s time to bring it to an end. We found out that Maverick is the brother to Raffa, who is one of the men that works for the older sister’s husband. He is a plant put in place by the girl’s father, but also works for one of the other mob bosses up in Philly. Raffa is dangerous and cannot be trusted. I have evidence that he has been raping and killing underage girls. I need him neutralized.”

  “What. The. Fuck.? You guys knew about this and you allowed him to live this long? I should have been unleashed on him the moment you found out. Scum like that should never be able to breathe. Let alone continue the fuckery. I’m on it. Consider it done as of yesterday.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less. The dossier has been sent to your handheld. Happy hunting brother.” If I had a heart for dirty rotten motherfuckers, I would feel bad for Raffa. Ghost, is a beast of another color. And harming women and children is his Achilles heel. He is not going to see this 5’11’’ black man coming.

  “Now what’s my assignment, Jefe?” says Santiago. He is a great man who has lived a hard life. Found his calling in the army and then in the MC, until he had to turn on them because he couldn’t get with the trafficking. He found us and has been an asset ever since.

  “Santi, we need you to tail Maverick and fit the rest of the puzzle pieces together, that we don’t know. Here is the file on what we have. Complete it. This is a time sensitive mission so take whatever you need to get what we need.”

  “Si. I’m on it.” With that he goes out. Looking around to make sure everything is still intact, I am about to call for my brother, when he comes bounding at me. The first thing I notice is he is holding the phone in his hand that we’ve set aside for emergencies only. If he is holding it, it could only mean one thing.

  “Vuolo, JoJo called. We must go in now. She is hiding right now, but she is scared as fuck. Her dad is making her marry this man tomorrow. He is fucking 20 years older than her and my intel says he beats his wives. Man, I can’t let him near her. I will lose my fucking mind bro. But that is not all. She hasn’t seen Cindy in a few days. She is scared something has happened to her.”

  Shit.

  If anything would make me move, it’s Cindy. She is the sweetest, most beautiful girl I have ever seen. And every time I see her, there is a drumming in my veins telling me to take her, claim her, and make her mine. The fucked-up part is, I still have six months until she is legal. But the fact that we found both by accident isn’t lost on me.

  We were doing recon for Mikhail on Phoenix and her past. Following a lead from another trafficking ring we busted up, only to find that they intersected at the compound, and everything just sort of became a jumbled mess. But the minute I laid eyes on her, I knew she would be it for me. We have been monitoring her and JoJo ever since, planning the day we can get them out.

  “Well, initiate the Extraction Plan. Time to go in.”

  Uggg. I think the only other thing worse than throwing up is watching the toilet bowl swirl around after you just threw up. It makes me dizzy and feel like I could go another round with the toilet. Here I am in L.A., in this beautiful penthouse suite, and I am bent over in the bathroom throwing up the food I haven’t even eaten yet. The only reason I am not freaking out about said event is because two days ago, I found out why I am no longer allowed to be normal in the morning.

  Friday morning, when I woke up for the third day in a row puking up my life, I became a bit…suspicious about the reason. I immediately cleaned myself up and went to see my sister Fae. Not really wanting to come right out and ask her, I decided to ask vague questions instead. Or at least I thought they were vague. Should have known she would know otherwise.

  “So how did it feel to be 17, pregnant, and unmarried? Were you scared?” She looked at me like she knew, but she answered my question.

  “Phe, you forget the moment I found out, Ren married me. There was not a minute that I didn’t feel secure in our relationship. Why do you ask?” I was so scared, but there is no one else I would talk about this with but her.

  “I missed my period and I am freaking out. I know he loves me, he never misses a moment to tell me all the time. But he never mentions marriage and I don’t know, maybe he doesn’t want to get married. He did mentioned kids once, but not again. And though he never uses protection, maybe he assumes I am on birth control. I am terrified Fae, but I’m also very happy. All I have ever really wanted was to be a wife and mother. I never said as much to you guys because I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me, but if I could find a man to love, protect, and allow me to find me, I would never want for anything else. I simply want…security. Is there something wrong with me?”

  I’m not sure what I am expecting from her, but she doesn’t disappoint me. Her and her big big beautiful belly come around and sit beside me, where she engulfs me in the biggest hug imaginable.

  “Little Phoenix. All we want for you is to be happy. We all know our childhood was the worst for you. You haven’t told us much, but we can see it in the shadows of your eyes. We simply want to take some of that from you. If being a wife and mom will do that, so be it. Now, have you taken a test?” I shake my head no. “I didn’t want to do it by myself.”

  “Perfect. I buy them in bulk. You know Ren. So, come on upstairs and let’s find out.”

  Four minutes later and a flashing pregnant stick, I know at least one of my dreams is going to come true. I am going to be a mom. Fae squeals and hugs me, as she tells me how happy she is for me. She also tells me how much she will help and be there for me no matter what.

  After crying a bit and finally composing myself, I beg her to keep this between us until I have a chance to talk to Mikhail. Suddenly I am struck with a bit of genius. I plan a very elaborate, well not too elaborate, but a very pleasant way for him to find out once we come back from L.A.

  Which brings me to now. We have been here for two days now and each day I have woken up alone. I thought we were coming here on vacation, but from the moment we stepped on his private plane he has been working. He of course stops to make sure I eat and to make love to me, but other than that we have spent no time together here other than at night, when we go out to eat. I am starting to feel like I have the thoughts of our fut
ure wrong and that alone is enough to make me retch again.

  Luckily Oxana is here and has asked me out to lunch with her today. It beats being in here alone or sightseeing alone. Plus, I really like her. She is sweet, funny, and a force to be reckoned with. She has taken to calling me once a day to talk and chat. She is like the mother I never had.

  After showering and brushing my teeth to feel somewhat human, I get dressed in a lilac sundress, pairing it with a white cotton bolero, and some white lace espadrilles. I feel pretty, light, and dare I say a little happy. Grabbing my purse and the room key I walk to the lobby and straight to the car Mikhail informed me would be for my every use while we are here.

  Giving the driver the address of the dress shop Oxana said to meet her at, I sit and think about the massive task I have of finding a gown worthy of the Opera tonight. I loathe dress shopping. Especially when it is for a special occasion where I will be surrounded by people of status. Shuddering at the thought, I sit back and close my eyes until the car stops.

  “Phoenix, my darling you look just delightful. And dare I say there is a glow about you. You look positively radiant my dear.” She says to me as she kisses me on the cheeks as I try to control the blush. I don’t want to give anything away. Surely, she can’t really tell right?

  “Thank you. As usual you look stunning. I was so happy to hear you were here. I have been incredibly lonely since we have been here, because Mikhail has done nothing but work. I thought this was a vacation.” I didn’t mean to sound so petulant and whiny, but damn it, that is how I feel.

  “I know my dear. He and Boris are working on something very important. But I know if it wasn’t for that, he would be with you every second he could. Now come, let’s go to this little café here, grab some lunch and go shopping for your opera dress.”

  Lunch was delightful, and I am happy to report, everything I ate stayed down. Lately, that has been touch and go. In that regard it has been a good thing that Mikhail has been gone, because he hasn’t noticed my mad dash to the bathroom after lunch or even a snack. Good grief.

  Walking out of the café I nearly bump into the back of Oxana due to her abrupt stop directly in front of me. Turning to me, she hands me an envelope with a smile on her face and says, “Now the fun begins.” I hesitate before reaching for the envelope.

  I don’t necessarily feel as if I am in danger, but that was still a very ominous statement and in my life, I have learned that no one is who they seem. Well except Mikhail. I can’t imagine him being anyone other than who he is. It is with this thought in mind, knowing that he trusts her enough to allow me to be alone with her, that I take the envelope. Slowly opening it and looking at Oxana’s smile at the same time, I am joyfully surprised to find a handwritten note from Mikhail.

  My Dearest Phoenix,

  I know I have been busy since we have arrived, and I apologize Myshka. If it were not pertinent business and of the utmost importance, believe me when I say nothing could tear me away. As a way of saying I am sorry and of showing you how much I love and adore you, think of today as your “Pretty Woman Experience”.

  Yes, my love, I remember your admiration of the movie and thought how appropriate. Oxana will act as your liaison throughout the day and make sure my instructions for each venue are followed through to the letter. Have fun Myshka. I will see you tonight for the Opera.

  Love Always,

  Your Geroy

  Geroy. Smiling at the name I have called him a time or two. My hero. Because he really his. He saved me from a life of loneliness and a possibility of never knowing the kind of love I crave with a family of my own. I think. I discreetly rub my belly, silently telling my baby, I will give everything I never had regarding safety and unconditional love being in the forefront. Oxana snaps me out of my reverie with the reminder of the day ahead and how much thought and fun Mikhail has put into this.

  The rest of the day is constant movement, meeting new people, pinching, pulling, chopping, tweezing, buffing, waxing, polishing and squeezing. I am positively exhausted, dizzy and nauseous. Not to mention Oxana might be a bit suspicious about my ‘situation’ because I keep refusing Champagne.

  I tried using my age as the reason, but then she said, “Sweet girl, you’re with Mikhail now. Your age no longer matters.” It started the day of lame excuses for why I couldn’t drink, thus the lingering looks all day. Finally, after having my hair done and opting not to do much with my face; I am finally in the limo alone and on my way to the penthouse as I fall asleep in the backseat.

  “Miss Phoenix. Miss Phoenix. Wake up. We’re here.”

  Jolting awake slightly confused about where I am until I look out the car door. Getting out of the limo, I thank the driver and begin to go inside when I remember the handful of bags in the trunk.

  “Oh my. Will you hold on a second and I’ll find someone to get my bags?” Only I have no idea who to ask and where to go.

  “Ma’am, the valet did that before I woke you. They are already in your room.”

  Wow. Talk about five-star service. “Wow. Thank you so much…I’m sorry. I don’t know your name.”

  “Alex ma’am. My name is Alex.” he replies.

  “Well Alex, it is great to meet you. And please call me Phoenix. Something tells me, you are wiser than me in age and life. Ma’am doesn’t seem altogether appropriate. Ok?” I look at him a little hesitant, as I ask for his agreement.

  “Yes ma’am. I mean…Phoenix.” I shake his hand and make my way inside and up the stairs.

  This is living differently. To get the very top five floors you need a key card to insert into a slot on the side of the elevator. It takes you directly to your floor, opening into your living room.

  Walking into the suite I look around realizing I have not taken the time to appreciate my surroundings. Going further into the living room, I stop and take a second to admire the beautiful view in front of me. The windows are from floor to ceiling. Clear and unblemished making it easy for anyone to see in with the right equipment. Thinking of something like this would usually make me nervous, but surprisingly I still feel safe.

  From up here everything below looks either ant size or a shiny spec. Looking out over the expanse, the horizon shows signs of the day setting and as I look at it, I cannot help but think about the difference a month can make. I went from being alone, resigned to never seeing Mikhail again and living without the feelings he invoked in me, to living with him in luxury, security and love. My family being aware of it, being in love with someone who loves me just as much and being pregnant. Sometimes, I cannot believe this is my life.

  I know I need to get ready and as I turn to go into the bedroom, his voice and the look on his face stop me from moving past the first step.

  “Don’t move Myshka. I want you standing right in front of the window for this next part. Bathed in the sunset, as it makes the reds and golds of your hair shimmer and halo around you, painting you as the Angel you are.” He says in a dreamy voice that glides over my skin like the rays of the setting sun behind me.

  This man has a way with words. When I first walked in here I was exhausted, but now staring at him and hearing him speak to me as if I was some ethereal creature, I can feel my pussy dripping into my panties, soaking them in arousal and evidence of my desire for him. The willpower I am displaying in not moaning and begging for him to take me right now is astounding, even myself.

  “I love you Phoenix. With all that I am and everything that I am not. You do know that don’t you?” A question coming from his mouth.

  The tears pooling in my eyes do not get in the way of me nodding my head vigorously and whispering to him through an emotional clad voice, “I love you too Mikhail. Not only for saving me from loneliness, but for giving me more than you can understand.”

  “That’s good Myshka. Very good. Because as much as I want to give you beautiful words and romantic gestures, I am but who I am and those things though important and necessary, I do not want them taking away from the raw a
nd unfiltered declaration. So, without all the pomp and circumstance, surrounded by the love we have for one another and down on both my knees, I am asking you to marry me? Make me the luckiest, most undeserving man in the world and be my wife?”

  With those words I am full fledge crying now and in disbelief. Did he just ask me to marry him? In the back of my mind I know I am supposed to say something, but other than the tears and overwhelming happiness, I am unable to think of what else should happen.

  “Baby, are you going to answer me?” Oh. Right.

  “YES! Of course, I will marry you. Oh my God, I love you so much.”

  I fall to my knees and hug him so tight I can’t even breath. When I feel him slip the ring on my finger, I look down and let out a gasp loud enough I’m sure they can hear it in the room down below. It is simply gorgeous. It is a cushion cut diamond, surrounded by a halo of emeralds and a vintage platinum circles surrounding a cathedral set band.

  “Mikhail, it’s…I don’t know what to say. It is so beautiful. Wow is not a strong enough word.”

  “Not as beautiful as you, my love.” I literally cannot find the words. I keep looking at him and down at the ring and wondering when I will wake up from this amazing dream.

  “Stand up baby and walk over to the window. Put your chest against it and your arms above your head. Unfortunately, we don’t have the kind of time we need for me to worship you the way you deserve, but I feel this moment calls for a form of appropriate commemoration.”

  I go slowly over to the window doing as he commands. There is a part of the innocence I have yet to shed which makes me nervous because there is nothing but open glass. The other part of me, the part that is now engaged to this powerful man who wants to prove that I can be everything he needs. It is that part which wins out.

  I lean against the glass with my arms above my head and immediately feel goosebumps spread over my skin. The goosebumps are part chill from the window and part anticipation. The waiting is foreplay…and he knows it.