Brett tapped his list of munitions for emphasis, causing Enrique to relinquish a small grin, fairly certain he was right. Yeah, she does enjoy the mayhem, even if she can’t admit it. And the sex, can’t forget how good she is at that. Or how much she loves life on the road.
All That Glitters
The five men worked quickly to clean up their mess, the sun threatening to go down before they were ready. It had taken them three whole days to scrape and paint the enormous structure. Waste of time, if I get my way, Brian Madson conceded mentally, reaching for the water hose.
He and his bandmates had been hiding in the little town for six weeks, under the protection of Michael Anderson, his newly found brother-in-law. My God, how fast things can change.
Previous to their estate being vandalized, and their security team murdered, the band had lived a lavish life, complete with hot women, good food, and all the sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll they could want. All that glitters, basically, he laughed to himself. And now we are here, living like hermits, working our asses off for a girl I don’t even like.
Of course, he didn’t really know his younger sibling either, having thought she was dead for twenty years. That, and he was well-practiced at keeping people away, especially women. If they don’t look like someone I’d wanna fuck, that’s exactly what they get… shoved to the cold.
The irony of that thought struck him from the blind side, holy shit! It’s a damn good thing, or I coulda ended up humpin’ my sister! A fuckin’ Greek tragedy that woulda been!
Washing the last of the paint out of their pans, his thoughts continued to churn. Of course, now I have to make amends for treating her like shit, especially if I want to take her home with me.
They had been waiting for her return, and Brian had become more resolute with each passing day that he would take her with him to New Jersey when everything had been settled. Set her up in a suite and pamper the shit out of her. However, he had not told Michael or the others about his plan, mainly as he feared they would try to talk him out of it.
Michael would want to keep his wife and the life they shared. Hell, he’s not fixin’ up this gigantic house for no reason. The other band members wouldn’t like the idea either; wouldn’t want her to interfere with their lives any more than she already had.
But Brian had used his time in Texas to reflect on his past, and saw that this could be a chance for him to get back something that had been taken from him a long time ago. Our parents are gone, but I can make her life better. And have the chance to know her.
That was quickly becoming his priority, and in the last few weeks, he had formulated a plan. I have a huge house in Florida, my share of the place in New Jersey, and enough money, I can buy her whatever she wants.
He didn’t want to offend Michael, but he felt fairly certain this run down shack wouldn’t hold a candle to what he had to offer. Besides, she’s my sister and a musician at heart… she belongs with me.
Drying his hands, he surveyed the progress of the group, relieved they were going to make it before it became too dark to see. “So, what’s for dinner?” he called out jovially.
Michael exhaled loudly, taking in his paint-spattered clothing. Giving his brother-in-law a shrug, “I gotta have a shower before I can even think about eating. You guys can head over to the diner if you want. It don’t close for about half an hour. I’ll catch up to you or cook myself something at the house.”
The rest of the guys tossed their tools aside, eager to be done for the day. Marching down the road, the conversation remained light as they discussed their plans, Cody taking up his role as spokesman for the group, “We’re done with the painting, what’re we working on next?”
Michael shook his head, “We’re taking a few days off. You guys play some music and I’m gonna sit on my ass and do nothing.” He hated to admit it, but at thirty-five, that kind of work, from dawn to dusk at hard labor, had been a bit more than he physically enjoyed, even if it gave his mind something to do.
The lead singer grinned at his bodyguard and friend, “Sure thing, old man. Just let us know when you’re ready to start the next project.”
The group parted ways at the glass door of the diner, the four band members heading inside and taking over the place, eager to get their meal ordered before Trish closed the kitchen. She didn’t mind, giving them a warm welcome as they entered, prepared to take care of the group of men.
Michael trudged on towards his current home, the one he and Tori had restored before she went away. Making it into the house, he began to strip, looking forward to the hot steamy cascade. I’m so glad we bought the tankless water heater. He had suggested it for her, knowing how much she loved her showers, but tonight, he intended to enjoy the hell out of it.
As soon as the paint had been removed, he leaned the top of his head against the wall, allowing the water to wash over his tired muscles. His mind unwinding, he thought about his wife; I miss her so much. I wish I had some word on how things were going, or when I could expect her home. Images of her flittering about in his head, he rested his hand against the wall where he often held her, allowing the idea of her beautiful nakedness to distract him for the moment.
Standing beneath the spray for a good twenty minutes, he finally decided he had had enough. Using the towel to pat himself dry and give his sandy brown curls a good tussle, he slipped into the bedroom to put on his clothes and find something to eat. Damn. I don’t even wanna go back down to the café, and it’s probably past closing anyways. Glancing over at the clock as he pulled on his jeans, he confirmed the time.
Yup, I missed dinner. Oh well, there’s a couple of steaks in the fridge, I might as well cook me one of those. Pulling on his shirt, he froze, listening intently. What the hell? That sounded like my wife, calling my name! Reaching the bedroom door, he bolted out into the hall, his heart pounding out of control.
Another Mistake
Tori didn’t warn anyone about her pending arrival. Accepting a ride with a young man in a cowboy hat, she sat in his pick-up from outside Abilene, all the way to the diner. He had been quite talkative, chattering the entire time about the countryside, his ranch, and whatever popped into his head.
The girl only nodded, uttering small sounds of understanding when it seemed appropriate. I’m really surprised this guy offered me a ride. She stared out the window, considering the scar that hadn’t been covered in weeks. Usually, no one gave her a second glance when it was exposed; much less let her sit in their car for a four-hour drive. Must’ve been desperate for someone to talk to.
Arriving out front of the familiar structure, “Thanks man; really appreciate it.” She managed a tiny smile as she exited the vehicle and closed the door with a thud.
Watching the glow of his tail lights as he pulled away, she waited until he had driven out of sight before she crossed the street and walked briskly down the path. The last greyish pink streaks of the sun were disappearing, and she could feel the tremor she had been fighting the last few nights as she made her journey home. It’ll pass, baby girl. Just gotta hang on and walk towards the light.
Arriving at the small cottage at the back of the property, she flung open the door and rushed into the kitchen calling his name, looking for the one thing she could cling to. The one thing she knew she could trust. Dropping her pack on the floor and jacket on the back of a chair, she made her way down the narrow passage, “Michael!?!”
Her voice echoed through the small dwelling, giving him a shock and sending his heart into overdrive. He met her in front of the washing machine, in the tiny space between it and the bathroom door, his hair still damp from his shower after the long day of painting.
His eyes were wide with surprise as she walked straight up to him, throwing arms around one another, hugging for dear life. Neither of them spoke at first, and they stood holding on as they rocked side to side. “Oh my God,” Michael eventually breathed into her hair, “I can’t believe you’re here!”
Tori felt a stab of guilt, b
ut pushed the thoughts from her mind as she held him against her. “I’m here.” Her voice muffled, she sniffed, unable to stem the flow of tears, thank God I made it.
Michael knew she was in pain. He could feel it in the stiffness of her muscles and hear it in the ragged breaths that she drew as she cried. I’m not gonna ask her what happened, he promised himself. She’s home, and that’s all that matters.
The couple stood for several minutes, taking each other in, neither of them willing to move. Pushing her back enough to see her face, he laid his right palm against her cheek, massaging the line of her scar affectionately.
“Hi,” he breathed airily.
Her face placid, she managed a weak, “Hi,” of her own.
His left hand made a slow trek up and down between her shoulder blade and the curve of her rear end, comforting her in silence. Hearing the faint sound of music filtering in from outside, a smile cracked his rugged features and he dropped his hand to lace his fingers with hers, leading her out to the garage while picking his way through the grass in bare feet.
The grin danced on his lips as he walked, tickled at the surprise he had in store for her. Entering through the back door and into the office, the noise of the band increased with every step, causing her innards to vibrate. Guiding her over to the opening in between the two rooms, he stopped so that she could peek in as she listened.
Indelible was there, their new instruments broken in as they played as they had been for weeks. Reaching the end of the piece, the shop fell quiet and the group noticed the couple that stood in the door frame.
Brian immediately burst into overjoyed giggles, popping off the strap to his guitar and dropping it onto the small stand as he pounced over to grab her.
Tori took a step back, holding up her hand to head him off, oh no, I promised myself to send you packing as soon as I got home. There’s no reason to have you hugging on me in the meantime!
Confused, he stared at her for a several seconds, “Come on, you can’t tell me you’re not happy to see me!”
She flicked her eyes between her husband and her brother. Turning her back on them, she made her way to the house to climb into the shower, her silence saying all she needed for them to know.
Safe in the tiny room, she felt cold, memories of the last few weeks assaulting her weary mind. Removing her clothes, she felt tormented by the actions she had taken, the hours she had spent with other men, naked in the darkness. God, I’d give anything for a drink. Her face drawn by deep lines of regret, for a moment she doubted her ability to remain in the house with the remorse pressing down upon her.
Allowing the water to wash over her body, she recalled that she had taken more lives, men who needed to die. “You’re goin’ to hell,” Dan’s voice repeated over and over. Shut up! You got what you deserved, she snapped at him angrily. But she knew we all do in the end, and her time would come. Someday, I’ll get mine; there’s no getting around it.
Grasping the small bar, she used the soap on her flesh several times in an attempt to wash away the fresh stains of blood that discolored her fingers. Reminded of her time in the hospital in Chicago, she rested her forehead against the wall and allowed herself to weep.
Eventually, there came a light tap on the door, and her husband called from the other side, “Hey, love; are you hungry?”
Cutting off the warm cascade, she realized she hadn’t eaten in a couple of days, and her stomach rumbled to emphasize the point. “Yeah, I could do with a meal.”
Her actions slow and deliberate as she dressed, she listened to the voices in the kitchen as they rose and fell cheerily. From the sound of things, everyone was glad she had returned, enthusiastic to hear whatever she had to say. I don’t even deserve this; there’s nothing I can share with them.
Her hair still dripping, she made her way down the hall and joined the group as Michael worked to prepare steaks and vegetables for the two of them. A large bowl of salad sat on the table, and Tori helped herself to a smaller portion and poured the light Italian dressing over it eagerly. Taking a seat, she ate quietly, trying not to scarf the food in haste while listening to their banter.
The five men watched her, her unwillingness to speak hanging over the group like a dark cloud. They all had an inkling of what she had been about on her little hunting expedition, as Michael had given them enough of her story to pacify the band members while they remained hidden in the tiny town. As a show of respect, they brought their voices down, waiting for either the meal to be ready or her to be ready. In the end, it was the food that finished first.
Michael made a plate and placed it before her, a broad smile on his lips. She glared up at him with doleful eyes, then back at the offering, her heart pounding as if it might explode. Slicing off bites of the meat, she ate the meal greedily, no longer able to control her body’s desire to gorge itself.
When she had finished devouring the food, she struggled with the urge to go to the back of the house and hide. Instead, Tori forced herself to sit with the group, not yet ready to share her story, if she ever would be, but unwilling to leave the comfort of their camaraderie.
Listening to the men, their conversation seemed distant, as if it were coming through a wall, muffled by the barrier. With her somber expression to overpower their warmth, the group grew uncomfortable, unable to reach her or understand the pain she refused to share.
“So, sis,” Brian attempted to draw her out, “It’s good to have you home.” He smiled at her, waiting for her to respond. Her cold stare made him uneasy, “I bet it was exciting, going after those guys.”
She visibly winced, and the rest of the group audibly gasped at the awkwardness between the siblings.
“Hey, well, look at the time,” Cody chimed in. “Maybe we should be on our way, let you guys get caught up in private.” Jumping to his feet, he, Chuck and Collin bolted for the door, keen to get to the motel, or at least out of the small house. They had held rooms at the neutral location for weeks, and were relieved to leave the cramped space, made even more depressing by the arrival of the moody female.
Once the room had cleared, Brian made one last attempt, “I’m really glad you’re home safely.” He held his grin, hoping she would understand.
Tori only glowered at him, clenching her jaw.
He could see the slump of her shoulders, displeasure radiating from her, and a wave of fear overtook him. Standing hurriedly, he stammered, “Well, it’s late, I think I’ll turn in as well. Goodnight.”
Brian had taken up residence in the smaller bedroom, sleeping in Michael’s old bed. He went straight to his quarters and closed the door, almost afraid she would try to make him leave if he were not tucked safely inside. After staring at the closed portal for several minutes, he sighed deeply, well, I guess I get to stay. Kicking off his shoes and stretching out on the bed, he recalled the evening’s events.
She doesn’t want me here, he debated mentally as he blinked at the ceiling. How am I gonna convince her to go home with me if she won’t even talk? Of course, it was her first night back and there would be lots of days to persuade her, as he had no intention of leaving until he had done so.
Meanwhile, Michael led the way into their bedroom, Tori closing the door behind them. Eager to hold his wife, he wanted to comfort her, and welcome her home as only he could. And he needed to return her ring.
He had kept it in his pocket the whole time, waiting for the right moment to make the offer. Flashing his straight white teeth, he opened the pouch, “I have something that belongs to you, missy.”
Tori braced herself, feeling the trepidation at what loomed ahead of her. Watching the small circle of silvery white gold slide out onto his open palm, tears spilled over and ran down her face, and she shook her head ever so slightly. Oh my God, I can’t accept it. I don’t deserve this man; I’m so dirty and unworthy after what I’ve done. She looked up from the treasure, eyes filled with pain.
Seeing her expression, his face relaxed, allowing the smile to fade. “I k
now this is hard for you. And, I know you aren’t ready to talk about it. But this is yours,” he held the band up between a thumb and index finger. “I would really like to see it on your hand.”
Gazing into Michael’s deep brown orbs, she knew what her refusal would mean to him, and relented, silently raising her left arm towards him. Her fingers trembled as he reached to catch her palm and hold her steady while he slid the symbol of his dedication into place.
Smiling at her, he deduced that she felt troubled by the things that had happened and she had taken part in. We need to talk, he rationalized, but he already knew she would resist. She never has been big on sharing what’s inside. “Thank you,” he stated firmly, his grin smaller, but genuine. Still holding her hand, he used the appendage to pull her towards him.
Her body pressed against his, Michael could feel the tightness in his chest, fairly certain she had been with other men while she was away. Either by force or by choice, not all of her came home. Swallowing back his anger, he reminded himself, she’s still my wife, I still love her, and she’s going to share my bed. At least, he hoped that she would.
“You wanna tell me about it?” he made the offer while rubbing her spine firmly.
“No,” she clipped, her voice low and emotionless.
Damn. I knew she wouldn’t let me in. Not yet, at least. Adamant at not allowing himself to worry over things they could not change, he tightened his hold even further. Michael still loved and wanted her; the only thing that needed to be said. If she won’t talk, then I’ll find another way.
His cheek pressed against her hair, he whispered next to her ear, “It's ok. I’m here, and I can wait until you’re ready.”
Sliding her arms around his neck, she exhaled deeply, hugging him against her as her only reply. Hearing her sob, he continued to squeeze, grateful she would at least be able to cry, and that would mean release.
A New Life Series - Finisher Set Page 17