Some Way

by Tiffany Jade

  "Fine," one more deep breath for the road, "What's the real reason behind the fight with your family and Serafina's family?" Now Grayson breathes in deep.

  "That's one hell of a story Liv, but the short version? At one time I did really have feelings for her, and I thought she had feelings for me. We grew up together. Our families were actually good. Her father was put in charge of one of our business deals, he thought he could skim off the top and we wouldn't notice, but when it comes to money, my father would notice half a cent wrong. When he was confronted he swore up and down it was one of his guys not him, Father let him go to handle it. Turns out he was working for another family, trying to scam enough money off of us to give them the advantage. When we found out that part too, they sent Serafina to take care of me, thinking that would get my Dad off their ass. Serafina apparently was not as in to me as I had thought, she was fucking the other side’s boss..." Gray rolls his eyes, "and his son...probably an uncle or cousin thrown in there too." I bite my tongue, and she had the nerve to, nope, not the issue right now.

  "Anyway, it gets muddled and more happened but that's the base of it. Don't ask me how Lorenzo and Sera got their claws back in my dad because I don't know for sure, but Serafina got my dad cheating and I'm sure there is money involved. My dad was already mad at us because Dax and I want to go straight, and take the whole family with us. We have the money to do it and the danger of this life just isn’t worth it. Dad doesn’t see it that way and he just wants me and Dax out of the way at this point."

  I squeeze his hand as he shrugs. It has to be hard to say those words, no matter how much of an ass their father is, he's still their father.

  "What's this business deal? Where did all this money come from Gray? Just how illegal are we talking here," I try to put a little humor in my voice, but I'm sure he can hear the fear too. His shoulders shake in a small laugh.

  "I told you it's not drugs Liviana, I'm smarter than that." He looks around, organizing his thoughts. "I know that's why your dad left," he whispers the words, giving me a gentle look when I look at him surprised. "Luca did some digging," I nod, accepting it, but not wanting to discuss.

  "Later please," he accepts my small plea and kisses my hand that is holding onto his even harder now.

  "It used to be, back in the day. Before Dax, Nate, Luca and I got more involved. Grandpa was pissed when he found out Dad had gotten into the game, see he wanted to go straight too, but Father was convinced it was quick money. He quickly learned it was also the quickest way to get the feds on your ass. One stint in prison and and a swift ass kicking from Nonno, made him rethink it a little bit. But he really changed his mind when he got me and the boys to try selling and we got busted. Nonno had to pay so much money to get us out of jail and keep it out of the papers that he almost killed Dad himself."

  "Jail?" My head tips, so much new information about Grayson's life weighing me down.

  "We all did a couple years, for various things here and there," Grayson shrugs, "part of growing up." The look on my face makes him laugh. "Re-thinking your life choices?" he asks as he nudges my arm with his.

  "Just thinking about how orange is really not your color," Grayson shakes his head at me but smiles. "So what replaced drugs then, how can you afford all of this?" I wave my arm that he's not holding onto, around the room. "Private planes? Multiple houses? All those sneaky black SUVs?"

  "Well the boys and I came up with a plan, a way to make enough money that we could logistically stop. And we are pretty sure that that is exactly why Dad and Lorenzo are trying to take us out. They both went for Devlov, we thought it was to shut down his drug operation, but now I'm positive they were wanting in on it. Dad's chances got blown when we found out Dean was Devlov's son, then even more so when we found out about Mom. Lorenzo switched sides thinking he could get in on it, if he told Devlov what we were doing, but he doesn't have the pull to take it over." Grayson notices the confusion growing on my face and comes back to the point. "It's simple really, the way we make so much. Instead of drugs, we buy commodities."

  "Commodi-who?" He's lost me. My head hurts. He's laughing again.

  "Our latest acquisition was Daxon's idea, we own gas stations all over the U.S."

  "Gas stations?" I stand as I try to put the puzzle together, but I legitimately am confused. "The ‘bad guys’ are buying...gas stations?!" Why does this sound so familiar? I rack my brain trying to figure out why I felt like I had heard this story before.

  "Yep," he smirks up at me. "Think about it Liviana, everyone needs it, everyone buys it. It's also one of the most highly taxed things around. Knock a couple of cents of the taxes off of each gallon," he shrugs, "it adds up after a while."

  "A couple of cents? Cents?! And it translates to this?!" I've waving my arms again, I'm going to pull a damn muscle. "How much?"

  "A couple mil a week," he leans back resting his elbows on the bed. Looking nonchalant as ever as he discusses millions.

  "Wait, this has been done before! I remember learning about it in school, they got caught and charged with tax fraud. How are you getting away with it again?" Grayson grins again.

  "Just trust me please." I know I'm looking at him in shock. My thoughts running actual miles per minute. I mean, at least it wasn't drugs? Or murder for hire? Just...tax fraud...lovely. He stands and pulls me into his arms. "Look babe, we've got to start getting ready. I know this is a lot but just know," he pulls back so that I am looking him in the eyes. "Whatever happens this weekend, whatever you see, whatever you hear, just know, you will be safe. You will be going home. I don't make promises lightly, but I am promising you, everything is going to be okay."

  Now my brain is really racing, the amount of information and out of nowhere reassurances. I need a drink. Grayson says nothing about my silence, just hugs me tight. I hug him back.

  "Let's get you back to your room," he pulls out his phone, probably to get Nate to come grab me. Minutes pass as he holds me in silence, not pushing for any response from me, just holding me. Nate enters the room a few minutes later.

  "Take it you filled her in a little bit," he laughs as he takes in the scene.

  "Yup," Grayson answers simply, loosening his arms. "Trust me?" his eyes search mine, and I can slowly watch as the walls start to build themselves back up.

  "Of course," I whisper the words as it feels most appropriate after the dump of secrets I had just learned, but it's enough to halt the building, relief floods his face. I clear my throat and smile up at him, "Good talk!"

  "You're something else Queen," I get one more kiss on the forehead before he lets me go and nods towards Nate. "See you in a few hours love," I wave as I link an arm with Nate, smirking as Gray stamps down the frown that tries to take over his face at the sight of me touching him.

  Nate leads me away, back through the gym.

  "Time to go save Daxon!" His eyes glint with laughter as we walk together.

  "Save him? What happened?" I pause in the hall, concerned.

  "Well someone had to stay behind to watch Jenna while you had your meeting. Judging by the texts he sent me, it's a damn good thing all the walls here are sound proof."

  Chapter 38

  It added to my anxiety, watching Jenna's hands shake as she tried to clasp the silver and diamond bracelet onto her wrist. I reach out to help her and she gives me a weak smile.

  "Daxon is going to faint when he sees you," Jenna's smile lights up a bit, almost to a real one.

  "I'm still not sure about him." I clasp the bracelet for her and twist it around.

  “You keep saying that and yet, your eyes still lit up when I said it." I roll my eyes at her as she tries to glare but breaks out into a laugh.

  "I'm being serious Liv," her laugh dies down a bit, but at least her hands stop shaking. "You are strong enough for this all, I know it. Me on the other hand. I really think I can't wait to get back to my old boring life." She turns to take herself in at the full length mirror, her silver dress flowing around her figure be
autifully. "I look damn good wrapped in all this money though." Her eyes meet mine in the mirror and she winks while motioning for me to scoot next to her.

  "And Grayson will be joining him on the floor." The ruby red dress Gray had had sent to the room was far from something I would pick. Of course it was absolutely stunning, and it fit like it had been made for me. Knowing Gray, it probably had been.

  Every stitch was clearly done by hand, who he had found to do it as quickly as it had to have been done was beyond me.

  The dress I had been planning on wearing had of course been black, a wonderful mourning color, fitting for the occasion.

  The dress Gray had chosen, screamed ‘Look at me!’ but not in the way apple red would have. It was classy, and was definitely going to piss Serafina off.

  The sound of a vibrating phone pulls my gaze away from appreciating the work of art that the dress was.

  1 New Message

  Your King: Open the door

  The text came from Grayson. My heart skips a beat but then my mind races. Was it really him? Had someone got a hold of his phone? Why would he text me and not just come in, he had a key and loved to sneak up behind me.

  A gentle knock makes me jump, Jenna glances at me, eyes wide.

  Deep breath.

  It's a secure line. I need to chill.

  1 New Message

  Your King: It’s Luca please let him in Queen

  The breath I didn't know I had been holding again releases. Walking over to the door, I shake myself. Is this what my whole life with him was going to be like? Scared to open fucking doors because I couldn't be sure that the person on the other side wasn't going to be trying to kill me?

  I turn the lock and release the deadbolt but before I can turn the knob, Luca does it himself. Quickly letting himself in as I back up. His face is as serious as ever. He was a handsome man but I bet he'd be even more so if he'd smile occasionally.

  He was definitely a mystery. The light air the rest of the boys had, had apparently missed his DNA. Or something had happened to make him this way.

  He doesn't bother to re-lock the door behind him. Just holds up his hand with a small grunt. In his giant tattooed hand lays a small red box. Cartier embossed in gold on the top. Jenna lets out a low whistle as she walks to my side.

  "See that, if Dax pulled stuff like that instead of what he does I'd let him off SO much easier." The corner of Luca's lip twitches slightly, was that almost a smirk?

  "I can't take that." I back away from Luca's hand. I don't know much about jewelry but I know that litte box is way out of my price range. The dress had been crazy enough. "That's too much." Luca grunts again.

  Okay Caveman.

  I shake my head at him.

  "Grayson has requested I bring these to you as he is currently dealing with the absence of his mother. I think he would greatly appreciate it if you wore them to dinner tonight." Luca finally speaks, and of course he says exactly what he knows will make my heart twinge in sympathy for Gray. Yep, these boys got it.

  I glare at Luca, but it turns playful as I see the sparkle in his eye. There is hope that the rough and tough cousin is softening toward me. I reach out and accept the box carefully.

  "That was good, Luc." I get that almost smirk again but I'm unsure if it's from the nickname or calling him out on his bullshit.

  I slowly open the box and now it's my turn to let out a low whistle. Two sparkling diamonds wink up at me as the light catches them. Instead of dramatic and huge, he picked something more my style.

  Small little studs wrapped in white gold. I blink back the water in my eyes at his thoughtfulness.

  Everything that was going on in his life right now and he had thought to do something so sweet, and had picked something he knew I would love. It was over the top, for sure. But the love behind the move was clear.

  "Wow." I walk over to the mirror, gently remove them from the box and put them on. Jenna comes up behind me and pulls my loosely curled hair back in a low ponytail, letting a few short curls slip out of the front.

  "You definitely need to pull your hair back so those can be seen." She makes quick work of fixing my hair and then gives me a small hug from behind. I turn around to face Luca.

  "Please tell him that they are beautiful, I love them." I pause as Luca nods. "And I love him." Luca's eyebrow raises a bit and he gives me a hard look.

  Big brother. That's where his hardness comes from. He was the oldest of the bunch and he viewed all the younger guys as his responsibility. Especially Dax and Gray with the POS father they had.

  I walk towards him and place my hand on his arm.

  "And thank you." His eyebrow raises even more as his eyes bounce from my hand on his arm back to meet mine.

  "For?"

  "Everything you've done for him." He pauses for a second. Then he takes a deep breath. Those hard eyes soften.

  "I'll tell him what you've said," he says with a nod before he rushes from the room. I lock the door behind him.

  "Is it just me or does this feel like it's been the longest day ever?" Jenna asks as she reapplies lip gloss for probably the fifteenth time.

  "Oh no, it's been the longest fucking day ever. And we still have twenty minutes before dinner starts."

  As we enter the dining room I gasp a bit. I don't think I could ever get over the extravagance. They should have just called it a dining hall, with the amount of tables comfortably placed around the room I couldn't imagine them dining in here under normal circumstances.

  There was a table placed in the front of the room that was long and clearly decorated for the couple and their immediate family members, the rest of us were to be seated at round tables forming a bit of a horseshoe shape. A quick glance at the tables showed that there were no place cards, so at least we could sit where we wanted. Jenna headed for a table with a direct view right in front of the head table.

  She would.

  She had refused Daxon when he had come to walk her down, but she wanted to make sure they could share glances, or glares, all night. I stifled my giggle at her, oh the drama.

  Jenna reached out to introduce herself to a man who had already seated himself at the table but my eyes were quickly drawn to a side door where Nate and Luca appeared.

  They both glanced quickly around the whole room, clearly scoping out their surroundings. Luca turned to say something and Daxon walked through the doorway, copying what they had just done. His eyes danced over Jenna and her new friend, refusing to react to that but he caught my eye. He grins as he sees me standing and gives me an approving nod and eyebrow raise. He tugs at his ear and gives me a thumbs up, clearly glad that I wore the earrings. He then rolls his eyes.

  What the—

  Serafina shows up behind him, clearly running her mouth about something, she pulls Grayson into the room and my hand flies to my mouth.

  I can see Daxon trying to hold in his laugh, then glancing over at Nate and Luca, I see Nate chuckling and even Luca cracking his idea of a smile.

  Grayson looks amazing...duh...he left his hair in the loose curl he knows I love, it slides over his eye as he bends down a bit and says something to Serafina. I can't hear a word, but I know it's not something nice by the glare she sends his way.

  My hand still covers my mouth as I take in the ruby red shade of his vest and tie he is wearing over his white button up. It matches my dress perfectly. As if made out of the exact same fabric.

  And Serafina...is wearing pink.

  Their outfits clash to the point of obnoxiousness, in a time when everything was required to be perfectly color coordinated. That is definitely what Serafina is complaining about. She takes a deep breath and plants her fake smile on, then notices Grayson's eyes not on her. He has found me in the room, and as his eyes run up and down my body it's hard to remember there is anyone else around.

  I'm sure my face must be as red as my dress, the heat burning through me as flashes of what those smirked up in a smile lips had been doing just a few short hou
rs ago flash through my brain.

  I shake my head to clear it.

  Not now.

  He shoots a wink my way with another grin that tells me he knows exactly where my mind had gone, and I swear I turn even redder. But then I look over at Serafina, and if I'm red she has gone nuclear.

  Her eyes burn into me so hard it almost hurts. Forget looks that can kill, if possible her eyes would maim, tear apart, break everything, then fix it and start over.

  Her perfect build up to the perfect wedding/massacre was being ruined right before her eyes. And all it took was a dress.

  Wait until she noticed the earrings.

  The anger in Sera was literally radiating off of her in heat waves. And I knew I shouldn't find the fact that my girl stared back at her with not an ounce of fear in her eyes so God damn sexy, but my hell.

  I clear my throat in an attempt to break Serafina's gaze but she ignores me and proceeds to vibrate in her tantrum.

  I had to admit, she did look pretty ridiculous in that hot pink little number I had sworn up and down I would wear the matching vest and tie to.

  But red was more my color, and the way it looked on Liv's body, made it absolutely my favorite color. As much as I wanted to soak up her beauty as she stood there in defiance of Serafina's alpha female bullshit, we were bound to start drawing attention to ourselves if we did not get seated soon. And enough attention would be drawn in just a few short minutes. No extra distractions needed.

  I nod to Daxon who grabs, totally gently, onto Seraangrypants' arm and tugs her to her chair, plopping her ass down in the seat before taking his place next to my chair.

  Sera's eyes finally meet mine as I pass her to take my seat.

  "That was the dumbest fucking mistake you could have made right now Grayson," she spits out the words as I'm pretty sure smoke starts coming out of her ears. Liv has taken her seat, but the confused glances between my outfit, Serafina's and Liv's have started.