We tossed the ball back and forth a bit more, me giving him tips on how to hold it to get the best distance with each throw.
“Can I go in and color now?” Joey asked after a while.
Yesterday, with Trevor’s guidance, I had picked out an assortment of toys and books to help keep Joey occupied. I hadn’t been able to believe I was buying things for my son—a son I never knew existed until a couple weeks ago.
“Sure you can,” I told him, taking the football I had picked out.
Trevor had given me a rash of shit over my football purchase, telling me I was like every other new dad out there with plans to play ball with my son. It was true. I wasn’t going to deny it. An entirely different world had opened up to me. I couldn’t wait to explore fatherhood—assuming Michelle admitted he was mine. I wasn’t quite sure how I would take it if she told me he wasn’t.
Michelle had come out the back door and was watching us play, standing there with her arms folded over her chest, smiling as she observed. She patted Joey’s head as he went inside. Trevor had gone inside with a tray of burgers that were ready to be served, leaving us alone for a minute.
“Lunch is ready,” she announced.
I walked toward her, ready to ask her one last time. The joy I saw in her eyes gave me a great deal of pleasure. I was glad I had played a role in giving her some happiness.
“Do you think we should tell him the truth yet?” I asked her.
“Him?” she asked. Her high-pitched tone told me she knew damn well who I was talking about.
“Joey.”
She heaved a long sigh, looking over my shoulder, not meeting my eyes. “Not yet. He’s dealing with a lot right now and I don’t want to add to the pile. I don’t want him to feel overwhelmed. A lot is happening in his life. I want to keep things as normal as possible for him. We’ll tell him soon. I want to wait until we get settled somewhere.”
I stared at her, my mind processing the words. “So it’s true? He’s mine? Joey’s my son?” I asked, my throat feeling a little raw as I spoke the words.
She nodded her head, her eyes searching mine. “Yes.”
It was a relief to hear her finally admit it, but the relief was short-lived. I thought about the seven years of his life I had missed and was immediately angry and sad at the same time. I was mad at myself, not her. Maybe a little mad at her, though I had no right to be.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered.
She shrugged a shoulder. “How could I? I didn’t know where you had gone or even if you were alive. Liam certainly never told me what happened. I thought about looking for you so many times but was afraid of how you would take the news.”
“Michelle!” I protested. “I would have stepped up. You know I wouldn’t have been angry.”
She shook her head, sadness in her eyes when she looked at me. “I thought you would hate me after what happened that night. I hated myself for what Liam did.”
“I never held you responsible. I had known what he would do if he found out. I shouldn’t have been so reckless. I should have been smarter and at least worn protection,” I admitted, feeling guilty about not protecting her.
“I don’t regret that night or what came of it,” she said. “Joey is the best thing that ever could have happened to me.”
I nodded, happy to hear she had taken it all in stride. It didn’t stop me from feeling like a complete asshole though. I comforted myself with the knowledge that I was there now and I wasn’t going anywhere.
“I’m sorry. I thought about popping in and checking on you so many times. Then I figured you would have moved on and never thought about me again.”
She laughed. “That was impossible.”
I smirked. “I know that now,” I said, a smile on my face.
“I knew that if Liam knew I was talking to you or if he found out where you were, it would be bad. When he found out I was pregnant, he went a little crazy. Then once Joey was born, things calmed down. But I couldn’t risk him trying to hurt you or my child. I figured it was best if you stayed away. I never wanted to hurt you, though.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that first day at the diner?” I asked.
She smiled. “Because I knew you would insist on staying and being in Joey’s life. As much as I wanted you around, I knew how dangerous it would be for you and for me. I decided not to say anything and hoped you would go home. I felt horrible keeping it from you, but you have to know I did it because I thought it was safer for all of us.”
“You’re right, I wouldn’t have left you or my son. I’m not going to now either. You did what you had to. I’m not upset about that.”
She smiled. “I know you’re a good guy, Elijah. I’m grateful for it. I don’t want you to get hurt, though.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m not the same kid I was back then. I’ve changed. Liam does not scare me in the least.”
“I know you’ve changed, but so has Liam.”
“I’m not afraid of him. I’m physically and mentally stronger. He can’t intimidate me anymore. That night, he took everything I had—everything. He left me a broken man. I wished for death so many nights after that. That was his mistake. He made me stronger without even realizing it,” I told her.
She snorted. “I wish I could say the same about me.”
I gently lift her chin, looking at the bruise that had darkened. “You are the strongest woman I know. You’re still in that initial stage of shock and disbelief. I know that feeling. Once you realize you are well and truly away from him, you are going to blossom. You have been through a dark time and you survived. Anything you face from here on out will be a piece of cake. You have the strength to get through anything because of your past experiences.”
She started to giggle, her hair blowing in the breeze. “You are very zen. That is definitely not a side of you I ever expected to see.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Training. Lots of training.”
“Training?” she asked, and I realized we had never really talked about where I’d been or what I’d been doing the last eight years. We had so much to catch up on.
“Let’s eat. We’ll talk about all that later. I’m starving,” I said, putting an arm around her shoulders and steering her toward the back door.
“Oh, you’re going to tell me all right. Why do I have a feeling it involves Trevor?”
I laughed. “It definitely involves Trevor.”
“What involves Trevor?” he asked as we came in the door.
“She wants to know where I got all my zen from.”
Trevor nodded his head. “Guilty as charged.”
We dished up burgers and a green salad before heading out to sit on the front porch to enjoy our meal.
“So?” Michelle asked. “What’s the deal? How and why did you teach him to be so relaxed?”
Trevor burst into laughter. “It isn’t about being relaxed. He’s a fighter and a very good one at that.”
Michelle’s mouth dropped open and Joey’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
“You’re a what?” she gasped.
“I do a little kickboxing.”
Joey looked excited. “Like boxing? Uncle Liam watches that sometimes with all the guys.”
I shook my head. “Close, but it isn’t the same.”
“You’re a kickboxer?” Michelle asked, as if she couldn’t believe it.
I shrugged a shoulder. “I am, or I was. I don’t know what I’m doing now. I won my last match, the one I had been waiting for since I began this journey. I’m not sure if I’m going to retire now or not.”
“He’s good,” Trevor said.
“Really?” Michelle asked again.
“Uh, is that so hard to believe?” I asked, one eyebrow raised.
She giggled. “Not at all. I’m just surprised. I think it’s awesome.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“Do you have one of those big belts?” Joey asked.
I shook my head. “No. Not
hing like that. We get bragging rights and a little money when we win.”
Trevor snorted. “A little,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Enough about that. Now you know what I’ve been up to.”
She was smiling, a little twinkle in her eye. “And now I understand why you aren’t worried about anything.”
I chuckled. “I would be worried, but this guy,” I said, nodding my head at Trevor, “he’s the king. He’s retired now, but he could kick my butt all around the ring.”
“You’re a fighter, too?” Joey asked, hero worship written all over his face.
“I used to be. I’m a little too old to be doing that stuff now.”
“How old are you?” Joey asked.
“I’m thirty-six,” Trevor said.
Joey looked at him like he was a fossil, earning a look from Michelle and a quick reprimand that it wasn’t so old. Joey clearly didn’t believe her.
25
Michelle
“Did you say you bought a phone charger yesterday?” I asked Elijah as I walked into the living room holding my dead cell.
He nodded and jumped up from where he had been sitting.
“Here.” He handed me the charger. “You ready for this?” he asked.
I nodded my head. “I have to check eventually. I don’t think I really thought all of this out very well.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “You’re probably right. We can go back to my place in San Francisco.”
I grimaced. “Liam isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but I think he knows how to use Google. I have a feeling he’ll be looking for you.”
He was grinning. “Elijah Harrison doesn’t exist. Not anymore. I’m known as Eli Hardy. My apartment isn’t in my name. Nothing is.”
“Oh. I guess I’m glad I never tried to find you then,” I quipped.
“I’m sorry, but after all that, I had to start fresh and I didn’t want to be found. I wanted to erase my past.”
“It’s fine. I understand. I’ve been thinking about new names for myself and Joey as well.”
“Hopefully it doesn’t come to that,” he said in a soft voice.
I walked to the kitchen and plugged my phone into the charger. I took a deep breath and turned it on. As expected, the voice mail icon was on, followed by a series of chirps letting me know I had text messages, and a lot of them.
“That doesn’t sound good,” Elijah said.
I shook my head, pulling up the messages from Liam first. “It’s what I expected,” I said, flipping through the series of threats.
“Liam?”
I nodded. “Yep. He’ll kill you if he finds me with you. Same old threats,” I said in a low voice, not wanting Joey to overhear.
“Are you okay?”
I looked at him and smiled. “Actually, I am. I’m not really afraid of him. Maybe it’s because I’m not around him, but I feel untouchable—kind of,” I clarified.
He smiled. “Good. I’ve got you and I’m not letting him near you or my son.”
“There are some messages from Rayne,” I said, reading them, and the old feeling of being terrified crept up.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, coming to stand next to me.
“They went to her work several times. They threatened her. If I don’t come back, they’re going to hurt her. He knows I would never let her get hurt because of me.”
My world was in freefall. This was never supposed to have touched Rayne. Rayne had no idea I had planned to run. This shouldn’t have fallen on her.
“Call her,” Elijah ordered.
Trevor walked into the kitchen. “What’s going on?”
“My old buddies are giving Michelle’s friend a hard time,” Elijah said.
I ignored them and called Rayne.
“I knew you’d call after those messages,” Nick said, sending my heart plunging to my toes.
I looked at Elijah, not able to speak.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
I shook my head. He tried to take the phone, but I tightened my grip.
“Nick, where’s Rayne?” I asked, lowering my voice. “Why do you have her phone?”
“I took her phone knowing damn well you would call eventually. You two can’t stay apart for long,” he said, laughter in his voice.
Elijah looked at me, then Trevor. Nick? he mouthed.
I nodded. “Where is she, Nick?”
“She’s probably at work,” Nick replied. “The real question is where are you?”
“I’m gone,” I snapped.
“I suggest you get your skinny ass back here, or else I’m going to make life really bad for your girlfriend. Liam said she was a good lay. Maybe I’ll pass the time with her until you get back,” he snarled.
I clapped a hand over my mouth, refusing to let him hear me gasp. Elijah looked at me, questioning me with his eyes. I took a deep breath and pushed the button for speakerphone.
“Don’t you dare hurt her,” I told him, trying my best to sound strong.
“Where are you!”
“None of your business!” I shouted.
“It is my business. If you remember, we’re supposed to be married.”
I chuckled darkly. “I will never marry you.”
“Liam says otherwise.”
I was shaking head to toe. “Liam doesn’t control me.”
Nick laughed. “You stupid bitch. He controls you, and that means I will control you.”
“No, he doesn’t. I’m not afraid of you, Nick, and I’m not afraid of Liam.”
“If I find out you’re with that little fucker, he’s dead. Liam is looking for him, and when he finds him, you better not be around or you’re going to witness him die.”
“You think so?” Elijah said in a low voice.
Nick was quiet for a second. “Your brother is going to make you pay for this.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Elijah said. “In fact, I think it’s you and Liam who need to be watching your backs.”
“I think you need to think long and hard about what you’re saying. You can’t be that stupid,” Nick said, raising his voice.
Elijah looked at me, then Trevor. “I don’t think we’re stupid. I do know you and Liam are going to stay away from Michelle.”
“She’s my wife!”
“No, she’s not, and she never will be. You come near her and I’ll make you sorry. You will never lay another hand on her again.”
“You’re a damn fool. That is my wife you’re talking about. I’ll touch her how and when I want.”
“I’m not your wife!”
“Where are you, Michelle? I’m going to find you. This is not going to end well for you or your brat!”
Elijah snatched the phone from my hand. “You will not threaten my son. You lay one hand on him, touch a hair on his head, and I will kill you.” Elijah’s voice was so low I barely heard him.
I did hear another sound and spun around to see Joey coming down the stairs. “Shh,” I cautioned.
Elijah turned back, saw Joey, and quickly took the phone off speaker just as Nick started shouting a string of obscenities. I had a feeling Liam had never told Nick Elijah was my son’s father. Hearing him raging on the other end of the phone was oddly satisfying.
I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. Elijah looked at me and grinned before turning his back and covering the phone with his hand. Trevor quickly intercepted Joey, distracting him with one of the new cars he had picked out for him.
With Joey taken care of, I turned my attention back to Elijah, my ears straining to hear what he was saying.
“Every touch, every word, every insult is going to come back to you. I promise you, this isn’t something you are going to walk away from unscathed.” His voice was scary. If I was Nick, I would be terrified. Elijah was far more intimidating than Liam or Nick.
Elijah hung up the phone, took a deep breath, and put the phone on the kitchen counter, the charger still connected.
>
“That didn’t sound good,” I murmured, my hand moving to his back.
He turned around and looked at me, the rage in his eyes making them a darker shade of blue. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t scare you.”
I smiled. “You can’t scare me. I know you,” I said, tapping his chest with my fingertip. “I know you’re a good man.”
“I think I may have poked the bear so to speak.”
I laughed. “You think?”
Joey made his way to where Elijah and I were standing, Trevor behind him.
“He heard some of that and has some questions,” Trevor said.
“Is Uncle Liam mad, Mommy? Is he going to hurt you?” he asked, his voice quavering with fear.
I dropped to my knees, putting my hands on his shoulders and looking directly into his eyes. “No. Elijah and Trevor are here to protect us. He doesn’t know where we are. He can’t get to us.”
“But Nick was yelling. He hit you. What if he finds us and hits you more? He might tell Uncle Liam where you are,” he whispered.
I shook my head. “Don’t worry about me. I’m going to be okay.”
Joey wiped a tear that slid down his cheek.
“Hey, I’m going to make sure your mom doesn’t get hurt,” Elijah said from above me. “Remember I told you I was a fighter? So was Trevor. We’re tough guys, and we can protect you and your mom.”
I bit back a sob, doing my best to be strong for my son. Hearing Elijah assure him he would protect us both was wrenching my heart. It was sweet, endearing, and terribly sad. I hated that Joey had to be assured my own brother, his uncle, wouldn’t be able to hurt us.
Wrapping my arms around him, I brought his little body close to mine, my hand going to the back of his head as I cradled him against me.
“It’s going to be okay. We’re going to be fine. Don’t worry about a thing,” I assured him.
He stepped back, using the heels of his hands to wipe the tears from his eyes.
“Nick was really mad. Uncle Liam told me he would be very mad at me if I didn’t do what he said.”
“Nick was mad, you’re right. And Uncle Liam, well, he isn’t going to be mad at you. Joey, I don’t want you to worry about them or the rest of the guys. We’re going to be okay. We’re going to find somewhere new to live and no one is going to hurt at us or yell at us ever again. Okay?”
Men in Charge: A Contemporary Romance Box Set Page 36