Together in ruins (The Scars series Book 4)

by Rachael Tonks

  “I get it, honey. I’ve been through the same thing, and the thought of carrying that monster’s baby makes my stomach roll.”

  “See, I just don’t think anyone gets it. They don’t understand when they haven’t been there.”

  “Well, it’s a good job you got me then, isn’t it? Does Nate know? Are you taking him with you?”

  “I haven’t told him yet. He came back late last night and crashed on the couch.”

  “What, club stuff?”

  “I don’t know. I guess so.”

  “You have to tell him tonight, Tara. He needs to be by your side at that appointment.”

  “I know, I know. I’ll tell him, I will.”

  Nate

  Three times I’ve called. Three times he hasn’t answered the goddamn phone. I pace back and forth outside the clubhouse, pressing the phone between my ear and shoulder. I dig in my pocket, pulling out my smokes.

  “Fucking answer, goddamnit,” I mumble to myself. I need answers and this cocksucker is the one to give it to me.

  “Hey.” He finally picks up.

  “Finally,” I growl. “Looks like you’ve been avoiding me and I think we both know why. In fact, you’re lucky I haven’t come down to the club and fucked you all up.”

  “Listen, brother. I swear I knew nothing about what my father had planned.”

  The confirmation I needed to hear. Of course I had my suspicions, but no proof. Until now.

  “The old man is dead because of your fucking father. How many lives will he take before he’s stopped?”

  He sighs down the receiver.

  “And here’s the really sad part. Tara’s mother revealed that Brewer is her biological father. Which means she is your sister.”

  “What?”

  “I need you to keep it on the downlow. But she wants to meet with you. She did want to meet with Brewer, but I think I managed to talk her out of that.”

  “Shit, man, seriously? I can’t wrap my head around this.”

  “Come on. It can’t come as a huge surprise that your dad dipped his dick in any willing pussy he could find. I know mine did and I expect to have siblings that I don’t know about.”

  “But my dad doesn’t know about her, right? Because he would have made her part of his life if he knew. He likes to control what’s his.”

  “He doesn’t, and it needs to stay that way. For now.”

  “Of course.”

  I step until my back is resting against the wall. “Listen, man. I gotta get straight with you. I trust you and have a lot of faith in you, but I can’t help but wonder where your loyalties lie. I know I pressed to get you on my side with the whole Precious thing. But how do I know I can truly trust that you won’t turn on me at any given point?”

  “One thing you made me realize is that I don’t have respect for my father. I hate the way he does business. I hate the way he treats me; the things he’s done.”

  I draw my brows together, wondering what he means, but not wanting to press.

  “You need to keep Tara away from him, Nate. I’m being serious.” His voice is low and I sense the concern in his tone.

  “Has he done something to you? Has he hurt you?”

  He pauses, the only sound I can hear is his breathing.

  “Hunter?”

  “He made me do things with women I didn’t know… things no thirteen-year-old should do.”

  “Jesus Christ.” I exhale, grabbing the phone from its propped position, holding it in my hand. It doesn’t surprise me that fucked-up shit like this happens. It happened in our club too, only, I wasn’t pushed into anything until I was old enough to want it.

  “I was so fucking scared of him that I did whatever he told me. For so long I’ve been brainwashed into believing and going along with his every demand. But I’m not a fucking kid anymore, Nate. Samantha taught me to fight back, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m fucking fighting.”

  Pressing the pads of my fingers against my forehead, I scrape them back and forth. He has his own reasons for wanting revenge. Just like I did. But it doesn’t mean that it will be easy for him to let go of all he’s ever known.

  “I gotta do what I gotta do. The best I can do is make sure you’re not caught in the middle. Because you will not win the support of your men if they know you had anything to do with Brewer’s downfall.”

  “You’re right.” He exhales loudly. “I hate my father. Despise him for the shit he put me through. But I could never be responsible for his death. I’m not that guy, Nate. I’m not you.”

  My heart starts thudding so loudly that it’s the only sound I can hear. I zone out until memories are all that I can see. That night I killed my father. That night he died at my hands.

  Shaking my head, I clamp my eyes shut as I try to concentrate on what Hunter is saying.

  “Nate… you still there, man?”

  “Yes.” My voice is tight.

  “Shit, I can’t believe I have a sister. I can’t believe she’s your old lady.” He chuckles nervously down the receiver.

  “Fucking shock for everyone. But if there’s anyone you want in your life it’s Tara. Just don’t fuck this up, brother. Because she’s my girl, and I won’t see her hurt.”

  “Nah, man,” he rushes out. “I’m actually pumped to meet with her.”

  “Well, I’ll let her know. Contact you to arrange a time and date.”

  “And the club, what about the grand reopening?”

  “What’s wrong, man? Missing your usual visits?”

  He laughs a deep, rumbling laugh. “Something like that. And a fucking excuse to get out of the clubhouse for a few hours.”

  “Gotcha.”

  With my smokes still in my hand, I pluck one out, press it between my lips and reach in my back pocket for my lighter. I retrieve it, flicking my finger over the wheel until the flame lights. Pressing the tip to the flame, I draw on the cigarette until the warmth hits my lungs. Flicking the cap closed, I push it back in my pocket.

  “Meet us there tomorrow evening. Six o’clock. Private invite.”

  “Fuck yes. I’ll be there, man.”

  Blowing out a cloud of smoke, I nod. “I’ll be in touch about the meet.”

  “Sure,” he quickly replies before I end the call. Squinting, I lift my head toward the scorching sun that beams down on me, working out my tight neck muscles. I’m so fucking tense, but feeling positive after my call with Hunter. Pushing the cell phone inside my pocket, I slowly walk over to the bench outside the front of the clubhouse.

  “Hey, boss. How’d things go with Hunter?”

  “As expected.” I tilt my head, looking up at Zane who stands beside me, sheltering me from the direct sunlight.

  “We gonna call the bastard out? Hunter confirmed what we already know, right?”

  “He knew nothing about the heist. That was all Brewer.”

  “He said that, huh?” His voice is full of disbelief.

  “I believe him, Zane. He even admitted he has his own fucked-up reasons for not wanting his dad around anymore.”

  “So, we go fuck him up. Today.”

  “Nah. I don’t think that’s for the best. We act like we don’t know anything. Play dumb.”

  Zane steps around me, sitting beside me on the bench. “You have got to be kidding me, right?”

  “Making him think that he has one over on us will give us the advantage. He’ll become complacent. He’ll doubt my leadership, all giving him a false sense of power. Then we set up the meeting with Brax and act normal. Rushing into taking him out will lead to us being backed into a corner. We arrange their first deal and that's when we strike. When he least expects it. With Brax backing us.”

  “This is MC business, not his. He doesn’t need to be involved.”

  “I agree, but keeping my men alive is my main priority. Having his backing means less risk.”

  He lifts his brows, widening his eyes as he nods subtly. “And Hunter? Are you willing to take him out if he stands in th
e way?”

  “He won’t…”

  “We don’t know that,” he shoots back.

  “I guess nothing is certain in life. But we have to make the best decisions for the club and hope for the best. If he stands in the way then he has to be taken out. It’s that simple.”

  Glancing toward the old garage that is now my tattoo studio, I lift my brows, realizing how I miss it. “How’s Johnny getting on?”

  “Busy. That guy has been putting in some serious hours.”

  “Good to hear. Glad that someone is getting use out of the studio.”

  Leaning forward on my knees, I drop what’s left of the cigarette to the ground and press against it with the tip of my boot.

  “Don’t worry, man. You’ll get back in there, when all of this shit has settled.” He slaps my back with force. I jerk forward, tipping my head until his face is within sight.

  “Thanks, brother,” I say with a chuckle and a smile.

  God, I hope he’s right. I feel like a part of me is missing since I stepped away from the studio. My fingers are twitching to feel the familiar buzz of the tattoo gun in my hand. The sound drowns out everything when I’m in that moment.

  “Sure,” I say, not letting on how much I miss the satisfaction and pleasure that tattooing someone gives me. “Hey, so I need you to let Melody know that we’re reopening the club tomorrow. I need her to make all the arrangements and have the girls ready to impress.”

  “Shit, so we get our one chance to play tomorrow?”

  “Business first, then the girls are all yours.”

  “Fuck,” he says slapping his hands together and rubbing them excitedly. “This is going to be the best night ever.”

  “Oh, and I also need someone to make a delivery for me.” I reach inside my pocket which has Mrs. Mellano’s address written on it and an envelope with the cash I promised her. Handing him the small package and address, I say, “Make sure she gets this. Today.”

  He takes the package and address, pushing it inside his cut.

  The sound of an engine in the distance causes me to glance over to the gates.

  “Braxton Harris,” Zane says as he stands, turning and heading inside to open the huge electric gates.

  Stepping up from the bench, I slowly make my way over as the gates open and Brax makes his way inside.

  “Hey,” he shouts from his open window. I nod my head as he smiles wildly at me, pulling the SUV to a gradual stop. I lean inside the car, holding my hand out for him to shake.

  “Good to see you, man,” he says, shaking my hand and patting me on the shoulder with his free one.

  “You too, brother. Why don’t you come inside and I can bring you up to speed.”

  Opening the door, we head inside where I fill him in on the events from last night and my plans for Brewer.

  “You know you can count on me. I need this deal to work out with Hunter more than ever. I just hope your judgement on the kid is on point.”

  “He’s put his trust in me. He’s told me shit he’d get killed for if Brewer ever found out.”

  “Knowledge is power. If you know something that could get him killed, you’re in a position of power.”

  “Exactly why I know he won’t fuck up.”

  Tara

  As I walk along the sidewalk I clutch my phone against my ear as it rings.

  “Hey, baby,” he answers in an upbeat tone.

  “Hey, so I have something to tell you.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  “No.” I burst out laughing. “Just that, I, uh, have an appointment tomorrow. At the hospital and wanted to make sure you’re free to come with me.”

  “Of course. Absolutely,” he speaks with a giddiness to his voice. I tip my head back a little as a wide smile spreads across my face. Knowing he’ll be there, knowing I’m not alone makes the thought of the appointment bearable.

  “Thank you.”

  “So, I heard from Hunter today.”

  “Really?” I shriek, snapping my eyes open and stopping in my tracks. I step over to the wall, my heart hammering in my chest. I press my back against the wall of the building, crossing one arm across my chest. “You explained the situation?”

  “Yes,” he replies simply.

  “And he believes me? He’s willing to meet up?”

  My body is tense as I wait for his reply.

  “We’re going to set a date.”

  “Oh, thank God,” I say with a sigh, my body visibly relaxing as relief washes over me. I had been worrying about his reaction, about whether he’d even believe what is a pretty unbelievable story.

  “In fact, he’ll be at the opening of the club tomorrow. You should come along. See what we’ve done with the place.”

  “Okay.”

  I wouldn’t normally want to spend my time at a whorehouse, but if meeting with Hunter is in the cards, who am I to say no.

  The next day I’m a bundle of nervous energy. I have my appointment this afternoon and the meeting with Hunter later. I’ve never really thought what it would be like to have a sibling, but right now, those thoughts dominate my mind. Wondering if we look alike, or have similar mannerisms. Will we get along and will he want me in his life? All questions I feel like I need answers to. But right now, finding out the paternity of this life growing inside of me is the most terrifying thought. Just when I think I’ve wrapped my head around it being Nate’s, something happens that throws doubt on it. Setting the wheels in motion to finally get the answer I need is a huge step. My stomach rolls and the feeling of dread hasn’t left me since I made the appointment.

  I rush around, cleaning the house until every surface shines as bright as a diamond. I know Nate will be here any minute, but the minutes feel like hours when you’re on edge. Opening the door, I sit on the step with my purse on my lap as I wait for Nate to pick me up. The cool breeze wisps around my hair, and is a welcome feeling to my overheated skin. I tap my leg, waiting for him to arrive. My stomach rolls and I’m not sure if it’s the nerves, or lack of food.

  But it doesn’t take long before I hear the rumble of his engine as he approaches the house. Pulling up at the end of the driveway, I jump up from the step, pulling the door shut behind me and race over to him.

  “Hey, you,” he says with a smile that lights up his whole face. Holding out his arm, I walk into him, his arm securing around me.

  “Hey.” I lean down, kissing him on the lips. My body shakes, a mixture of nerves and fear. His hand snakes around my head, working into my hair.

  “Ride with me, baby.” As the words fall from his lips, I can’t stop the instinctive smile that spreads. Hs words, his tone, it does crazy things to me. Turns my coiled, tense body into mush. He wants me to ride with him because he doesn’t want me to worry about driving. But riding with him is something I’ve grown to love about us. The feel of pressing my body against his and feeling completely secure in his hands. Riding a bike is something that I never wanted to do. But riding with Nate is something that I never want to miss. It’s Nate that makes the ride, not the bike.

  “With pleasure,” I say, my smile not fading.

  He removes his hold on my head, patting the seat behind him. “Milady,” he quips in some sort of terrible English accent.

  Throwing my head back, I can’t control the laughter that falls so freely from my mouth. “Seriously, Nate. That’s the best accent you got?”

  “I think I do a really good English accent.”

  “Is that right?” I ask, shaking my head from side to side as I lift my leg and mount the bike. I love the lighter side of Nate, the one that never fails to make me forget. Pulling on the helmet he offers me, I wrap my arms around his waist, holding onto him tightly. “Let’s do this.” Shuddering, I close my eyes and lean into his back. The sense of importance at today’s appointment hits me hard. I know we won’t find out right away, but today is the first step in finding out whether this baby is Nate’s. But whatever the outcome, I know I couldn’t do this without
him. We’re in this together.

  Within thirty minutes I’m sitting waiting to see the doctor, Nate by my side. I squeeze his hand so tightly needing the connection to settle my nerves. I’m like a goddamn child holding onto my favorite blanket, fearing how it will feel if I let go.

  The sudden feel of his arm against mine and his breath against my ear sends a shiver down my spine. “Everything will be fine, baby.”

  Lifting my gaze from the floor, I slowly turn my head, meeting his intense gaze. Emotion takes over me and the most I have to offer him is a smile. I’m not sure I can control the tears if I open my mouth to speak. Quickly breaking his gaze, I allow my eyes to wander around the room. There are women there chatting with their partners, smiles radiating across their faces. And for the first time I feel a pang of jealousy. I want to feel happy and excited, not scared and ashamed.

  “Tara Mellano.” The nurse calls out my name and I take a glance at Nate, suddenly frozen to the spot.

  Stepping up from his seat but not breaking the hold he has on my hand, he tugs a little, his eyes wide and brows lifted as he tries to encourage me out of my seat. My body suddenly feels clammy as anxiety grows within.

  In a low voice Nate leans in and says, “I got you, T.”

  Swallowing the ball of emotion in my throat, I force my weakened body up from the seat. “Uh, yeah, that’s me,” I blurt out and the nurse offers me a kind smile.

  “Hi, Tara. This way, please.” She holds out here arm, instructing me to step inside the room. Nate’s hand rests gently on my back as he coaxes me to step toward the room.

  As I get closer to the nurse, she tilts her head, eyes narrowing on me. “I’m going to be assisting Dr. Howard today, come on in.” She stands, holding the door open for us and I warily walk inside. Shit, this place is so scary. The white walls and sterile smell do nothing to calm my nerves.

  “Thank you,” Nate replies to the nurse, answering where I fail to respond.

  “I’m going to need you to change into the gown. It’s all set out for you behind this curtain.” She points to the corner of the room and I nod, making my way over.