I stand and reach the bottle of whiskey to him. Nothing like liquid courage to keep the truth coming, I’ve always heard the truth comes out when people are drunk.
“I wasn’t honest with you from the start and I know that is where I made my first of many mistakes with you. The first time I saw you in the gym, only five months had passed since the accident that took Elizabeth. You looked so much like her, I almost couldn’t believe it. I felt like the clouds had parted and heaven was giving me a second chance to do things right. I should have told you that.”
“Yes, you should have mentioned I looked a lot like your dead girlfriend!” I snap. Guess I know why Parker was attracted to me too. Wow, what a shot to the ego.
Royce
“I loved Elizabeth; she was such a beautiful spirit. But she loved Parker too. I know I’m not making sense. I don’t know how to tell you everything without scaring you, but it’s time I come clean. I grew up with Parker Garrett. His real name is Parker Garretti. I guess you could say he is the mob prince, but he cut ties with his family for public appearance. No matter what he says he is still very involved with the mob.” I sigh and try to put everything into words that make sense. I look at my beautiful girlfriend and she looks like she just swallowed her heart. I hate hurting her but she needs to know everything if I’m going to keep her safe.
“Parker met Elizabeth first. She was his everything, but he smothered her. His lifestyle…his family makes him dangerous. I used to be an enforcer for his family. Parker trusted me. He hired me to protect Elizabeth, and I fell in love with her. I didn’t mean for it to happen but I loved her and couldn’t stop what I set in motion the day she confessed she loved me too.” I take another shot of whiskey. Brandi is looking at me with puppy dog eyes. I don’t want her to feel sorry for me or for Parker.
“Parker found out. He was furious. He confronted Elizabeth and me. He demanded that she make a choice…he was shouting, and I was afraid of what he was going to do. I threw my keys at Elizabeth and told her to leave. I was scared he’d kill both of us. I didn’t care what he did to me, but I wasn’t going to let him hurt her. Parker tried to prevent her from getting in my car, but she was so scared of him, she nearly crashed my car in his driveway. At first I thought Parker was angry that she got away. Later I found out why he didn’t want her in my car.” Brandi is looking at me with big eyes. I think she knows where I am going with this.
“After Elizabeth peeled out of the driveway, Parker jumped in his car, and ordered me to get in with him. He was saying over and over again we have to get her out of your car before it’s too late. I didn’t understand what he was talking about, until we found her five miles down the road. My car was wrapped around a telephone pole. The authorities ruled that my car had faulty brakes, but I know and the police know Parker tampered with my car. He meant for me to die that day. But there was never any proof. My best friend tried to kill me babe. But the worst part of it all is we found out that Elizabeth was pregnant. I don’t know if it was my baby or Parker’s.”
“Royce, I’m so sorry. I don’t even know what to say right now…”
Chapter 7
My head is fuzzy. The only thing running through my mind is a poster that my brother has hanging in his room that says ‘History repeats itself, because motherfuckers don’t listen.’
“The voice you heard at Charlie’s today was probably Brad. He’s over Charlie’s account. I made a deal with him that he wouldn’t take you as long as you stayed put at the house under my watch. But that obviously didn’t go as planned. We have a problem. Either Brad has crossed me while pretending he has you, or he is protecting you by taking Tiffany in your place. The message still gets sent to Kline since you both mean something to him. I need to go meet with Brad and make sure your brother doesn’t get us all killed.”
“Answer one question. Did you ask me to get back with you, because you missed me or because you wanted to protect me?”
“Both.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Look I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but I am going to find out. Do not open the door for anyone other than me or Kline. I mean it Brandi, don’t leave the apartment. I will be back when I have some answers. Whatever you do, stay away from Parker. I have a bad feeling that he is using his connections to get at me through your family. I lost Elizabeth, but I won’t lose you too.”
It might be wrong but right now the only answers I seek are at the bottom of this bottle of whiskey.
**
Snap…snap…clap. “Sis, wake up.” Kline is standing over me snapping his fingers over my face. Trying to open my eyes and concentrate on what my brother is saying is making my head hurt. Topping off last night's whiskey probably wasn’t my best idea. Lazily I rub my eyes and let out a soft yawn.
“What time is it?” My arms stretch out over my head. I must have passed out on the couch while drinking my troubles away.
“It’s early or late depending on how you look at things.”
“Did you find Tiff…is she okay?”
“No, but she is okay. Royce got up with me and assured me she is safe for now. Go to your room, and pack some things. I have to get you to Royce as soon as possible. You have to go quiet for a few days, until I get Charlie his money so we can be done with this.”
“What is going on Kline, you know more than you are telling me? I’m not going anywhere until I get the truth—all of it.”
“You're right I’m sorry… all of this shit is just getting out of hand. Charlie knows that after this I’m out. The Punisher is asking for a rematch. Charlie is betting everything we got that I will win again. If I do this, I will make enough money to pay off Charlie’s debts and give you enough money so you can leave Vegas. You are better than this life Brandi. I want you to promise me that when this is over you will take the money and leave Vegas and everyone in it behind.”
My brother has crazy eyes and I don’t want to argue, but the thought of leaving him, mom, and Royce behind scares me. “Promise me sis.”
“I…I promise Kline.”
“Good now get your shit together.” Being in a rush always makes me forget what I am supposed to be doing and Kline shouting at me with every passing second isn’t helping me at all. Two changes of clothes and something to sleep in should be sufficient.
Kline drives me to meet Royce just outside of the city in the parking lot of a rundown motel that is more known to have prostitutes and heroine junkies for guest. There is no way I am staying here. We get out of the truck and Kline pulls me close in a tight embrace. Over my shoulder he barks at Royce, “Not a hair on her head man, you feel me.”
“I’ll protect her with my life. I love her just as much as you do. Just do your part and I promise you will get Tiffany back!”
“Kline…,” he squeezes me tighter, “take care of you.” My brother gets back in Royce’s car and drives off after making plans to meet up with us after the fight. Royce wants me to stay hidden in case something goes wrong, and it is discovered that Tiffany isn’t me.
“Please tell me we aren’t staying here.”
“We aren’t staying here. I just need your brother to make the drop where we wouldn’t be spotted by anyone. The Garetti brothers have eyes all over.”
“Do you know where my jeep is?”
“It’s hid in my garage. Kline found it sitting outside of Tiffany’s house.”
“Have you seen Tiffany?”
“She’s fine. I was able to talk to her last night for a few minutes between guard shifts. I explained to her to let them think she is you. She gets how important the situation is.”
“How did you end up mixed up in all of this Royce?”
“Does it matter, I had a debt o pay and a contract to fulfil. Come on let’s get out of here. People are watching us.”
I have no choice but to have faith in his answer for now.
Once we are on the road leading back to the city I ask where he is taking me. I am surprised to learn that he is taking me to his house. The
ride to his place is quiet and too calm. My nerves are all over the place. I feel on edge like a bad guy is going to pop out at any moment and drag me away. Not that I think Royce would let them take me willingly.
“Why are we driving my brother’s truck?”
“I thought it best that any cars connected to you guys stay hidden and your brother needs a car to get around so I gave him mine.”
“Won’t whoever is giving orders look for me here?”
“This is the last place they’d expect to find you. They have you remember?”
“Right,” I can’t shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t know if it’s my feelings or if I am picking up on whatever Royce is feeling. He has a lot riding on his shoulders. Most guys would have said fuck it and fed me to the wolves by now, but not Royce or my brother for that matter. There is still this doubt in the back of my mind that Royce is only doing this out of obligation. I want to believe that he really does love me.
Royce takes me upstairs to his room and runs me a bath. “You relax. I’ll get us some breakfast and find us a movie to watch.” I can tell he is exhausted. I wonder if he has even been to bed, probably not since he was out all night making sure I am protected. I don’t know that I can handle food. My head is still throbbing from my whiskey binge.
The bath water feels so good and I can smell Royce all around me. I love his scent. It feels like home. What more could I really want in a man. He would give his life for me. Royce will give me anything I want and always do right by me. When all is said and done I wonder if he will be willing to walk away from it all for me. Parker is nothing but a distant memory right now. A couple of rolls in the sack don’t compare to what Royce and me have shared and what we could build together.
When I get out of the tub Royce is stretched out on the bed snoring. He sleeps. Some body guard he is. I snicker to myself. He has left a tray of food on my side of the bed. Some fresh fruit and toast, but I’m not hungry. I just want to curl up next to my man, get some sleep and pretend that when I wake up this has all been a bad dream. When I awake I will just be a girl sleeping over at her boyfriend’s house. Before I curl up next to Royce I find myself locking us in the bedroom. I know Jake and Brad are his friends, but I don’t trust them as far as I can throw them.
**
“Stop, please don’t hurt him.” Jake is dragging me from the room kicking and screaming for Royce. But when I look at where Royce was sleeping next to me he is lying there lifeless. That’s when I notice the blood running from the side of his head. “No!” I cry out in shock. They couldn’t have! “Please, Royce look at me,” I cry. But he doesn’t. He’s gone, they’ve killed him. I try to fight Jake with all I have in me, but I can’t Royce is gone— I have nothing left.
Jake smacks me hard across the jaw. “Shut up Bitch!” He drags me out the door, down the stairs to Charlie, kicking and screaming.
“Brandi, I told you one day I would do something about that smart mouth of yours.” He blows his cheap cigarette smoke into my face causing me to gag as my stomach lurches in response to the fumes.
“I should have known you were doing this Charlie. Why? For money? My mother will never forgive you!” I kick out my feet towards him but I miss as Jake tightens the hold he has around my waist.
“That’s rich… your mom can’t stand you. She has merely tolerated you and your brother. But at least Kline is good for something. You’re just a whore.” His head rolls back as he chuckles at his lies.
“I hate you Charlie. I hope Parker Garett kills you when he’s through with you.”
I dig my nails into Jake’s arm going for blood.
I start thrashing. I have to get away from here.
“Babe, wake up, you are having a nightmare.” Royce is gently shaking me. Tears are rolling down my face. A hiccup of sobs escapes my throat.
“Shh…shh it’s okay. I’m here. You were having a nightmare.” Royce is cupping my face and wiping my tears away with his thumbs. He presses his lips to mine reassuringly.
“It was so real. I thought I was never going to see you again. Jake was here, he… he shot you in the head while we were sleeping, and he was working for Charlie. It was so terrible.” I bury my face in chest.
“There’s one problem with that scenario, Charlie isn’t that smart.” Royce laughs lightly, but looks at me with concern. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” He kisses my forehead trying to calm me, but the dream felt so real.
“I don’t want to leave you, but I have to go to a meeting. If I’m a no show it will look bad. It’s for the fight.”
“I understand, just come back to me okay.”
“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.” I smile at his words reminding me of our first date. He took me out in the middle of the desert and we danced under the moon to that song. It was so romantic. Royce was always planning sweet dates like that. I can’t wait for this to all be over so we can move forward.
“Good, you’re smiling. I’d hate to leave with you still crying. You have the house to yourself. Don’t answer the door for anyone, not even your brother. I should be back in a couple of hours. If anything should happen—if anyone were to come into the house, there is a 9 millimeter in my nightstand. Do not hesitate to use it. Do you still remember how to shoot it?”
“Yes, you taught me well.” Royce used to take me to the shooting range with him all of the time. I always thought it was just for fun, but I guess now I know it was for protection. I’m still shaken by my dream, but I feel okay enough for Royce to leave me on my own.
After Royce has left I take the gun from his nightstand, checking to make sure the safety is on I secure it in the waistband of my yoga pants using the elastic of my panties to hold it in place. I’ve never been scared of being here alone before, but the dream has me on high alert. I find myself jumping every time the house makes a sound. I about nearly crawl out of my skin when the power for the central air kicks on with a loud thump and creak.
There isn’t much to keep my mind busy, the house is fairly clean. Royce has a housekeeper who comes by regularly. Wherever Tiffany is, I hope that she is being treated decently. The thought of her being tortured in my place makes my head swim.
I wish I could call Kline, but I know he needs to be focused on doing his part. He doesn’t need me calling, freaking him out with my pissing and moaning over things we can’t control. I worry about him though. He never fights this closely together. His body needs to heal from the beating it took a few days ago. And what is he thinking, a rematch against The Punisher. The man nearly took him out. I don’t understand him taking all the money and putting it at risk. Surely if we tapped out all of our resources we could pay Charlie’s debt.
I would sell everything I have to, if it meant we could all walk away, even Charlie’s no good rotten ass. I need to try and get my mind off things for a bit. All I am doing is talking myself into circles and getting absolutely nowhere. I’m in a sinking canoe up shit creek without a paddle. I can’t bring myself to think about Parker or what part he might be playing all of this.
Aimlessly I flip through the television channels unable to concentrate on any program. All the faces on the screen blur together and sound as if they might as well be speaking Russian. I throw myself back against the pillows on Royce’s bed and inhale his scent. I miss him already. I glance at the clock. Great I have only been on my own for a few hours. Pathetic, that’s what I am. How will I ever make it on my own if I have to leave here without those I love?
My belly grumbles reminding me that I need to feed myself, even if the thought of food makes me nauseated. I feel a little braver this time and leave the gun on Royce’s dresser. I walk back downstairs to see if I can rummage up anything to cook a meal out of. If I can find something to focus my energy on time will go faster.
My hunt starts in the freezer. It has all the typical things one would expect to find in a home inhabited by all males…meat, frozen pizza, and more meat. There are plenty of steaks, if I c
an find something in the pantry along the lines of potatoes and bread I can whip up something decent. The pantry is just about as barren in choices as the freezer, but I do find some potatoes and a can of corn. It will have to do.
I busy myself defrosting the meat and peeling the potatoes. One of the guys has left an Ipod on the kitchen counter and I am able to get lost in the music for a while. Whoever this belongs to has excellent taste. The tracks range from the Stone Temple Pilots to the rapper Too Short. I personally have an eclectic taste in music so this play list suits me perfectly.
I’m lost in my task at hand getting out the butter and milk to whip my potatoes with when I am grabbed around the waist making me drop my ingredients on the floor, and letting out a terrified shriek.
“You really should be better prepared for an intruder.” Royce bites me a little too hard on the shell of my ear, but a part of me is turned on by his roughness.
“You are lucky I didn’t have your gun on me. I could have killed you just now for sneaking up on me like that had I not left it upstairs.”
“Not a chance sweet pea, but if it makes you feel better I’ll play along. What smells so good? It’s not often I come home to a fine ass woman cooking me a meal. I take that back I have never come home to this before.” He bends down and starts picking up the items I lost moments ago. “Need some help?”
“No I have it under control as long as you don’t sneak up on me again.”
“Alright.” He places his hands in front of him in surrender. “I’m going to grab a shower then, try not to kill anyone while I’m upstairs. Brad and Jake should be coming home at any moment.”
“I didn’t prepare enough for them.”
“Don’t worry, them fuckers can fend for themselves.”
“Who are you calling a fucker?” Brad walks into the kitchen nearly giving me a heart attack.
“Jesus! What is it with you guys not making your presence known?” They both laugh at me. I flip them the bird and finish mashing the potatoes.
Dirty Love (Fighting Dirty Series Book 1) Page 8