Now that Plan A has failed, what’s my Plan B?
Figuring I need to relax, I give myself a break from planning and decide to take a hot shower. I’ve been such a bundle of nerves, I’ve no idea how long it’s been, and I’ve no clue how far they’re running. They could be back any minute, or not for hours. Taking full advantage of the alone time, I bask under the streams of water forever, deep condition my hair, and shave every hair from my body.
Having no idea what this day will bring, I dress in jeans and a long sleeve black tee. You can almost never go wrong in jeans. And they offer a bit of protection for naughty bottoms sometimes.
I’m lying in bed, enjoying a quiet minute to read a book I found in the library downstairs, when my daddies return, covered in sweat, big smiles on their faces. Closing my book, I sit up amongst the pillows and smile back. “Who won?”
“Depends on who you ask,” Liam laughs.
Jet snorts. “I clearly won. You just shoved me out of the way at the last second.”
“Hey, the deal was that the winner was whoever reached the boulder first. We didn’t set any other ground rules. I reached the boulder first.” Liam takes off his sweaty shirt, lifting it over his head, exposing his glistening skin.
“Whatever.” Jet pushes his dark hair from his eyes. “What’d you get into, princess?”
His question makes me remember my misdeed. I’d been so lost in the book, I’d forgotten all about the failed phone call and figuring out my Plan B. “Oh, you know, this and that—”
My words are cut off by a buzzing sound. One that’s a heck of a lot like a cell phone that’s been put on vibrate.
And someone is calling.
Daddy’s ice blue eyes darken, his brow narrowing. His gaze stays on me as he says, “What’s that noise?”
I’ve brought nothing with me. There is no lie I can make up, no mysterious vibrator I’ve tried to hide in a bag.
I’ve got nothing.
Swallowing hard, I say, “I’m not sure.”
Now Liam’s looking at me hard, too. “It sounds like a cell phone. It’s coming from the wardrobe.”
Jet gives me one long look, as if waiting for my confession. My tongue is glued to the roof of my mouth, dry as sawdust. I give a wordless shrug.
He goes to the wardrobe. Finds the purse. Pulls out the phone.
And answers it. “This is Jet.”
The silence drowns me as I sit there. His back is facing me and I watch in horror as the muscles in his shoulders tense as he listens to the caller on the other end of the line. My face goes white hot and the knots in my stomach are so tight, I’m in pain.
“You don’t say?” Jet turns over his shoulder to look at Liam. “You got a call from this number earlier today.”
Liam’s gaze burns into my face and I look away. Picking up the edge of the cover, I twist it in my fingers. I’m lightheaded; I might faint.
More silence.
Jet’s voice lowers to a deep rumble when he finally replies. “We’ll be waiting for you.”
He takes the phone from his ear. Clicks it off. Facing me, he rips the back from the phone, pulling the battery from it, snapping it in half. Ripping open the wardrobe door, he puts the pieces on a shelf in the wardrobe and slams the door shut.
This is where I should do some serious storytelling. Or running. Or ball kneeing.
But I can do nothing. I find myself frozen in fear. “I... ah...”
Jet is over to me in three long strides. His face is inches from mine as he demands, “You care to tell me what the hell that was all about?”
Before I can answer, he stands to his full height, putting his hands on his hips. He stares at Liam. “She got a phone somehow. While we were out, she called Rockland,” he pauses to give me a glare, “for what reason I have no idea.”
Liam is much calmer, though his jaw flexes with tension. “And he just called back?”
“Yes. And thanks to Lulu, he’ll be here in a few hours. He’s on his way to the family jet as we speak.” Jet stares at me hard.
Fear pierces my heart. “Rockland’s c-coming here?”
“Yes, princess. The mob boss has dropped everything and is coming here because you broke our rule and called him. Now, instead of taking his time to think over what he wants to do with you, and maybe calmly come to the decision to somehow make all this work, you’ve pissed him off royally and he’s on the way to give us an ultimatum.”
“What ultimatum?” I ask.
Jet says, “I’ve no idea. But he’s bringing Tess and this is going to get ugly.”
Liam runs a hand through his sweaty hair. “I guess we’d best shower and get presentable.”
“Good idea. I think I need to cool down before we take care of this.” Jet storms off toward the shower, mumbling something about running security for the mafia being a piece of cake compared to keeping tabs on a redheaded princess.
Liam goes to leave the room, but before he does, he shoots me a look that clearly tells me I’m in so. Much. Trouble. “We will be discussing this later.”
Despite the burning fear that’s taking over my body, I celebrate my one small victory—I guess I just got my Plan B; talking to the deadly mafia leader face to face.
Chapter Nine
Rockland is coming here.
This could go one of two ways; I’m able to charm him, have him send me on my way, forgetting I was ever a problem, and letting Liam and Jet return to the city to their post outside the Village.
Or Rockland ends up hating me more than he already does. His wife despises me as well. And we’re all murdered, leaving me with only the hope that our bodies will be buried together.
Okay, so that’s a little too dark. Maybe my imagination is getting away from me. The truth is Victoria has told me that Rockland makes exceptions from time to time for the people his loved ones care about.
She also told me that Liam and Jet were two of his favorite newly initiated brothers to date. Not to brag, but I completely agree, and think my daddies are pretty damn fabulous. So, there’s a pretty good chance that we all make it out of here alive.
Alive... but separate.
They’ll go back to the city. Marry Beauties and live in the Village. And I’ll be left floating, no daddies to anchor me. I’ll go back to my tiny apartment and try to figure out a new career. Alone. And lonely.
Ultimatum. What could Rockland have in mind? The word floats through my mind, sticks to a corner of my brain, triggering the thought of another word. Charlotte.
She was once given an ultimatum by Rockland. One that was orchestrated by Tess. One where she thought her life was in danger.
One where she was told to marry her lifelong crush, one she broke into the Village to see—Eli Bachman—or else she’d never be safe again...
Charlotte later found out that Tess likes the Brothers attached to wives. She thinks they focus better, are happier, when they’re paired up. She fancies herself a bit of a matchmaker.
I wonder if Tess has ever orchestrated a Duet marriage.
I wouldn’t put it past her.
But—if I’m given the ultimatum, marry Liam and Jet, or else, will I take it?
My heart instantly answers for me, screaming, Yes!
My brain on the other hand reminds me that I am never going to marry. That I promised myself never to yoke myself to man, much less two. But not because of any staunch feminist notion I may have.
It’s not worth the pain when you lose the one you love.
Even if I was open to marriage, I’m not the only person this will affect. There are two other people’s futures at stake. And I’m not going to make them become tied to me.
If Tess played matchmaker once, she can do it again. And if it was just a ruse with Charlotte, if the girl was truly never in any real danger, than it would be the same with me. Which means, no matter how much I want Jet and Liam to be mine forever... I’ll refuse.
Because there’s no way they want me, not forever at least.
Right?
But my heart argues with my mind, saying, if that’s true, then why have you never been happier than you are with them? I’m so comfortable in my own skin. Even when I feel shame at their hands, I wear it like a golden crown on the top of my head, proudly declaring myself their princess.
And the last thing I want is to be dethroned.
But when you love someone—or someones, in my case—truly love them, you’d do anything to secure their happiness.
And I do love them. With every fiber of my being. And so, if the ultimatum is what I suspect, I’ll refuse.
Letting the chips fall where they may.
A few hours later, Jet and Liam come to collect me. We join the others in some form of welcome party, watching for the handsome couple at our place on the stairs.
They enter with the air of royalty.
Rockland is looking more dapper than usual, probably out of respect for the dress code here at Archer. Unusual for a man in such a powerful position, he normally rocks a pair of ripped jeans and a black tee—he also drives a beat-up jalopy of a truck when he’s home—but today, he’s wearing a black suit. Underneath it, the collar of his white shirt is unbuttoned.
I’ve never seen him in a tie.
Tess is by his side, as always, her red hair flowing down her back, beautiful against her creamy skin and ivory-colored sheath dress. Her gaze holds mine for a moment, then it’s gone, onto more important people.
The handsome power couple makes their rounds. If the Bachmans are some kind of modern-day monarchy, Rockland and Tess are the family’s king and queen. It shows, as they walk around the ballroom, holding out a hand to be taken and shook with excitement.
The faces of the crowd glow as they receive this rare visit from the powers that be.
A visit made because of me.
My stomach tightens and I find myself wringing my hands.
Jet looks down at me. “Calm down, princess. We’ll work this out. They wouldn’t have come all this way if they wanted us gone. They have men for that.”
Liam puts a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Jet’s right. Everything will be fine. Just be a good girl, and whatever you do—”
“Do not get sassy with Rockland,” Jet finishes, giving my ass a warning squeeze with his big hand.
I look away from his icy gaze and lie. “Of course I won’t. I’m not that foolish.”
But being this close to Rockland, feeling the danger and power that oozes from him, I still find myself making sassy remarks to him in my mind.
I’ve no idea if I’ll be able to hold my tongue. I’m thinking the chances are pretty slim.
We hover in the wings, waiting to be addressed. They stand at either side of me. Unlike the calm vacation mode they’ve been in the past few weeks, their shoulders are tense. Their jawlines tight.
Rockland and Tess disappear into the crowd. A staff person comes up to Jet’s side, whispering something in his ear. He gives a nod, a lock of hair falling over his eye.
He looks to Liam. “We’re wanted in the library.”
Liam takes my hand. “Let’s go.”
We’re shown to the library where there are three open seats, facing two.
Taking our seats, me in the middle as always, we wait.
Rockland and Tess come in only minutes later. We stand as they make their way into the room, taking the chairs across from us.
Rockland wastes no time. “We all know why I’m here. You two were charged with monitoring a certain young journalist and making sure her article didn’t hit the streets. When you found she was going ahead with it, you stopped her as I requested. Then brought her here as I asked. While keeping her up here and giving me time to decide what to do with her, you’ve more than doubled the security we have in place here. And for that, I thank you.”
Jet nods. “You’re welcome.”
“But then I get a call from a strange number, and it reminded me,” his dark gaze falls on my face and a shiver tears through me, “I have unfinished business.”
Jet steps forward between me and Rockland, pushing my body behind his. “Lulu has been made to see the errors of her ways. She’s been punished by both Liam and myself. She’s turned over a new leaf and I assure you she’s given up her nosy ways.”
“Is that so?” He stares at me over Jet’s shoulder.
Liam steps forward. “It is so. And, in the process of getting to know her, we’ve become attached. And, as Bachman men, we hope you can hold up the family value of protecting our women at all costs.”
A flicker of respect dashes over Rockland’s face. He gives a terse nod. “If that’s so, then my wife and I can offer a simple solution.”
Tess leans forward in her seat, looking over me with curiosity. “Agree to marry the girl. We’ll have the ceremony here. She’ll be sworn to the family, her transgressions forgiven. She will be an official member of the family, and safe. And all will be well.”
A wave of nervousness and elation and devastation roll through me at once as I await Liam’s and Jet’s response.
Neither one of my men give a moment of hesitation. They surround me. Liam takes my left hand, Jet my right. “We agree.”
My heart grows warm, filling with love and gratitude for their devotion, until it feels as if it will burst in my chest.
But I have to let them go.
I tell the most painful lie I’ve ever had to tell. “No. I’m sorry. I just don’t love them like that. I won’t marry them.”
Jet snaps, “You will marry us.”
“No, I won’t. Rockland will have to find other plans for me.” Tugging my hands from theirs, I turn to the king and queen. “Do whatever you want to me. But let them return to the city, to their jobs there, without be yoked to a girl they were made to watch. I was just a job for them, nothing more, and they should be free to pursue their own lives.”
Jet hisses, “Don’t tell us what we want.”
“We love you and want to marry you.” Liam’s hand takes mine again and squeezes it.
Jet’s tone softens. “And we know you love us too.”
Their words tear at me, making me feel as if everything I’ve ever wanted, ever needed is right here within arm’s reach and yet...
I just can’t do it.
Yes, they may love me, and I them. But if they are forced into marrying me, who’s to say how long it will be until they go from infatuation to resentment?
I don’t want that.
I say, “Call your men to take me away. Now, please.”
Rockland rises from his seat, moving in, his face only inches from mine. “Don’t play games with me, little girl. You won’t win.”
I level my eyes with his. “I don’t do games. But I think you and your wife do.”
Rockland’s dark eyes flash, making my stomach clench. “How so?”
“You orchestrate these marriages because you want to keep the Bachmans strong. People who are eternally tied to one another bring strength to the unity of the family. More so than single Brothers. You just want these guys spoken for so they won’t be distracted from their work. Tess did it with Eli and Charlotte, and now she’s trying to use me. But I won’t allow it.”
“How dare you speak to me with such disrespect. Do you understand the danger you are in?” Rockland stares at me, seething. The fury emanates from him like heat from a bonfire. “Offer revoked. Men, take her.”
I feel Jet and Liam bristle beside me, ready to lose their lives to protect mine. A group of huge men appear from the hall. They must have been standing guard this whole time.
I’ve been so brave, but suddenly, every ounce of courage is drained from me. My knees feel weak, my head light. I try to take a breath, knowing it might be one of my last.
Then I hear the word, “Stop!” ringing out high and clear like the sound of a bell.
Tess stands between Rockland and me, her hand pressed against his chest. He looks down at her, and when he meets he
r gaze, some of the anger melts from his face. “What is it, my love?”
Tess gives him a soft smile, further calming him.
The connection between them is so strong that when she speaks to him, it’s as if they’ve become the only two people in the room. Tess’s voice is high and light. “She reminds me of someone I once knew. Another redheaded young lady. She’s not being obstinate for the sake of it. She’s just being true to herself. She’s doing this to protect the men she loves.”
“But she’s going against me.” His dark eyes cut to mine. “This little girl’s got a real problem with authority.”
Tess’s small hands tug on the collar of his shirt. She stares up at him, obvious love and devotion in her gaze. “She’ll learn. It will take the both of them, but she’ll learn. After all, I did.”
He softens now, his arms going around her waist. “Yes, you did, didn’t you?” He leans down, kissing her so deeply, I feel the need to look away from their private moment.
“You taught me to, didn’t you?” She nuzzles his neck.
Jet takes me in his arms, his gaze soft as he says, “Marry us.”
Liam comes beside us, his arm around my shoulders. “For no other reason than you want to spend the rest of your life being spoiled and loved and cherished by your two daddies.”
I look at them both in turn. “Do you really want to marry me?”
Jet says, “Yes. I love you.”
“And I love you,” Liam says.
With tears in my eyes, I confess, “And I love you both. Very much.”
Jet leans down and kisses me in his rough, passionate way, claiming me as his. He releases me, and Liam comes in for his kiss, soft and sweet, yet equally possessive.
Rockland says, “Then it’s decided. Tess will stay here to keep an eye on you. I’ll take Jet and Liam back with me to wrap up their projects there. Then we will join back here for a wedding.”
His words swirl around me, and I’m barely able to process them. I’m engaged to two men who I love. And in turn, they love me. I couldn’t have dreamt up a better ending.
Daddies: A Mafia Billionaire Romance Page 11