Love & Consequences: A Love & Ruin Standalone Novel

by J. A. Owenby

  “Count on it.” He leaned down and gave me a gentle kiss. “Your dad is watching, so I had to keep the kiss PG.”

  “As soon as you’re better we’ll make up for lost time,” I said quietly.

  “Promise?”

  I nodded.

  “I love you, Mac. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  “I love you, too. Get some rest.”

  He squeezed my hand, then I reluctantly let it go, leaving my heart with him as I made my way back to the car.

  Pierce opened the back door and settled in behind me.

  “Are things serious?” Franklin asked without missing a beat.

  I peeked at Hendrix, who sat next to Gemma, holding her hand.

  “We aren’t seeing other people, if that’s what you’re asking,” I confessed.

  Franklin rubbed his chin, pinning me with his steady gaze. My nerves hummed. Here it was. Cade hadn’t been gone for even a minute, and Franklin was going to tell me I couldn’t see him again or whatever else. I loved Franklin like my own Dad, but sometimes he tried to control people. He should have known by now it wouldn’t work with me.

  Franklin leaned over to Hendrix. “Son? Do you think Cade’s settled down for your sister?”

  Hendrix’s gentle blue eyes landed on me.

  “Yeah. I’ve never seen him like this before. He’s committed to her, Dad. I think you should give him a chance. He’s a good guy with a lot on his shoulders, but the moment he thought he had a chance with Mac, he dropped all the extracurricular activities and partying. The last month has been about what’s best for the band and my sister.”

  Franklin relaxed in his seat again and stared out the window.

  “Alright then, let’s have him over for dinner.”

  I nodded and flashed a grin at my brother. Although I knew it wasn’t over, the first step had been taken, and Franklin had accepted we were seeing each other. Now the rest was up to Cade.

  Ten minutes later, the limo pulled up the winding drive in front of Franklin’s mansion. Pierce exited first and approached two men at the front door. I leaned forward, attempting to get a better view of them.

  “Who are they?” I asked Franklin.

  “Zayne and Vaughn, our new security team.”

  “Who has who?” I asked, wondering if Pierce would have a small break from Gemma so his heart could heal.

  “Pierce will stay with Hendrix and Gemma, Vaughn will be my bodyguard, and Zayne will be yours.”

  My eyes widened. “We could switch it up,” I suggested.

  Franklin’s brows knitted together. “Is there a reason Pierce shouldn’t continue guarding Hendrix and Gemma?”

  There was no way I could explain to him I was trying to protect Pierce’s heart.

  “Nope, I thought he might be getting bored.” It was a lame excuse, and Franklin saw right through it.

  “Since you and Cade are together, I don’t need to worry that you’ve developed feelings for Pierce, right?”

  “Me? Oh lord no,” I sputtered. I glanced at Gemma. She knew what I was up to. It wasn’t only Pierce’s heart I was trying to protect, it was also Hendrix’s. My brother had to be tired of having Pierce around and knowing he was into his girlfriend.

  I gave a half shrug. “Ya know, Dad, I’m exhausted and talking out of my ass.”

  He frowned. “I know the last days have been intense, but promise me if there’s a problem you’ll let me know.”

  My leg began to bounce. “It’s all good. I promise. Pierce and I had some time to hang out, and I got used to him being my bodyguard is all. We were backstage together when—”

  The limo door opened, and Pierce bent down. “We’re all clear, sir.”

  “Thank you. The driver will bring in the bags. Let’s get everyone settled for the night.”

  I slowly inhaled a deep breath as I entered the foyer. Even though I’d lived with my mom most of my life, I’d stayed here for the last few months. It had been a good opportunity to spend time with Franklin one on one. When he and my mom were married, he worked nonstop, building his law practice. I don't know all the details, I was only seven at the time, but he just went off the rails and started drinking heavily. When it turned into the bender from hell, Mom packed up and we left. Shortly after that, Hendrix gave up on Franklin as well and moved in with us. I guess Franklin was trying to return the favor by paying for my college tuition and letting me live here.

  I noted the sparkling white and black swirled marble that not only graced the entrance but expanded down the hallway for as far as I could see. The housekeeper must have recently cleaned it.

  My stomach growled, and I made a beeline straight for the kitchen.

  Hendrix’s chuckle filled the hallway, and everyone followed me. I dropped my purse down on the tan marble countertop.

  “Home,” I said, flinging myself against the large stainless-steel doors of the refrigerator.

  “Hungry, Mac?” Franklin asked, leaning against the counter and smiling.

  “They starved me, Dad. We only got to stop for food once a day.”

  Gemma giggled. “I’m sure you really believe that. You of all people know how large your son’s appetite is.”

  “Fine,” I said, pretending a Southern swoon. “I missed Ruby’s cooking.”

  “Aww, my Mac!” Ruby cried, slipping through the back door with a bag full of groceries. She placed it down near the stove and crossed the kitchen, her plump hips swishing with her steps. Ruby smoothed her white apron over her black uniform and gave us a warm smile.

  “Ruby!” I said, jumping up and down. I flung my arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Where else would I be when all my favorite people arrive home safe and sound?”

  But we hadn’t all arrived home safe and sound. John’s family was currently mourning that fact. Before I could stop it, I burst into tears.

  “Now, now,” Ruby said, soothing me. “Franklin told me. You’re home now, it’s going to be alright.”

  My emotions erupted while I allowed myself to be wrapped up in one of the safest places I knew. Ruby’s arms. She was so much more than our chef, she was another mom to all of us.

  I pulled away, blinking rapidly. “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  “Don’t you apologize, Mac. Come. Sit down and I’ll make dinner.”

  I slid my butt onto a bar stool and nodded to the one next to me. Gemma and Hendrix joined me.

  “I’m making beef stroganoff with French bread. For dessert, I have Mr. Hendrix’s favorite.”

  My eyes grew wide, and I grinned. Hendrix and I looked at each other and said in unison, "Chocolate peanut butter pie!"

  “But I made a sugar free pie for you, Mac,” Ruby said, grinning.

  “You’re my hero! Too bad Miss Ada Lynn didn’t have your sugar free recipe the first time she fed me a piece of her pie.” I glanced at Gemma and cringed.

  “I can’t say I’ll ever forget that night, Mac.” Gemma shook her head and sighed. “I’ve never seen anyone talk as much as you did.”

  “Sugar and ADHD don’t mix well for me. Hyper doesn’t even begin to describe what happens.”

  “I guess I missed this?” Hendrix asked, his attention bouncing between Gemma and me.

  Gemma shook her head and laughed. “Yup. Mac had just arrived in Louisiana, and we were having dinner with Ada Lynn. Mac had mentioned in passing that sugar and she weren’t a good combo, but I had no idea how serious she was. Anyway, three bites into Ada Lynn’s pecan pie and Mac blurted out all the details of Brandon harassing me on campus. I hadn’t told Ada Lynn anything about him because of her heart condition. However, it all ended up okay. Mac actually did me a favor by nudging me to open up and share with Ada Lynn.”

  “Glad I could help?” I asked, shrugging off the awkwardness I still felt.

  Gemma laughed and turned her attention back to Ruby. “Dinner sounds wonderful. I’m with Mac, eating on the road for a month … well, you really appreciate a nice home-cooked meal
.”

  Ruby winked at us and busied herself in the kitchen, humming under her breath.

  “Kids,” Franklin said, motioning for us to follow him.

  We filed out and followed him to the living room. My jaw dropped when I saw the two guys standing next to the fireplace with Pierce.

  “Mac,” Gemma whispered. “Shut your mouth.” She muffled her giggle.

  I was full on drooling.

  “I want to officially introduce you to Zayne and Vaughn.”

  “Hi,” I squeaked, then quickly cleared my throat. If I weren’t so in love with Cade, I’d definitely be throwing myself mercilessly at either Zayne or Vaughn. Or maybe both of them.

  I shifted from one foot to the other, chewing my thumbnail while I took in Zayne’s light brown hair, chiseled jaw, and emerald green eyes. His dark washed jeans hugged thick, muscular thighs, and a whisper of ink peeked out from the right sleeve of the maroon polo shirt stretched taut across his broad, muscular chest.

  I think I might have whimpered before I tore my eyes away to look at Vaughn. “Shit.”

  “Mac,” Franklin scolded.

  “Sorry! I’ve never seen—Wow, dude. How did that happen?” I asked, moving closer to him.

  “You’ll get used to her,” Hendrix said, watching me make a fool of myself and grinning.

  “Gemma, do you see this?” I asked her, pointing at Vaughn.

  “I do.”

  “You’re beautiful,” I said. “I mean—I.”

  Vaughn’s expression never changed while I ogled him. His tanned bicep sported a serpent tattoo that slithered around his arm and disappeared across his chest. A few lines of the ink could be seen near the V of his shirt. His blonde hair was short and messy, but more than the muscles, tanned skin, and perfectly angled jaw. It was his eyes. One deep brown. One glacier blue.

  “It’s called heterochromia iridium,” Vaughn said, his silky baritone voice rippling through the room.

  I stepped back and chanced a look at Gemma. Even though it wasn’t obvious, I knew she was inwardly drooling. Her cheeks were flushed.

  “Oh boy,” I said, sighing. “Is this anything like the hot nanny fantasy, Dad?”

  “Mac,” Franklin said, holding up his finger to silence me. “I apologize for my daughter’s behavior gentleman. As you’re about to find out, Mac says what she’s thinking most of the time. It’s not always appropriate, but it can be rather humorous on occasion.”

  Hendrix chuckled. “She’s hours of entertainment.” Hendrix tossed his arm around me and pulled me against him, fondly kissing the top of my head.

  “Nice to meet you all,” Vaughn said.

  “You’re Dad’s bodyguard, right?” I asked him.

  “I am.”

  “It was by design I’m sure, and lucky for you. I wouldn’t get a damned thing done all day because I’d be staring at you. You’d have to wear sunglasses even inside, or you’d be like a mega huge distraction. I’d feel like Mowgli in the Jungle Book when he saw the snake, Kaa. You could hypnotize me to do anything you wanted, like rob a bank or something totally illegal. I mean, never mind you’re a walking cream cycle. All of you are for that matter, but good God. Pierce, where did you find these guys?”

  I didn’t miss Gemma’s giggles beside me. Even Pierce was attempting to hide his grin.

  “Don’t worry, she won’t attack. She might lurk in the corners and drool, but she’s harmless. She has a boyfriend,” Hendrix said, teasing me.

  “Whatever,” I said, holding up my hand. “Dammit, I do. I have a boyfriend I’m mad crazy about. I miss him already.” And in five seconds flat, my mood took a major nosedive. “Nice to meet you. I’m here for your entertainment all week long.” I waved at them, then made my way up the broad staircase, down the hallway past Gemma and Hendrix’s room and to mine. I closed the door and flung myself across my California King. I’d trade this bed in a nanosecond to have Cade next to me.

  My phone buzzed in my back pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at it. Suddenly my silly outburst and ogling seemed insignificant. There was only one guy who owned my heart, and he’d just messaged me.

  It’s only been a few hours, and I’m losing my mind without you.

  I rolled over onto my back and held my phone in the air as my thumbs danced across the screen.

  It seems like forever. Are you sure you can’t sneak in through the front door tonight?

  The three dots flickered across my screen while I waited for his response.

  Yeah. Count me in. I thought I could make it a few days, but apparently my will power is nonexistent when it comes to you.

  I couldn’t stop the silly grin that eased across my face.

  Do I need to pick you up since you can’t drive yet?

  Dammit. I forgot. No, I’ll call an Uber. See you at 10:30? Mom and Missy will be asleep by then.

  Guilt tugged at me. He was leaving his family to come over.

  Now I feel guilty.

  They’ll be passed out. Seriously. I’ll be staring at the wall or texting you anyway. I’m going a bit stir crazy not being able to do anything with this chest wound.

  He wasn’t the only one who wanted him to hurry up and get better. The doc had given strict orders no sex until he’d signed off on regular activity again.

  Alright. If you’re sure. I don’t want to be a bad influence.

  ☺ You can be a bad influence anytime you want.

  I paused a minute and replied.

  I might have a nurse’s costume in my closet from a few Halloween’s ago. I giggled as I hit send.

  Dammit. I dropped my phone. You’re killing me, Mac.

  Sorry? Not sorry? You’re welcome?

  Doc didn’t say anything about a hand job.

  I barked out a laugh.

  And pop a stitch in your chest? No way. Sorry babe, I won’t tease you and give you a boner.

  Too late.

  I’ll see you tonight.

  I can’t wait.

  Me too.

  Mac?

  Yeah?

  I love you.

  My heart fluttered with happiness.

  I love you, too.

  I tossed my phone on the bed and rubbed my forehead. In the space of thirty minutes, I'd run the full gamut of hormonal female emotions—giddy one second, foul mood the next, followed by tears and happiness. Sometimes I even annoyed the hell out of myself.

  Chapter 26

  “I almost feel like we need to arrive in an armored car,” I said to Gemma. We were getting ready for John's funeral in her bathroom since it had a vanity mirror and enough room for both of us. Before she and Hendrix had started touring, we used to do each other's makeup and get silly in here while prepping for a night out. There was no silliness today.

  “I know. It sounds as though Franklin doesn’t even want us to go,” she said, applying mascara to her lower lashes.

  I spun around on the vanity bench and looked at her. “No way. I get he’s scared, and so am I, but I’d risk it to say goodbye to John. We owe him that much,” I said. It was more than fear I was attempting to control, though. The itch for some Xanax and alcohol had returned with a vengeance today. It had hit me hard. Although I knew I could pick up the phone and call my therapist for a refill, I didn’t. I continued to surround myself with people who loved me. And bottom line? I couldn’t risk losing Cade.

  John’s smiling face flickered through my mind and a quiet strength flowed through me. There was no doubt in my mind, he was supporting me from above.

  “I do, at least.” Gemma shoved the mascara brush back in the tube and tossed it on the counter.

  “Gemma,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “I know if John had jumped in front of me, I’d feel guilty, too. But it wasn’t your fault. There’s nothing you could have done differently.”

  “I could have told Franklin I wouldn’t testify against Brandon.”

  I gasped. “You don’t mean it.”

  “I do. If it would have kept John alive, I would
have gladly not provided a testimony.”

  “Gemma, you realize Brandon won’t serve time if you don’t. We both have to get on the stand.”

  She shook her head, her red wavy hair framing her face.

  “You don’t get it, Mac. Even if we do, we risk the chance of a corrupt judge or a jury member that’s been paid to vote not guilty.”

  I ran the brush through my dark hair, then wrapped a section around my curling iron. Most days I either braided it or it hung straight past my shoulders. But today, today was for John.

  “I get it. We’re not dealing with a normal situation. Dillon has connections and is an incredibly powerful man, but Gem-ma,” I said, slapping my leg, “so is Franklin. We have to do everything in our power to put not only Brandon behind bars for the rest of his life but to bring down Dillon and the entire, nasty, gnarly society.”

  She sank into the other chair. “Do you really think we have enough for the charges to stick?”

  I nodded furiously. “I believe it with every fiber of my being. Plus, what would John want? Would he want you not to testify? No. And I’ve known him longer, so no way in hell would he have saved his own ass if it meant Brandon walked. It’s who John was. It’s why he became a bodyguard and whatever else he was up to we didn’t know about. He’s always been the guy who would sacrifice himself for the greater good. This time, you were the greater good. You have to know he’s at peace with his decision and you need to be as well.”

  “I know you’re right, but my heart isn’t being logical. We shouldn’t be attending a twenty-three-year old’s funeral, Mac. It’s wrong.”

  “I’m not going to argue with you, but what about any of this fucked up situation with Brandon isn’t wrong?”

  Gemma stood, smoothing her simple but elegant black dress. We had decided to buy the same one, John would have gotten a kick out of it. With a heavy sigh, we each stepped into our heels and stared at each other.

  “Thank you, Mac,” Gemma said, taking my hands in hers. “I’m so glad you weren’t hurt during the shooting. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She leaned in for a hug.

  “I don’t know how, but we’re going to be alright. As long as we have each other we’ll be okay,” I whispered.