by J. A. Owenby
“The video,” he whispered, brushing a stray hair from my face.
I nodded, unable to articulate my crazy emotions.
“As much as I love it, seeing you like this isn’t worth a blow job.”
“But I enjoy it, Cade. I want you to feel good, but the last thing I need is to remember what he did to me. It just all came rushing back after we were finished.”
“Come here,” he said, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me to him. “I love you, and we never have to do anything that brings up bad memories.” His lips gently brushed mine. “It’s been a really emotional and intense day, are you able to get some sleep?”
“Yeah,” I said and settled in next to him. “I’m glad you’re here, Cade.”
He kissed the top of my head. “There’s no other place in the entire world I’d rather be than next to you.”
Chapter 27
The next several weeks flew by and Labor Day was around the corner. Cade’s wound had continued to heal nicely, and he was returning to more and more normal activities.
“I’ll see you in a few hours,” I said, standing on my tiptoes and kissing him goodbye.
“I love you,” he replied.
Although Franklin hadn’t objected to Cade spending most nights, he slipped out around six-thirty every morning before anyone saw him. This gave him time to get home before his sister woke up and the nurse left. But today, the nurse would stay, and Cade would meet me here before we left for the courthouse.
My stomach flip-flopped after I closed the door behind him and leaned up against it. This would be the first time I saw Brandon face to face since he had kidnapped me. Thank God I wasn’t in this alone.
“Morning, hon. How are you doing?” Franklin asked, appearing just outside the kitchen with a cup of steaming coffee in his hand.
“I feel sort of sick,” I said, walking to him.
He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me in for a hug. “We’ll all be there with you.”
“I know. Thank you.”
Franklin’s phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, and he stepped away to answer it. I rubbed my eyes and made my way to the coffee pot.
“Do we know what this is about?” Franklin asked.
Grabbing a coffee cup, I filled it and turned toward him. He had his attorney poker expression in place, and I couldn’t get a read on the conversation.
He ended the call and looked at me. “I have a meeting before court, so I’ll need to get there half an hour earlier than planned. Pierce, Vaughn, and Zayne will also be with us today.”
“Really? You think we’re going to need them all? That’s not a good sign, Dad.”
“I don’t want you to worry, but I’m taking extra precautions.” He rubbed his chin and frowned. “Is there any way you can talk Cade into not going?”
“What? Why?” I asked, my volume louder than I’d intended.
“I’m concerned about everyone’s safety today, Mac.”
My mouth dropped. “You mean like if another shooter showed up to finish what they started?” I asked, my voice hovering above a whisper. Terror snaked down my spine as I recalled the band’s last performance and the sound of gunshots.
Dad didn’t answer me right away. “We have to be prepared for every possible scenario.”
I leaned against the counter and blinked my tears away. “I need him there, but if he’s in danger, I’ll tell him not to come. I couldn’t stand it if he got hurt again. Or worse.” I swallowed hard, forcing the ball of emotions down. I had to keep my shit together today.
“I’m sorry, Mac. I think you’re making the right decision, though. Sometimes the best decisions are the hardest, and when you’re in a relationship, they should be based on what’s best for your partner. There’s no doubt in my mind if Cade could switch places with you today, he would.”
“I agree, he’d do it in a heartbeat,” I said, nodding. Even though I didn’t want to hear what Franklin was saying, I realized he was right. “I’ll call him in a little bit.”
“Thank you. It will be one less person I’m worried about today.”
The back door opened, and Pierce strolled into the kitchen.
“Mac, sir,” he said and nodded slightly at us.
“Morning,” I mumbled and took a sip of my coffee.
“Vaughn and Zayne are keeping an eye on the perimeter this morning.”
“Thank you,” Franklin said, placing his cup in the sink. “Mac, we have a phone call to make, but when you see Gemma and Hendrix, please let everyone know we need to leave here by nine.”
“I will.”
The men walked out of the kitchen silently. Maybe Franklin, had his poker face in place, but there was no way anyone could miss the tension in the air.
Cade and I had our first argument an hour later.
“I don’t like it either, but if Dad says it’s dangerous, then I have to listen to him. He’s right, you’re first in my life now. I have to make decisions based on what’s best for both of us, not simply me anymore.”
“Dammit, Mac. I’m not okay with this.”
“Listen to me,” I said, sinking down on the edge of my unmade bed. “The minute it’s over and I’m safely back in the limo and on my way home, you can come over. I’ll need you more then.” I had just lied to my boyfriend, and I inwardly cringed.
A heavy silence filled the line.
“I wanted to be there for you when you testify,” Cade said softly. “I feel like I’m failing you.”
“No. You can’t think of it like that. I need you to be safe so I can get on the stand and not worry about you. This is the best way you can support me.”
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“Not really, but I didn’t want to come right out and say it.”
“And I suspect Pierce, Zayne, and Vaughn will be with you all, too?”
“Yeah. We have the full crew today.”
“Mac!” Franklin called up the stairs. I stood, not wanting to say goodbye to Cade.
“I have to go. I’ll call you the minute I’m done.”
“I’m going to be a fucking mess until I hear from you.”
“Try not to worry. We’re in good hands,” I assured him.
“Mac?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you.”
My heart ached for him. I’d lied. I needed him next to me. I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to look at Brandon and testify against him. On the other hand, maybe not subjecting Cade to every gory detail of what the monster had done to me was for the best.
“I love you, too,” I said, my voice cracking with emotion.
I ended the call, gathered my purse, and hurried down the stairs.
“I’m here,” I said, smoothing my navy-blue silk blouse and slacks.
“Are you ready?” Gemma asked me while she nervously tugged on her beige skirt. The soft blue blouse she’d paired with it accentuated her eyes. Hendrix waited next to her, fiddling with his tie that nearly matched Gemma’s top. His hair was a bit of a mess, which told me he’d run his hands through it multiple times, a nervous habit when he was stressed out.
“No. Are you?” I asked.
She shook her head. My attention drifted to her and Hendrix’s hands. My best bestie was terrified. Hendrix’s thumb stroked the back of her hand, causing her to ease up on the death grip she had on his fingers, allowing the blood flow to return.
“Let’s go, kids,” Franklin said, picking up his briefcase and holding the front door open for us. He grabbed his black suit jacket and slipped it on over his white dress shirt.
We filed out the door and into the limo. I stared out the window as Pierce, Vaughn, and Zayne settled in next to us.
“Nice and cozy,” I mumbled, scooting over and smashing myself against the door. Not even steamy hot bodyguards could help my mood today.
The tension increased in the car as we grew closer to the courthouse. Franklin didn’t have any words of advice or wisdom, either. He wasn’t e
ntirely clued in on what to expect since he wasn’t an attorney on the case. The only reason he knew anything was because he and Pierce were looped in through courtesy and the FBI. Under normal circumstances, Franklin would have to call in a lot of favors to be as involved as he was now.
The car pulled into the parking lot, and my heart pounded against my chest.
“What if I can’t do this?” I blurted. “Dad? What if I can’t look at the son of a bitch and testify?” I clenched my teeth together in an attempt to hold back my tears.
“You don’t have to do this, Mac. We still have Gemma’s testimony.”
I looked at Gemma, sharp guilt stabbing me in the pit of my stomach. How could I ask my best bestie to do this and not follow through myself?
“No. I can’t do it. She gave herself to save me. I’m fine.” I inhaled sharply and chided myself for allowing Brandon to fuck with my mind.
“If at any time—” Franklin started.
Flashes of Gemma, Hendrix, Cade, Pierce, and John collapsing on the stage in front of me stirred my anger.
“I’m fine. Let’s take the bastard down and go after his sorry excuse of a father next. Today, this is for John.” I squared my shoulders and glanced at my family.
Gemma winked and nodded at me.
“I’m proud to call you my sister,” Hendrix said to me.
Only he would know what to say to give my heart the strength to walk through those doors.
“Thank you.”
The bodyguards exited the limo first and opened the doors for us. The minute we were outside the vehicle, each of them took their place, creating a tight circle around us.
Franklin led the way up the stairs, and I slipped between Gemma and Hendrix, taking each of their hands in mine.
Cade’s words whispered through my mind while we walked through the doors of the courthouse, renewing my strength. I see an amazing, smart, funny, loyal, beautiful woman. You’re full of fire, and you’re all heart at the same time.
Mine and Gemma’s heels clicked against the tile floor of the hallway, bringing my thoughts back to what I was about to do. Franklin’s phone buzzed, and we turned the corner as he answered it.
“We’re here.”
We came to a stop in front of the courtroom’s large wooden door, and my heart jumped into my throat.
“Mac,” Gemma said gently.
I dropped Hendrix’s hand and turned toward her.
“I’ll love you even if you don’t testify. We’re family, and I know how gut-wrenching this is. I’d protect you from all of it if I could.”
Speechless, I threw my arms around her.
“I love you, best bestie.”
“You too, Mac,” she said, returning my embrace.
“I’ll be right in,” Franklin said, ending his call. He cleared his throat before he faced us. “Pierce, the judge wants to see you and me in his chambers. Vaughn and Zayne, take everyone to the conference room. Don’t let anyone in or out.”
“Wait? What’s going on?” I asked, puzzled. “Aren’t we supposed to go into the courtroom?”
“Now.” Franklin’s tone was stern.
Hendrix led the way down the hall as my mind scrambled for an answer to the schedule change.
“When I’m done, I’ll meet you all in here,” Franklin said as we settled into the plastic chairs. Zayne stood next to Hendrix, and Vaughn remained in the hallway, the door clicking closed with a finality that made me jump.
“What do you think is going on?” Gemma asked, standing and wringing her hands together.
“We won’t know until Dad’s back,” Hendrix said. “Try not to stress. It could be anything from a postponement to … hell, who knows. This entire thing has been fucked from the beginning.”
“I couldn’t have said it any better, bro.” I leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming on top of the wooden table.
“So Zayne?” I asked, attempting to redirect my attention.
“Yes?” He didn’t move anything except his emerald green eyes when he spoke.
“Where did you get your ink?” I asked, pointing to his right arm. I wasn’t sure if he had more tats or not underneath his suit.
“Portland,” he said, his voice clipped.
“Since you’re my bodyguard, for now, I’ll eventually see it, right?”
“I’m not hiding it from anyone.”
My lips pursed. “I can see why you and Pierce get along so well, you’re both exceptional conversationalists,” I said dryly.
Gemma released a nervous giggle, and Hendrix arched his eyebrow at me. I raised mine right back at him. If Zayne was going to be my shadow, I wanted to know something about him.
“What’s in Portland other than a tattoo parlor?”
“I’m from there. So are Pierce and Vaughn.”
“Oh, really?” I asked, standing with this new information. “How long have you known him?”
By this time, Gemma's and Hendrix’s attention had also piqued.
“Since we were twelve.”
“Holy Hannah! You knew little Pierce?”
“Yes,” Zayne replied.
“Fine, since you’re rushing to fill us in on the details, I’ll ask Pierce about it.”
“Good luck with that. He doesn’t like to discuss his childhood,” Zayne said.
A flicker of something I couldn’t identify crossed his expression.
“Did you know Pierce was from Portland?” I asked Gemma.
“No. He’s never told us anything about his life before he started working for Franklin.”
“He’s so full of secrets,” I said, sitting back down and staring at my brother. “You’re awfully quiet, Hendrix.”
“Mac, I know you’re stressed right now, but I don’t think we need to pry into Pierce and Zayne’s background,” Hendrix’s tone held a hint of disapproval.
“Fine. I’ll do it later when you’re not around.”
My leg bounced underneath the table and my anxiety returned. Thirty painful minutes later, the door opened, and Franklin walked into the room.
Chapter 28
Whatever had happened in the judge’s chambers wasn’t good.
“Kids,” Franklin said softly, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I need you to trust me and just do what I tell you. We’re leaving.”
“What?” I gasped, jumping out of my chair.
“Mac, you need to stay calm. The second we’re in the limo, I’ll explain what happened, but for now we’re to leave the courthouse the same way we came in.”
I glanced at Gemma and Hendrix. They appeared as confused as I was. Without another word, we left the room and walked into the hallway.
My head snapped up at the sound of his voice, and I clutched Gemma’s arm. In seconds, my knees turned to Jell-O and Brandon Montgomery sneered at me from across the hall. His eyes flashed with hatred before Zayne stepped in between our line of sight.
“Keep walking,” Franklin ordered.
“I can’t wait to bury my cock in your girlfriend, Harrington!” Brandon called after us. In one quick movement, the guard whirled Brandon around and shoved him in the opposite direction.
“No!” I screamed when Hendrix stopped in his tracks, spun around, and took three steps in Brandon’s direction. Brandon peered over his shoulder and flinched as my brother gunned toward him.
“You keep your filthy fucking hands off my girlfriend and sister,” Hendrix growled.
Pierce moved in between them, and an additional deputy entered the hallway, blocking my brother from nailing Brandon in the jaw. Vaughn grabbed Hendrix’s arms and hauled him backward.
“Hendrix,” Franklin said, their noses only an inch apart. “If you don’t want to spend the night with Brandon in jail, I strongly advise you turn around right now.”
“Do me a favor and lock me up with the sick bastard. I guarantee you only one of us will walk out alive,” Hendrix said, his voice low and thick with hatred.
“Babe, I need you here with me,” Gemma sa
id calmly from behind him.
I gawked at the entire shit show in front of me. If anyone could calm down Hendrix, it would be Gemma. But not even the threat of jail would get him to back off right now.
“Hendrix!” Gemma pleaded. The anguish in her voice halted him in his tracks and he turned around. “I think I’m pregnant, Hendrix.”
Time stood still as everyone’s eyes landed on her—including Brandon’s.
“What?” Hendrix said, walking away from Brandon and the guards.
My mouth hung open and my attention traveled from Gemma to Pierce. I didn’t miss the brief shock on Pierce’s face, but Hendrix had the full-on deer in the headlights look.
“Are you sure?” he asked, taking his hands in hers.
“The home pregnancy test was positive, but I have an appointment tomorrow with the doctor for a blood test. I’ll find out for sure then. I need you with me, not here in jail.”
He nodded. “Yeah. Let’s get you out of here.” He slid his arm protectively around her waist while the guys surrounded us again.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath to Pierce. Glancing over my shoulder at Franklin, a pang of sadness ripped through me. This was not the news he’d hoped for yet. Maybe someday, but we all wanted a calmer life before bringing an innocent baby into the picture.
My mind whirled a million miles an hour as we entered the limo.
The moment the door closed, my mouth opened without my full consent.
“What. The. Fuck?” I asked, gawking at Gemma. “You’re pregnant and didn’t tell me?”
“I’m so sorry, Mac. I was trying to get through today and the appointment tomorrow.” Tears streamed down her face. I knew for a fact Gemma didn’t want kids, but Hendrix did. Crap just got even more intense.
“We’ll figure it out,” Hendrix said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry, Franklin. This wasn’t the way the conversation had played out in my mind. But Hendrix was about to get himself tossed in jail, and it flew out of my mouth.”
“I understand why you did it, but I think I need some time to wrap my head around this. Not to mention I need to talk to you all about what happened in the judge’s chambers.”