I blink back up at him, confused. “What do you mean you know?”
“When the power went out, he snuck in through the back door. I saw him on the new video surveillance I had installed. This one didn’t run off the same electrical system as the club. It was battery operated and caught everything. From Orlando walking out of there with you, to Syd sneaking in on the hunt for you. Hemade it to your office not five minutes after Orlando dragged you out of there.”
A shiver runs over me. He was so close.
“He messed the place up, Sloane, left a knife buried in your desk with a note.”
“My girl…?” I ask, not really wanting to know the details of his message for me.
His hand skates down my arm, and he pulls me a little closer into him. “Exactly, and now it all makes sense. You were the daughter he never wanted.”
“He called me his, even though I never was. He hates me because Mom was killed because of me. Because he thinks I stole his family from him.” A whimpered cry escapes my lips as I say the words. I was a little girl whose family had been killed, probably by him, and he hated me. What kind of fucked-up human is he?
He holds me close, sucking in a labored breath. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again. You got that?”
“Yeah, I don’t even care about your rules anymore, handcuff me to you for all I care. This past week, Onyx, I have never wished to have you following me around more.”
He moves so I’m forced to pull back from him, looking up into his eyes. “You’re not going to fight me on it?” His forehead creases, and I see his confusion.
“Hell no! That night scared the shit out of me. I thought he was going to kill me. I can promise you I will never fight you on your overbearing protection again. Orlando might, though, he’s just as crazy as you when it comes to me.”
“Good. I only want what’s best for you, trouble. You know that, right?”
I nod. “Actually, I have a favor to ask.”
“What?” he grumbles.
I nibble my lip, not sure if I should ask him or not, but I need help and he has the skills. “While we’re here together, can you teach me how to fight? I know you and Reef were trained in all sorts of techniques when you were younger. Teach me so I can defend myself. That crowbar was a lucky find in the trunk, and next time I might not be so lucky.”
His lips twitch up at the sides at the mention of what I did to Orlando. “You did good, trouble. How did you get out of the handcuffs he took you out of the club in?”
I can’t help but grin back at him. “Bobby pin from my hair. Pretty sure I surprised the shit out of him when I attacked him cuff-free.” I laugh, seeing Orlando’s face as I attacked him.
“I bet you did.” He smiles, impressed.
“The water was my downfall. I tried to swim, but the water was so cold, and I was in my clothes, and he was so much faster than me. I had no chance against him. All my life I thought I was tough, you know, like you and my brothers, but I’m not.” My head drops at the realization. If Orlando had wanted me dead that night, there would have been nothing I could have done to stop him.
His hand moves to my face and he cups my chin, gazing down at me, a little glint back in his eyes I know he only ever has just for me. “You’re tough as nails, trouble. Don’t you ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”
I half-smile back at him. Not really believing his words. I wish I did, but too much has changed. Reality has slapped me so hard in the face I can’t go back to my delusion. I need Onyx by my side.
“Now Orlando’s giving you swimming lessons?” Onyx mutters like he really can’t believe it.
“I told you he’s not who you think. You have to trust me on that.”
He sighs heavily. “I’ll teach you how to fight and protect yourself. If the Moretti brothers fail, we will be ready for whoever comes for you.”
“Thank you.” I smile up at him, my hands coming to the back of his neck.
His eyes narrow, becoming more serious again. “You scare me like that again, trouble, I will lock you up and throw away the key, you understand?” He pulls something from his pocket and takes my wrist in his hand, slipping the charm bracelet he gave me for my birthday back onto my wrist.
I watch him, wanting to call him out on his stalking ways, but the truth is, I get it. He needs to know where I am, and I’m safer if he does. “Yeah, I get it.” I close the gap between us, popping up on my toes. I press my lips to his, not waiting any longer for what I need, clinging to him as if my life depends on it. His lips on mine feel like everything. He shoves his tongue in my mouth possessively, and I know he’s right here with me. Thank fuck. I didn’t lose him. As our kiss deepens, thunderclaps cross the sky, the heavens open up, and rain comes pouring down. But neither of us pull back and run inside. For a week I have imagined this kiss, and I don’t care if I’m soaked to the bone, I’m getting my moment with Onyx alone.
Chapter 22
AfterOnyxandIcame in from the storm, Romeo cracked a bottle of whiskey that he brought with him, and we sat around drinking. Well, Reef, Romeo, and I did, anyway. Onyx lurked nearby, but he wasn’t indulging, and Orlando said he was working. He came in and out of the den all afternoon, never too far away from us, but giving me space to catch up with the boys as well. Something in it was slightly unnerving after being stuck at his side for so long. I thought he would have kept up the possessive, you’re-mine thing, but he doesn’t really seem bothered by the boys. It’s like he knows we have something together now, so they’re not the same threat they once were to him. At least I think that’s what this is.
Dinner was a range of incredible wood-fired pizza with the crispiest crust, four types of cheese, and the best selection of toppings I think I have ever had. We devoured it while watching the storm roll in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
