Once the guards are all down, he turns his attention back to the men, who are standing there in shock with their guns still aimed and ready to take down anyone who crosses their path.
“I fucking told you to stop. And you didn’t listen. Stop treating me like I am broken. I am the goddamn president of this organization and just because I was gone for two months doesn’t mean you can disobey my orders. Do that shit again and I swear I will kick your asses to the curb so fast my boot mark will burn for days.”
Before I can stop myself, I lean forward and yell into the comms system, “ARIES! Enough.”
Aries’ spine straightens and the comms system quiets. I quickly glance at both groups and see that Bailen is secured and that the last few guards are being taken down. Just as members from Group A step into the captors room, my fingers fly over the keyboard and I watch with a smile on my face as the panic room doors open, the captors face morphing into pure terror as Braveheart members drag his sorry ass out.
“Taylor. Not now.” Aries' voice is cold, stealing my attention away from Group A. I should take note of his tone and not push, but I don’t care.
“No. You will not speak to people who are trying to save you like that. Romeo, Rocky, and Amo are just trying to help you. This is not the Aries show. This is team Braveheart. Key word team.”
“Mind your business, Taylor. I’m warning you.”
Anger boils in my chest. “Fuck you, Aries. I am minding my business and that is protecting all the people I care about, just like those men are doing for you. If you weren’t ready to come back, then maybe you should have stayed home.”
My chest rises and falls rapidly as I watch Ari on the cameras. He’s staring at the floor as Rocky, Romeo, and Amo stand there, shock evident on their faces.
After a few moments, Aries looks to the men, his expression changed. “My apologies, boys. Taylor is right. I’m not ready to be back. Thank you for watching my back.”
My anger slowly dissipates a little, but I am still mad at him for snapping on innocent people. I know his nightmares are driving him mad, but that doesn’t give him an excuse to threaten to kick out three very loyal members of Braveheart. That level of hurt and misguided emotion would affect the strongest person.
Braveheart doesn’t pick members at random. They all come from places of hurt, betrayal, and need for a family. Most of us are refugees looking for a place where we can survive. And Aries knows better than anyone what all of us come from.
The system stays silent for a moment before Boone's voice sounds. “Alright team. Let's get back on track. Bailen is ready for transport and the captor is secure. We need to do a sweep of the property. Aries, Zoro and I have this under control if you need to step out. No judgement, brother. You did more than I could have given the situation. We love you, man.”
A series of the same sentiments echo Boone’s and I sit back in my chair watching Aries.
“Thank you everyone. I’m good. Let's get this wrapped up so we can go home.”
Aries glances up towards a camera in the corner of the hallway, and I feel as if he is staring directly at me.
Yes Ace, I can see you. No, I’m not mad, but today wasn’t okay.
I will the words to leave my mouth, but they don’t. Instead, I wait for him to say something and when he doesn’t; I know I will see him later tonight, like I do every night.
A knock on my door drags me out of my head and I instantly know who it is.
Ari peaks his head inside and flashes me a bashful smile.
“Yes?” I ask, trying to hide my amusement at his shy behavior.
Stepping inside my room, he closes the door and waits by the entry. His hands move to his hair and he pushes it back before shoving them into his sweats.
Turning back to my computer to finish my report, I wait for him to find the words he is struggling to say.
“I’m sorry, Hellhound. I shouldn’t have snapped at you or anyone on that mission. I shouldn’t have gone on that mission knowing I wasn’t ready. I’ve already apologized to everyone else and made an appointment with Dr. Link. Clearly, that masked motherfucker did a bigger number on my mind than I thought. I’m just—”
Cutting off his rambles, I lift the covers and pat the space next to me.
His brows raise in shock, and he freezes.
“I–I didn’t come in here for—”
Flashing him a smile, I pat the mattress once more. “Never in my life did I think I would witness Aries Clark nervous ramble, but these past few weeks have been anything but normal, so here we are. Now I need to finish my report, so get in bed and be quiet, or go sleep in your giant bed.”
He opens his mouth to speak again, but I raise my brows at him and give him a knowing look. He quickly stops himself and moves to the bed.
The bed dips next to me and he sits close, his back resting against the headboard. We sit in silence for a few moments as I continue with my report.
