“So, I have something for you.” Sitting up and pulling my legsfrom his lap, I give him my undivided attention. He frowns and pulls my legs back in his lap, “Don’t pull away from me, it’s not bad. Just a gift I have for you.”
“Roe, you didn’t have to get me anything. All I need is you, Rhett, and a phone to text and call Brittany.”
He hands me a rectangular box and chuckles at me, “Just humor me, Pretty Girl.” Skeptical, I take it from him and open it.
My eyes widen and my jaw slackens. “It’s, oh, Rowan. It’s gorgeous.” I’m staring at a gold tennis bracelet with a plate on it. On the plate is written what has become our little family motto, ‘safe, promise.’ Looking up at him with teary eyes, I’m speechless. It’s simple, but it means so much. It’s a declaration to keep Rhett and I safe and protected.
“Keep it on every day, and when I’m out for business you can look at it and remember you’re always safe with me. I love you so much, Clara.”
Unable to wait a second longer I throw myself in his arms and start pressing kisses all over his handsome face. He catches me on a laugh and lets me kiss all over his face, forehead, and jaw. The whole time telling him ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ over and over.
“You’re welcome, baby. I’m glad you like it.” He takes the bracelet from the box and clasps the delicate chain around my wrist. Gently, he takes my face in his hands, “If I wasn’t worried about you not being ready, that bracelet would have been a diamond ring. I don’t want you to doubt how serious I am about you two. I’d have a judge here to sign the documents within the hour if you said the word. You and Rhett are my family now. You’re both mine, I will fight for you both until my last breath, because you both deserve nothing less. Clara, youstarted my heart the day we met in the office. Your beautiful brown eyes locked onto mine and I just knew. I’m not a religious man, but as soon as you looked away from me I prayed to whoever would listen that you would land your attention back on to me, if you did I’d do whatever I could to make you stay.” Bringing my hands up to play with the short strands on the back of his head, I press a fast kiss to his lips
“I’ve never had someone who loves me or fights for me like you do. I love you so much, for being the man we need, for being the best partner and Daddy we could ever imagine. I think the universe multiple times a day for sending you to us and for you choosing us to love.” He pulls me in and takes my lips with his. My life is perfect with my little family. This is exactly where we’re meant to be, where I’ll choose to spend every day for the rest of my life.
21
Chapter Twenty-One
Rowan
I’m standing in the bathroom, towel wrapped around my hips, and trimming my beard. Today’s the day that I have to meet with Nikolai. How I’m supposed to handle an unhinged psychopath is beyond me. My brothers and I have a plan though, and I have to stick to it no matter how much every ounce of me tells me to hit the breaks and back out. Three months ago, I would have gone in head first without checking up. Now I have Clara, and Rhett.
That brings pause to everything, it brings questions up it never has before. Much like how will this affect them? What if it goes wrong? How do I make sure they’re protected if something were to happen to me? Finishing up in the bathroom, and steeling my nerves, my legs carry me into the closet to my side and find the suit I need for the day. Claraand Rhett are still fast asleep because it’s barely six thirty.
Forgoing my tie for the day, and putting on my dress shoes, I’m ready to get to the restaurant and go over the plan one last time. Sneaking over to the bed I kiss Clara’s head, I should probably head out but I need to watch her sleep just a little longer. I’ll come back to them if it’s the last thing I do.
Finally walking away and into Rhett’s room, he’s also still asleep, snuggling Safe tightly. My eyes tear up on their own accord, that’s my son. Pressing a quick kiss to the top of his curly hair I don’t linger too long before walking away. At the door I turn around to give him one last look and whisper, “Daddy will be back later, Little Bear. I love you.”. One last deep breath and I’m leaving in search of my brothers so we can head out.
We’ve secured every square inch of this entire restaurant to the best of our abilities. All I can do is hope and pray that this works and I’ll be home to my family in no time. Before my mind spins out too much the door to the back room where I’m waiting opens and in walks Nikolai, he’s escorted by Nolan. Giving them both a nod of acknowledgment. Standing from the table I was seated at, I extend my hand, “Nikolai.” He meets me at the table and takes his hand in mine giving me a firm shake.
“Rowan.” Kieran strolls in the room right on time and shuts the door behind him. Nikolai’s eyes dart to him, then back to me.”What’s this?” He asks, the nervousness apparent in his features and in his stance.
“Kieran here is just going to hang out to make sure everything’s above board.”
“Well, how do I know if you guys are teaming up on me or not. First security, and now your enforcer.”
While holding my hands out in a placating manner, hopefully calming him, I step forward, “Whoa, we were under the impression this was a peaceful meeting, Nikolai. Why are you being hostile? Why don’t you tell us what makes you think we’re anything but allies.”
Nikolai scoffs and throws his hands up, “Rowan, let’s not pretend you don’t know.” Okay, I’m actually confused now.
Losing my patience I snap, “Pretend I don’t know what exactly?” His eyes bug out and a look of half amusement half shock is plastered on his face.
He lets out a loud laugh, “Holy shit, you actually have no idea? I knew you were young and naive, but I had no idea you were just this plain stupid.” On instinct I serge forward and grab him by his tie.
Pulling him impossibly closer, I growl out, “Watch who the fuck you’re talking to Nikolai. Do not underestimate me, I can assure you my age doesn’t equate to my level of intelligence.” I hear the click of a safety being switched off. Not needing to look up to know it’s either Nolan or Kieran, “I’d suggest you tell me what you’re talking about before one of these fine gentlemen puts a bullet between your eyes.”
Nikolai’s laughing turns manic, “Oh, Rowan, I’d make sure you know who’s holding that gun before you make demands.” Flashing my eyes behind my shoulder I see Kieran with his gun drawn, but it’s not pointed at Nikolai. No, it’s pointed at Nolan, who’s pointing his gun at… Oh shit, I fucking knewit…. BANG!
* * *
Kieran
When I saw Nolan whip out his gun and point it at my big brother, instinct took over. My gun is pointed at the back of his head while he holds steady at Rowan’s back. If he pulls that trigger he’s going into his back and out through the center of his heart. If I was sure he wouldn’t pull the trigger as I pulled mine he’d be dead already. Nolan’s been with us forever, his old man was my Da’s security detail. He died in the attack against my parents and his son naturally took over when Roe stepped up. He’s been involved in every step of the planning and preparation of today. He’s a fucking rat, he’s THE rat we couldn’t find.
Every part of my brain and body tune in to hear Nikolai tell Roe to look behind him. It all happens so fast and I don’t have time to process what’s happening in front of me as it happens. In a flash Rowan turns locking eyes with me for just a second before he looks at Nolan. Pain, betrayal, anger, and what looks like arrogance shines on his features before Nolan pulls the trigger. Before he’s even released it, I’ve pulled my trigger and Nolan hits the ground. Falling half on top of Rowan. I can’t think about that right now, I can’t allow myself to even think the words that I know are true. Taking aim right between Nikolai’s eyes, and sneering, “You better start talking. I’m not my family’s muscle just because I enjoy clipping off fingers and pulling out teeth. My shot is second to none.”
Forcing myself into the emotionless machine that my brothers and everyone else thinks I am. While my brother lays de… no, not now. Taking a breath and plasteringon a bored expression I motion my free hand to him to continue before the gun just so happens to go off.
