Deja
Nine months later …
“What’sthe deal with you and Brooklyn?” Val asks as we leave the shops we just cleaned out and walk toward the car park.
I bite my lip as I think of the wedding. I hadn’t known he would be there. I was there to work, not as a guest.
When he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me, I was startled. Mattia looked like he was going to come to my rescue until Uri pulled him back and whispered something in his ear. Needless to say, Mattia hasn’t spoken to me since.
In fact, I haven’t seen him much lately. After getting caught checking me out on my first day, we’ve talked a few times, and I had planned to go on a date with him. Cole blew that out of the water.
“Ya owe me an apology and makeup sex,” Cole had breathed in my ear.
I was so angry with him and myself for allowing my body to melt into his. I didn’t get to respond because Vita started to cry. I had to tend to my charge, but not before Cole left me with something to think about.
“My own granda is dead because of ya. Imagine what I’ll do to someone who’s not my blood and tries to touch what’s mine. Don’t get someone killed because ya couldn’t trust me.
“When ya know the truth yer going to be angry with yerself for missing out on this dick all this time for nothing. I want ya, DJ, but I’ll wait. Make no mistake, baby, I’m coming for what’s mine,” he whispered in my ear before releasing me.
I haven’t been able to get his words out of my mind since the wedding. I clear my throat and glance at Val. She’s become my friend. I don’t want to lie to her.
She and Uri have been showing me what it’s like to trust, whether they know it or not. I love watching their relationship and how they are with friends and family. They have pulled me into that trust.
“I don’t know Brooklyn.”
Val’s face hardens as she glares back at me, looking like she’s ready to kick my ass. I sigh and hold my hand up. I want to be here, so I’ve been honest with Val about my life.
“I don’t know him as Brooklyn. I know him as Cole. I grew up with his family.
“His sister, Kate, was my best friend. Cole and I were dating until I found out he cheated on me. Then I busted all the windows out of his car.” I shrug.
Val bursts into laughter. “I knew I liked you. Mattia was one of our best guys. When Uri said he was sending him away to save his life, I wondered what the deal was, then I saw O’Brien looking at you like a hot piece of meat.”
I roll my eyes. “Wait, that’s why I haven’t seen Mattia. Really?”
Val shrugs. “If Brooklyn says you’re his … my husband isn’t going to get in the middle of that, and Mattia didn’t need to die for something he couldn’t have.”
I burst into laughter. “Maybe he could have. Cole should know how it feels.”
“Are you sure he cheated? He doesn’t strike me as the type.”
“I caught him walking with her and their daughter outside their apartment.”
She looks at me with wide eyes. “That doesn’t sound right, DJ. Do you mind if I look into this? If you’re right, I’ll make sure Uri knows to keep him away.”
“You don’t have to do that. I doubt I’ll see him again.”
“Yeah, okay, I’ll look into it. The look on that man’s face said he plans to be all up in your life. Just you wait.”
I laugh and shake my head as we move through the car park. Uri has the kids today, so against Uri’s wishes, we’re traveling a little light on security.
“Deja, get down.”
I duck down as a bullet bursts through the window of the car we’re in front of. I drop my bags and pull my gun from my purse. Val insists that I carry at all times.
I look around to see where the shot came from. I already know that voice that called out the warning. It was Callum.
I spot him and Blair heading my way with their guns drawn. Gunmen appear out of nowhere. I look to Val, and she has two guns out.
