“Ash, I need you to promise me something,” I murmur into his chest.
He gazes down at me, his expression softening as he brushes the tears from my cheeks. “What?”
“You’ll make them pay for what they did to me.”
“Your family?” he asks, his eyes narrowing.
I nod. “Them and anyone else who played a part.”
He leans in, and his lips softly touch mine. “Anything for you, princess.” He kisses me, and it feels like he’s bringing life back into my body. My hand curls into his shirt, and I cling to him. I’m not this needy girl, but maybe now I am, because as much as I want to be some badass independent woman, I need these boys. I want them to save me when I feel like I can’t save myself.
Chapter 9
Everybody Here Wants You
It’smid-afternoonandI’mgetting some sun on my skin like Ricky suggested, lying out on the recliner in the outdoor patio by the pool. The beauty of this place is undeniable. It’s the kind of place I would have killed to escape to when I was stuck back in Italy. The pool is massive and lodges a small pool house in the back. Flowering magnolia trees line the space and softenthe ten-foot security concrete wall encircling the area. They give it a relaxed vibe, and if I try hard enough, I can pretend I’m on vacation someplace nice, not hiding in a safe house. I even dug out a floral bikini I found in my stuff, and I have to admit I feel better for it, with warmth radiating through my skin.
We’ve been in Jagger’s safe house for three days. Cruz and Asher have been fussing over me in a way that should warm my heart. Even made me lunch and dinner, or brought it to me anyway. Something tells me Jagger was the one who made it, but that grumpy bastard hasn’t shown his face around me since his list-of-rules bullshit. He’s around, I hear his heavy boots stomping around on the polished wood floors, but he’s avoiding me. I’m not complaining. With how angry I’m feeling, it’s best he keeps his distance.
I’ve gone back to sleeping alone at night, deciding it’s more dangerous to have any of them close to me, and spent most of my time in my room, telling the boys I’m too tired to eat or socialize with them. They must have felt sorry for me still, and I guess it helps that I look so awful with my scar hanging out and the yellowing bruises on my face, because it worked as well. They have been on their best behavior, a few not-so-subtle looks that tell me they’re desperate to get close again, but they have given me space. Until this morning anyway, when I overheard Jagger in the hallway outside my room instructing Asher to get me out of bed today. He couldn’t even come into my room himself and dish out his orders. Nope, he has to get one of them to.
I had breakfast at the kitchen island then went exploring through the house. When Asher said I could come outside and sun in the back, it was only minutes before I had my bikini on. The fresh air feels as close to freedom as I’m going to get, and turns out, it was exactly what I needed.
When my legs start to feel like they’re roasting, I roll from my back to my front and find Cruz standing over me with a glass ofwater in his hand. His eyes leisurely stroll over my body. “You look hot, thought you might need this.”
“Did you?” I swing my legs over the edge of the lounger and sit up, taking the glass from him and having a sip. The water is icy cold and just perfect.
“I also wanted a closer view.” He grins all cheekily.
“Sounds more like it,” I grumble, still not ready to give in and be nice to him again, no matter how much he fusses over me.
“Come on, Daisy, you’re not going to block us out forever, are you?”
I shrug. “Probably not.”
“But you might?” He plonks down on the lounger beside me. “I have something else that might sweeten the deal.” From his pocket, he pulls out a phone and passes it to me. “It’s just for music. All the stuff you like is on there, and some newer stuff I thought you might enjoy as well.”
I can’t help but grin this time. I need this more than he knows. I snatch it up and hug it to my chest before scrolling through the playlist. Everything is on here just like with my old phone. “How did you…?”
“Before your phone was destroyed, I made sure to save your playlists. I know how important they are to you.”
My heart flip-flops. “Thank you.” I smile at him. It’s so hard to stay mad at him and Ash when they’re so sweet to me.
He taps a finger to his lips like he wants a kiss for his good deed.
I raise a brow, letting him know it’s going to take more than that.
With a cheeky grin, he leans in, brushes his lips against mine, and steals a kiss anyway. “Ash said you had a visit with Ricky this morning. What did he say?”
I sigh. For a second I was distracted, now I’m right back to reality. “Same stuff. I need to rest, my recovery will take time.”
“It’s been three days since he took out your stitches, so you can shower properly?” he grins, and I know instantly where his dirty mind has gone. What is it with him showering me?
“Don’t get any ideas, Cruz!”
He holds his hands up in defense. “I wouldn’t dare.” He brushes my hair over my shoulder then drops his lips to my bare shoulder, kissing me delicately. “I’m good at washing your hair, though.”
The soft, deliberate pressure pulls me in close, and I can’t resist. He knows what he’s doing, breaking down my defenses one kiss at a time. He’s intoxicating and all-consuming. “Cruz,” I warn him as much as I warn myself. I know my hair is in desperate need of a wash, but I can't bring myself to deal with it. And I don’t want him to either. The messy bun held together with a scrunchy is doing its job for now.
