“Well, I’m going to go take inventory and see what we need to order. When Damian gets here, let me know.” I walk to the office to grab the iPad, excited to see him.
With headphones in my ears, jamming away, I take note of our overflow and what we desperately need. In my own world, oblivious to what’s going on in the gym, I find other things to do once ordering is done.
Pulling out the headphones, I notice everything is quiet. Placing them on the reception desk with the iPad, I look but see no one.
The slight breeze welcomes me, dousing me in fresh air, taking the smell of the gym away when I step out back and walk up the metal stairs that lead to the apartment. I hear their voices as I get closer, coming from the roof. Taking the next landing, making my way to the roof, I step up and see Damian, who immediately clears his throat. Stopping, I ask, “Am I interrupting?”
“No, come up.” Damian smiles at me, arms already open. He looks good; his color is back, but his eyes are still sad, the hollowness making them look extremely black.
As I close the gap between him and me, the guys stop speaking altogether. Damian’s hug is consuming, and I try to hug him tighter, but noting his wound, which I know isn’t fully healed.
Leaning back, I look up to him. “It’s so good to see you.” I gently shake him. His smile is tight, but he doesn’t reply.
“He’s all set up.” Luca comes over and wraps his arm around me.
“Welcome home,” I tell him.
“Home.” He says the word like it burns his mouth. I know he’s still battling his demons, struggling with life, and needing a reason. I just wish his reason would come already.
“Well, come show me around the humble abode.” Swiping my hands out, leading the guys down the stairs. I let Damian open his door, allowing me in.
The layout is one enormous room and an open floor plan. His bed is off to the side, with black silk sheets tossed on, not made. I smile, such a man.
I head straight for the windows, looking at the town below. Everyone milling around in their own worlds, battling their own demons, holding on to their own secrets.
As I turn around, I smile when I see a photo of Lauren. I can’t help but touch it when I walk past it. “So, you’re going tostart working with Luca?” I say, not a question, but opening up the conversation.
Damian puts his hands in his black jeans pockets as he nods his head. All the other guys look at me.
“What?”
“You don’t do subtle, do you?” Weeks laughs.
Shrugging, “Who has time for subtle?” I reply back to them. “Just be safe. I know you’re in excellent hands with that man.” I point to Luca, who winks at me.
I want to force words out of Damian that I know he isn’t saying. I see he’s hiding stuff, and I wish he’d let someone in.
As I look around the apartment, I wonder why Weeks couldn’t stay here. But don’t mention it.
“Alright, brothers, I’ll see you all later. Time to get my woman home.” The way he calls me woman makes my panties wet, and I feel my cheeks turn crimson. Luca licks his lips, giving me a slight smile, understanding what that word had just done to me.
“I’ll be out there tomorrow, got a few loose ends to clear up, and then I’ll be home.” Weeks looks at me when he says the last few words, and I just roll my eyes at him. I make my way outside; their laughter trails behind me. Fuckers.
Chapter Fourteen
Luca
She purrs to life, rumbling underneath me… My car, not Rowan. That will be later.
I pull out onto the street; Rowan turns down the music. “Can we drive by?” She doesn’t need to say where; I already know what she’s asking.
The car is quiet as I take her hand, setting it on the shifter and covering it with mine. The streets are almost empty, with everyone getting ready for the storm to make it to town.
Turning onto Founders Lane, the once opulent building that carried secrets is nothing but burned rubble and ash. What was once the fraternity is now nothing, just like them. I smile thinking of that.
We slow at the curb; Rowan doesn’t hesitate and exits the car. Leaving me wide-eyed.
Leaving the car running, I run around to her. “Rowan.”
