Luca
“Hey, you do what you think is best for you, Brother,” I tell Damian as he explains to me that Soleil is now staying with him at the apartment. His words let me know he cares about this girl. Not sure if it’s because he feels like she needs saving, or because he’s fallen for her. I hope for the latter. Damian has been alone for far too long, and all I want is for him to be happy, and I know Lauren would, too. As I look across the property at the tree out in the distance, I know she would.
“Let’s plan to meet in two days and go over everything.”
“Sounds good, I’ll see you then.” The phone goes dead, showing Damian had hung up.
Weeks has been staying with us for about a month, and I’ve been able to take two other jobs in that time, not worrying about Rowan doing something stupid while I was away, and having peace of mind knowing that someone was at the house with her.
We added more cameras around the property, but haven’t caught anything since.
I found fresh footprints on the outskirts of the land, but it could also have been someone hunting. I’m still fully alert, either way, because I know I saw someone that night.
My meetup with Damian is to go over the jobs coming up next month. This will be the first time he’ll have gone with me, and I want him to have all the knowledge he could need. Every time I bring someone aboard, I feel like their life is in my hands.It’s always a battle, because if I ever do lose someone, one of my employees, what the fuck would I do? And I’m not meaning for the job, I mean mentally. Having that hanging over my shoulders. I try not to think about it, but it’s something you have to think about. And it fucking sucks.
A knock sounds on my office door. “Yeah?”
Weeks walks in, and I can tell by his face that something is up. My body immediately goes ramrod straight. “What’s up?” My eyes track him as he makes his way to my desk.
“I have to head out for a few days. Something has come up, and it needs my attention.” His words are abrupt.
“Anything I can help with?” I ask sincerely.
His laugh is more of a huff. “You don’t kill women.”
Eyebrows raised, I turn my head. "What's going on?"
Sucking his teeth, his hand rubs his close-shaven head. “Baby mommas, they’re all fucking insane. I’ll be back as soon as possible, but I have to leave now.”
“Of course.” I stand to walk him out of the office. Hand on his back, “If you need anything, brother, just call. I may not kill women, but we know a man who does.” It’s a joke, but we both know Niko has no qualms about gender.
I watch the dust trail follow Weeks' wake as I stand on the stoop of the porch.
“Where’s he heading off to?” Rowan's scratchy voice comes from behind.
“He had some business to take care of; he’ll be back in a few days.” Turning around, I ask, “You, okay?”
I know she won't tell me the truth because her smile is forced. For the last month, she’s been in constant pain, crippling. Most days she’s lying on the sofa with a heating pad on her stomach. Others, she’s asleep in our room. I hate seeing her hurt, but she won’t let me help her. I’ve offered to take her to the doctor or, hell, call one to the house, but she denies it at every chance.
Rowan turns to walk to the living room, but before I know it, she’s on the ground, out cold.
“Rowan!” My scream is unnatural to my ears as I fall to my knees, lifting her head from the hardwood floor, patting her cheek, but she isn’t stirring.
“Rowan. Baby, wake up.” And this time the slap is harder. I wince when my palm connects with her skin, but she finally stirs, moaning. Her body's immediate reaction is to sit up, but I don’t let her. Fear glazes over her eyes.
“Baby,” I say, pulling her to me. I fall on my ass, laying her head on my leg, pushing her hair out of her eyes. Her blue eyes look up at me, and I watch as tears pour out. Her sobs become hiccupped as I sit there petting her head, not knowing what to say. I’m mad at her but also fucking worried. She won’t let me take care of her, and now she’s twisted my arm. “I’ll have a doctor come and check you out,” I tell her, not giving her the chance to debate with me. That is fucking over.
“No, I’m fine.” She tries to sit up but lays right back down on my leg.
“The hell you are. A month. One fucking month, Rowan, this has been going on, and now you pass out. If you won't take care of yourself, I’ll do it for you.”
“Umm.” She shuts her mouth.
“What?”
“It’s been going on way longer than a month, but just in the last month, it’s gotten worse. The pain.” She pauses, needing totake a deep breath. “This has been happening since that night. The pain hasn’t ever truly gone away. It was bearable, but now…not so much.”
My forehead draws up. And I know what she’s meaning, not having to elaborate any more.
