The Price We Pay (9 page)

“Christ.”

“They’re a pain in my ass,” he started. “Calling all the time, bringing their lawyers into this shit of a mess.”

“Lawyers?”

“They want their daughter. They think they can do a better job.”

“She’s fine.”

“I know this. I trust you boys.”

“Good.”

“Kennedy asked them to back down, got them to hold off on the lawyer thing, but they still want their daughter back.”

“It’s only been a day.”

“No shit,” he said, almost reaching the room.

“Wait.” I put my arm out stopping him from going any further. “Harper’s in there.”

“Fuck that,” he muttered, turning around and walked back the way he came.

Harper

I liked the house, the view, and the fact that it was in the middle of nowhere. I really did. But it wasn’t helping me any. I couldn’t get anything done. My purse, phone, and all my personal information were in my purse, which was in the car. Mack’s car. A car I had no access to, and probably would never get back. Mack might find my real ID, then I’d be screwed.

I haven’t checked in with my parents, and I was supposed to do that daily. They didn’t approve of my mission, but they also knew they couldn’t do anything about it. I graduated the year Harry dropped out and I haven’t found a job yet. My grandmother left my brother and me a small inheritance and now that he was gone, the bank transferred that money to me. I moved into a small dingy apartment, so if shit got bad no one would know about my parents or where they lived.

I had no idea what Mack would think about me leaving with Jaxon and not contacting him. He didn’t know where I lived and I could only hope he didn’t snoop through my purse. That cover and idea were blown now thanks to
them.

The girls set me straight last night. I was safe here, and Jaxon seemed to care, but I had to find my brother’s killer. I was on a little break at the moment but I’d figure things out eventually and start over. Or get Jaxon to help me. I wasn’t sure what he actually did for work, but I knew he was undercover, so that meant police officer or detective and that was good for me. Maybe they could do a better job than Detective Smith.

I moved from the window and saw that Jaxon was talking to someone out in the hallway; probably that cop at the door. At least he wanted to help and as much as I liked a man in uniform, he was too young for me.

Jaxon swung his arm out as if he was stopping someone, so I made my way across the room and out the door. I barely caught a figure of someone walking around the corner when Jaxon spoke, “We need to leave.”

“We just got here,” I informed him.

“Sofia’s parents are on the way and I don’t have time for that meeting.”

“I’m sure she wants-”

“No,” he cut me off, walking passed me and yelled, “Yo!” into the room.

Sofia popped her head up and knew right away that it was time to go. She bent forward, kissed Kennedy a few more times, whispered a few words, and had tears down her cheeks when she slipped off the bed and walked towards us. I wasn’t here to make friends, but I liked the girls and Randy. I also told them my story. It wasn’t planned but I had a few shots and it just came out. It felt nice talking about it with someone. Randy was a hoot also. He talked, but never said much. We knew he was in some kind of witness protection, but that was it. He said the less we knew, the better we were.

We headed back the way we came, all silent. Sofia was an emotional wreck and I hoped with this visit, seeing him, knowing he was okay, that she could relax a little. I know she didn’t sleep much last night because she tossed and turned in the bed. She said it was because the material was itchy. Marvey started laughing at her and called her a Princess, and then Sofia started laughing along with her. They got along great despite their differences.

On the way to the van, Sofia walked in front of Jaxon and me, and once again he slid his hand into mine. I didn’t pull away. I’ll admit that I liked him. I liked the way he looked at me. Needy and wanting. I liked that feeling and it’s very rare to find. However, I know this was just temporary. He doesn’t know me. He doesn’t know how much of a nerd I am. I normally wear glasses. Small, white rimmed glasses, because after about a foot things get blurry and I can’t drive or function much without them. I rarely wear dresses or skirts because they’re uncomfortable. I actually had to go out and buy makeup because mine was so old. I’m just a plain and boring girl. The only thing he knows is what he saw yesterday, my fake
Barbie
persona. I hated the clothes, I hated showing that much of myself, but I would do anything to find my brother’s killer.

“I need contact solution,” I said just before we got to the van.

He stopped and pulled me close, my hands flying to his large biceps as he studied my eyes.

“Clear contacts I hope.”

I nodded.

“Good. Love those baby blues.”

“Like yours,” I said letting go of his arms. “I’m not a natural blonde.”

I rushed to the van, slid the side door open, and hopped in. After the door shut, Sofia commented, “Holding hands.”

I said nothing so she turned around in the seat. “You guys look good together.”

“After we leave the house he won’t want me. Trust me, I’m not interested.”

She turned back around. “Don’t lie to yourself. Besides, I disagree. Look at that man’s face.”

Jaxon was smiling at me through the front windshield, holding his phone in his hand. God, he had a lovely smile. And that body. His gray shirt was tight, showing every sculpted line of his chest. I’ve felt that six-pack when I was on his bike yesterday and I’d love to see it. Not that I’d ever tell him. Not that it’d ever happen. I’d let him hold my hand and steal some kisses, but that’s it. I wasn’t even sure why he was doing that.

A few seconds later, his face went hard and he turned his back to us.

“That can’t be good,” Sofia said, and I agreed.

I hoped it had something to do with my brother’s case, but that was a long shot. He barely agreed to help me. At least, I hoped he was going to help me considering he said we’d talk about it later.

He shoved his phone in his pocket and slid into the van. “Waiting to hear back from Latch.”

“Can we go grab some water or something?” Sofia asked. “It’s getting hot outside and we’re wearing
sweats
.” The way she said it sounded like she was afraid of it, but not in a bad way. She’s never worn sweats before. They weren’t that bad, much better than the outfits we both had on yesterday, so I was thankful they brought us something to wear. They were thin and sat right under the knee.

“Or we could go get some more clothes,” I offered and Sofia looked at Jaxon, begging him with her eyes.

Jaxon kept staring out the front window when he said, “You girls really want to get yourself into trouble?”

“We can’t keep wearing the same clothes,” I told him scooting to the edge of my seat.

He pondered the thought but didn’t give in. “It was risky enough bringing you here.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me, Jaxon,” Sofia said softly, “but nothing bad happened today.”

“Doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t,” he replied, still slouched in the seat, staring out the window, willing Latch and Marvey to appear.

“We don’t have to go anywhere fancy,” I suggested.

“Nope, nothing fancy at all,” Sofia added.

He hit the steering wheel making me sit back in the seat and I saw Sofia straighten in hers. I’ve not seen Jaxon this irritated but again, I’d only known him one day and Sofia and I have managed to piss him off unless it was the combination of us and that phone call he had.

No one said anything for a while. We just sat and waited. We didn’t get our water or the shopping trip, but he did open the two front windows and cracked the sliding door so we had a bit of a breeze going. I’d rather be at the house, hanging out with Randy, telling stories or watching movies than be in this hot van, bored out of my mind.

Latch and Marvey finally returned two hours later. Marvey was still out of it, but only because she had a shot of medicine. Latch said they found nothing wrong, and more than likely it was just a small concussion. She was going to be okay.

Jaxon did stop to get groceries, and everyone else stayed in the van. Latch helped him load the bags when he finally came back out, and they ended up talking for a few minutes before getting back into the van. It was easy to see they were both irritated more than normal.

I could only hope they got the alcohol.

Sofia

“At least he bought us some more clothes,” I told the girls. Marvey was laying down in bed, kind of awake and Harper and I sat on each side of her.

“I guess,” Harper muttered, still bummed out even though Jaxon took her on a motorcycle ride before dinner. They were gone an hour and she had been quiet since she got back. Jaxon also bought more alcohol while we were in town. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, but we had more Tequila.

“Don’t be so sad,” Marvey whispered and rolled over onto her other side. “He kissed you,” she yawned, “more than once.”

“This isn’t the time to be starting a relationship, Marv.”

“Who cares?”

“I care,” Harper shot back.

“Okay guys,” I said breaking up the conversation. “No one wants to be in this situation, but we are, so we need to make the best of it.”

“Don’t complain about the sheets again,” Marvey mumbled into her pillow.

“I wasn’t complaining.” At least I had tried not to. It’s not my fault I’ve never slept on cotton sheets or wore sweat pants before. It was new to my skin and to me, but I’ll adjust. It wasn’t that bad anyway.

“You were.”

“It’s not my fault,” I quipped.

“Daddy Warbucks,” Marvey mumbled again, and I had a feeling she was about to fall back asleep.

“I can’t believe someone could go through life without cotton,” Harper commented.

“My parents’ social circle would think they were hurting for money if they found out we had cotton sheets. I know all the maids talk to each other, about who they work for regardless of the fact that they signed confidentiality agreements.” And I did. I’d hear them on the phone gossiping all the time, complaining about my parents’ demands and how much they hated them. But the money was good so they stayed. We did go through a few personal chefs over the years, though. My mom was a bitch when it came to her food.

“I know this isn’t much of a vacation,” Harper started standing from the bed, “but at least out here you don’t have to be perfect. You can be yourself.”

“I don’t even know who I am without my parents or family.”

“Then I think you should figure it out.”

“Do you know who you are?”

“Yep, sure do. And that’s why this thing with Jaxon, isn’t a thing. I let him kiss me and hold my hand because it’s the only time it's ever going to happen.”

I slid my knees underneath me and smiled at her. “Did you have another or-”

“Shut up!” She spun around and ran out of the room. I’m not sure why she thinks Jaxon wouldn’t like her away from the house, but we still didn’t know each other that well and I didn’t want to pry.

I tapped Marvey’s shoulder and said her name a few times with no response. She was out. We were supposed to wake her up every few hours just to be on the safe side and make sure she didn’t slip into a coma.

I left the room and found Randy sitting on the front steps smoking a cigarette.

“Hey,” I said sitting on the other side of the steps.

“How’s Marv?”

“Sleeping again.”

“I heard someone stomping around in there.”

“Harper.”

He chuckled. “I don’t get her but then again I do.”

I said nothing. I had no experience with this. I was told all my life who I would marry and spend the rest of my life with. I had no choice, but Harper does. That enough should make her happy. If she didn’t want to see where things went with Jaxon, then she didn’t have to. But she allowed him to kiss her, hold her hand, and take her for rides. She’d have to stop that if she wasn’t going to continue things with him.

“I don’t think my opinion matters,” I revealed.

“Some people only hear what they want to hear.”

“Yeah,” I said softly watching the sunset. It was bright orange and reminded me of the popsicles I’d see kids run around with in the summer.

Latch’s home was a simple, ranch-style home with a wraparound porch; charming and well kept. It sat perfectly so the sunrise hit the back of the porch, while the sunset hit the front. It was isolated and peaceful, somewhere where you could get a lot of soul searching done.

“I’m glad you got to see your man.”

I smiled. “He’s doing great.”

Seeing him made me feel so much better. I had been so worried about him through the night. I knew it was risky going into town and I’m thankful the guys allowed it. Kenny told me how much he loved me and that he would do anything for me. I never thought something like this would happen but it opened up my eyes. Made me realize that maybe he did really love me. That he wasn’t just marrying me because he had to, or because it was a good business move. The man took a bullet for me. He could have died trying to save my life.

When I saw him in bed this morning, I felt something I’ve never felt before. I knew I loved him, but I think I was starting to
fall in love
with him. I needed to explore these feelings and when this situation was over, Kenny and I needed to talk. A real conversation about our lives. We would be married soon, and I wanted to start our new life without any secrets or lies between us. I needed to be open and honest with the man who saved my life and loved me with everything he has.

“Want a beer?” Randy asked standing.

“Sure, but I want to watch the rest of the sunset.”

“I’ll bring you one.” He walked into the house and Harper walked out and sat next to me.

“It’s nice out here,” she sighed, her eyes wandering around the darkened sky with tiny twinkling stars dotting the vastness.

“It is.”

“Nice break from the city,” she added.

“I wouldn’t have known this existed so close to the city.”

“You don’t get out much?” She turned her full attention to me now.

“I’ve been to Paris…” I looked down, suddenly feeling shy about my upbringing. “No… I don’t get out much.”

“I couldn’t imagine what your life has been like.”

“I can complain all I want but at the same time, I can’t. I never got bullied at school, I had some good friends along the way, and nothing bad happened to me. It was boring.”

“With all that money?”

I huffed, “You mean my parents’ money.”

“Sorry.”

“I just benefit from it. Doesn’t mean I want it.”

“What do you want?” she asked as Randy walked back out, handing out beers.

“All the answers to life.”

She laughed along with Randy who sat back in his normal spot.

“Everyone wants all the answers…when really, there are none,” Randy said before opening his beer. I think he thinks out loud sometimes. Sometimes Randy said things that didn’t make sense or was just random and out of the blue. I’m sure there are answers, we just have to figure them out. Everyone is different, searching and looking for what makes them happy. He did tell us he was a recovering drug addict and I asked if he should be drinking and he said, ‘as long as it’s not drugs, he was doing it.’

I took a sip of my beer, something I did slowly because I learned last night that it gave me a gut ache and I wasn’t about to drink as much tonight. It was still cold and refreshing, though. The three of us sat there, staring off into the distance, drinking our beer. Thinking.

I thought about how long we’d be out here, how long Kenny would be in the hospital, and when I’d see him again. I wanted to have one of our movie nights. Just the two of us, an action packed movie and some popcorn on my couch. I just wanted to be there for him and I couldn’t. I was stuck here, and he was stuck there for at least a few more days. I’m sure his parents would get him a home nurse to look after his every need once he was released. I wanted to be that person, though. He should be with me.

Now that the sun had set, some clouds rolled in and rain was coming. The air was chilly and I wished my sweats were longer. They were pretty comfortable. I liked them and I’m going to buy some, but more my style.

I knew Victoria’s Secret had some cute ones I could look into when I got home and things got back too normal.

My normal, strict life.

We heard the rumble of the Harleys in the distance and knew the guys would be here shortly. Harper stood and I grabbed her hand. “Don’t run away.”

“I’ve had enough for the day.” She turned to Randy. “Thanks for the company, Randy.”

“Anytime.” He smiled, putting out his cigarette. “Not going anywhere.”

Harper walked into the house and I stayed watching the bikes come up the drive and settle into their spot. Jaxon had on a white shirt again; Latch was wearing a leather coat with lots of chains both on his belt and on the coat. The bikes fell asleep and the wind had picked up a little and we all headed inside to the kitchen.

Latch looked at me. “Your parents are a pain in my ass.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I moaned, frustrated.

“Your boy told them you came to visit - thought your mom was going to have a heart attack.”

“My mom can be dramatic.”

“And your dad is an asshole.”

I laughed, “Again, tell me something I don’t know.”

“Not sure I can.”

I took a drink of my beer, as he pulled his cell phone out and slid it across the island. “Call your parents, tell them you’re safe and to back the fuck off and let us do our jobs.”

I stared at the cell phone and glanced at Harper who was also looking at it. She really wanted to use it but I wasn’t going to do anything stupid with Latch and Jaxon standing right here.

I grabbed the phone, put in my dad’s number, and walked into the living room and stood by the front window. My dad answered on the third ring, “Blackstill here.”

“Dad.”

“I didn’t think he’d take me seriously.”

“Who?”

“Those hooligans that you’re with.”

“They’re nice guys, Daddy.”

“They might be nice, but they have no idea what they’re doing. What were they thinking bringing you to the hospital? Really, Sofia?”

My dad, all business. He didn’t even ask how I was. If I allowed myself to cry, I would right now, but I was used to this and I wouldn’t waste my tears.

“I wanted to see Kennedy.”

“Just like you wanted to postpone your wedding, your life, all so you could go to college. And for what? My daughter is
not
getting a job.”

“Is there anything else, Daddy?” I asked with my best voice, not letting on how much he hurts me. I never knew what my mother saw in him. Surely this wasn’t the reason he got Latch to follow his orders.

“Where are you?”

“Um.”

“Tell me where you are. I’ll come and get you myself. I’ve got a bodyguard in place who’ll do a much better job than those men.”

I turned around and Latch and Jaxon had eyes on me. “I can’t leave, Daddy.”

“Yes, you can. You will. Now, tell me where you are.”

“I honestly don’t know,” I lied.

“What do you mean, you don’t know?” he growled.

I can do this. I’ve done it once, and I can do it again.

“They blindfolded me,” I lied again, and it actually felt good.

“They did what?” he yelled so loud I pulled the phone away from my ear for a second.

“For my safety, of course. I don’t know where I am, sorry.”

It was silent but I could hear him breathing hard, and knew that stupid vein in his forehead was popped out.

“Sofia,” a soft man’s voice said, and I turned back towards the window and whispered, “Kenny?”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said.

“Your dad thought maybe they might bring you back to the hospital and has been in my room for hours.”

“I’m sorry you had to deal with him.”

“I’ve mostly slept.”

“My mom?” I questioned because sometimes I felt like she had my back.

“Your mom took a pill and went home to relax because she was so stressed out.”

“Sounds like Mom.”

“Whatever you said, pissed your dad off and he shoved the phone at me.”

“I’m glad I got to hear your voice.”

“I love you, Sofia.”

“I love you too, Kenny.”

“Your dad's back, guess he realized I have his phone.”

I chuckled, “The doctor needs to make him leave.”

He didn’t say anything, but I could hear my father in the background.

“Did they decide if you could go home yet?” I asked.

“You know how my mom is. She’d make me stay for weeks if she had her way.”

“I know.”

“I’m up and walking mostly on my own now, so I’m fighting to leave tomorrow.”

“That’s good. I miss you,” I said, trying to keep myself together.

“Things will work out and we’ll be together soon. The police are still investigating and your father has some of his guys looking into it as well.”