Page 28 of Fought and Freed

“I hope not, but you looked pretty pissed off.” Cody moved back to the fireplace. “When you got up, I just reacted.”

“At least, I know she’ll be protected with you guys. I might get mad at her, but I’d never hurt her.” Lucca turned to Maddy. "That money in your account was from Macintosh stocks Mom bought years ago, before they became well known. But the money I used to pay for your schooling… Yes, that was tainted money.”

“I’m sorry, Lucca, I didn’t mean it to come—”

He put his hand up, shaking his head. “Yes, you did, and it’s fine. I understand, Maddy. I never claimed to be a good person. I traffic in guns, and I sell drugs.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets. “But I do my best to keep out the real bad shit. The shit Mike tested on you is bad, nasty. The word on the street is he changed it up since he gave it to you, and I heard it’s really addicting. He’s calling it Devil’s Dream.”

Lucca sighed before continuing. “I try to use the money for good as much as possible. Maybe we can use some of that money to build an orphanage. A place where kids will feel safe. We can call it Ryan’s Place.”

Maddy gasped as tears welled up in her eyes. “That’s a good idea.”

Jace took Maddy’s hand. “If you need any construction work done, Shields Construction will be more than glad to help.”

Maddy leaned over and kissed him.

“Thanks. I’m sure we will.” Lucca settled back on the couch.

“Well, now that business is all out of the way, I’ve been dying to see your new bedroom.” Torr stood eagerly.

“Sure, come on.” Maddy shuffled the folder into one hand and rose from the couch.

“We’ll stay here,” Jace said.

Nodding, Maddy led Torr and Lucca upstairs.

“This is Ryder’s room, and that one belongs to Cody." Maddy pointed out the doors as they passed.

“Are you happy here?” Lucca asked.

Maddy smiled. “Yes, this is the first place that has ever felt like home.”

She walked down the hallway to her door, opened it, and stepped to the side.

Torr walked in, looking around. “Wow, this is beautiful.”

Lucca took in the large space. “They got you set up nicely here.”

“You should see the bathroom.” Maddy excitedly pointed Torr toward the door.

Torr opened it and gasped. “They gave you a jacuzzi tub?”

“Ryder has one, and I’ve used it a few times.” Maddy warmed all over at how much thought they guys put into this space for her. “They knew I loved it, so they added one for me.”

Lucca’s shoulders relaxed. “I guess I don’t have to worry about you staying here.”

Maddy smiled up at her brother. “No, you don’t.” Then, her good mood dimmed. “Any word about Mike or Nikki?”

“No, the asshole went to ground.” Lucca clenched his teeth, his eyes hardening. “But we’ll get him. It’s only a matter of time. I don’t know much about this Nikki person, though.”

“She’s Mike’s girlfriend. She was at Wings of Refuge with me.” Maddy wrapped her arms around her body. “Was anyone hurt in the fire?”

“There were some injuries, but there was only one person who was badly hurt.” Lucca shoved his hands in his back pockets. “Over forty percent of her body was burned, and she hadn’t woken up since the last time I checked. The police haven’t been able to identify her, and the doctors aren’t sure if she’ll ever wake up.”

“That’s so sad. I didn’t know many people in my building.” Maddy looked down, playing with the edge of her shirt, nervous about asking the next part. “Did you have Viper’s funeral? Did he have any family?”

Lucca hugged her to himself. “Don’t worry, sis, we did right by him. We were Viper’s family, and we were all there to say goodbye to him. When things get settled, I’ll take you to his grave, if you want.”

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