Page 77 of Wrecking Ball
I run my hands through my hair and fire up my laptop.
Kat and I never had a honeymoon, and I think the time has come for us to get away, take a break and just enjoy being together without any added worries of someone coming for my ass––or hers.
It doesn’t take me long to book flights and a hotel to stay at, and of course, I booked a place for Zoey too. I’m not leaving her here to deal with this by herself. We need to stick together, like we should have done all along.
I call around a few of my guys, telling them that I will be gone for a few weeks from tomorrow, and I instruct them to let everyone else on the payroll know.
With Stefan gone, I delegate Ronan to be in charge, and he accepts the role eagerly.
Now all I have to do is tell the ladies in my life that they need to pack their shit and get ready to leave. But before I do, I need to say goodbye to Stefan.
* * *
Kat
I stand by Nate’s side, holding his hand, squeezing gently as Stefan’s coffin is lowered into the ground.
It’s not even been twenty-four hours since his body was recovered, but Nate managed to quickly and efficiently organise an intimate send off to say goodbye to a man that stood by him through everything. I feel sad that he’s gone, for Nate’s sake, but I also feel sad that I never really got the chance to know him.
I look around at the guys circling the grave, and they all have their heads bowed, some even have their eyes closed.
Zoey didn’t come today, because she’s still struggling with what went down. Can’t say I blame her in the slightest. It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster over the last day.
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” the vicar says as Stefan’s coffin is lowered into the hole in the ground. What an awful way to go out. So young. So much life left to live. And I hate the thought that one day that could be Nate. With this life there are no guarantees, and he might be breathing today, but tomorrow, he could be taken from me.
The thought has me choking on a sob, and I feel Nate’s hand let go of mine, and then his arm is around my shoulders as he pulls me to him. I hold onto the front of his jacket, feeling so fucking thankful that he is still here. I know I shouldn’t be thinking like this at a funeral, but I can’t help it. I still have my husband, and even with everything I know about how deadly this world is, I’ll never leave his side.
I’ll help him get through this.
I’ll always be here for him.
Forever and ever.
Amen.
Chapter Thirty-One
Kat
I zip up my suitcase, having packed everything I need, and I am so ready to get out of here. We all need a break, and Nate couldn’t have picked better timing. I’m pleased Zoey is coming with us––belated honeymoon or not––because she needs us right now.
I saw the look in her eyes when the bikers were shot dead. She was hurting, and there is way more to that story than them just owing her a favour. I won’t push her though; she can tell me in her own time––hopefully.
I look at myself in the mirror and undo the shirt I’m wearing––which is Nate’s because it brings me comfort. Pushing the fabric to either side of my body, I see the bruises that have started to form, marking me like a fucking dot-to-dot picture.
I sigh, my heart feeling heavy.
Nate hasn’t said much today, just gave me a kiss and hug and told me of the plans to go away. He hasn’t mentioned Stefan, and I have to admit that I am worried. It’s not good to bottle shit up––I should know. Maybe he will open up when we’re away? I hope so anyway.
I do my shirt back up and make my way to Zoey’s room. She’s been holed up in there all day and I need to see how she is.
I knock on the door softly and hear a faint, “Come in.” I push the door open and see her led on the bed, her back to me as she lies on her side, facing the wall. She hasn’t packed anything, and I know Nate came in here earlier to tell her we were going away.
“Zoey,” I say as I move to the bed and sit on the edge, placing my hand on her shoulder. I feel her body judder with a sob.
“I’m okay,” she chokes out.
“Except you’re not,” I reply, my heart hurting for whatever pain she’s going through.
