Page 29 of Loyalties & Longings

Throwing my body on my bed in frustration, I let out an angry sigh. How dare Massimo act like he is all high and mighty. He really needs to get himself off that goddamn high horse before he gets into serious trouble. Or worse still, getsmein trouble.

Actually, I hope he crosses paths with the wrong person at thewrong time. It’s only a matter of time, considering the way he treats those around him.

Rolling over and retrieving my cell from my back pocket, I press the home button and stare at my locked screen. It’s a photo of Mom, Dad, and me. I would have been about six years old. It was taken not long before Mom died.

Running my thumb over her face on my screen, my eyes well with tears. She might not have been the most perfect person in the world, but she was a great Mom from what I remember.

She used to make me hot chocolate whenever Dad was working late. She would take me to get ice cream when the weather was hot and sometimes even when it wasn’t. Mom would read me a bedtime story every night after she tucked me in, no matter what else she needed to get done.

Her birthday is approaching—it would have been next week. I visit her grave on all the special occasions throughout the year—birthdays, Christmas, Easter—rain, hail, or shine. Without fail, I go and sit with her if just to feel close to her once more.

Knowing Dad will want someone to accompany me when I go next week, I open a new text to Blaze.

L:Care to join me in a visit to the cemetery next week? It’s Mom’s birthday and every year I leave some flowers and tidy up her gravestone.

He doesn’t take long to answer. It’s almost as though he was sitting with his cell phone, waiting for me to text. Even texting him gives me butterflies. He has definitely done a number on my emotions.

B:Yeah, anything for you, Lake. I finally get my truck back tomorrow. Let me know what day and time, and I’ll come pick you up.

L:Tuesday. After breakfast would be good. See you then.Night x

B:Good night, Siren.

I lay on my bed, smiling like the Cheshire cat with a new secret, for a little while longer.Anything for you,he said. I feel like I’m back in high school. But again,Siren?

What the heck is that all about?

Locking my cell, I put it on my bedside table before getting up to change into my shorts and singlet pajama set.

After sneaking out of my room, I creep across the hall to the bathroom to brush my teeth, hoping Dad and Massimo don’t hear that I’ve come out of my room. I really want to get back to bed and get a good night’s rest.

I finish brushing my teeth and sneak back across the hall to my room. I’m almost at my door when I hear them move into the living area, probably settling in for the night with plenty to drink. I literally tiptoe the last few steps to my room and close the door without making a sound.

I’m uncomfortable with the idea of going to sleep with Massimo roaming around downstairs, so I pull my dresser in front of the door. It’s a small reassurance as it might deter anyone trying to come in, and if they keep trying against the resistance, they’ll wake me up in the process.

Happy with my basic-but-effective booby trap, I climb into bed and slide down under the covers, then give Blaze’s texts one more quick read-over before I go to sleep.

Chapter Nineteen

Blaze

Messaging Enzo, I ask permission to have at least the morning off so I can escort Lake to the cemetery today. The request has me feeling awkward, but as expected, my cell rings. Enzo doesn’t like replying via text.

“I’ll be out this morning. Take the whole day off. Lake is going to need someone to lean on today. It’s the toughest day of the year for her. For both of us,” he adds, sounding somber.

“Are you sure? I can bring her back to you after she’s done at the cemetery. Don’t forget I have that shipment going out to the Orlov brothers today,” I remind him.

“Don’t you worry about that. I’ll have Massimo sort it out for you. He also has to see if he can find out any more info on Jordan’s whereabouts. He can pull a double if need be. But Blaze,” he adds.

“Yeah?” I ask.

“Just take care of my daughter today.” His voice sounds choked as he gives this final instruction before hanging up.

I’m partially relieved that it’smespending the day with Lake, but I’m also slightly anxious about Massimo dealing with my first solo shipment.

The prick better not stuff this up for me.

I thought Enzo would have wanted to be there for Lake today, but maybe he finds the day tough as well. I couldn’t imagine the love of my life having a total disregard for my daughter and getting so fucked up that she overdosed while looking after said daughter.

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