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"Oh, that's a nice name for your granddaughter!" I gain strength knowing that Ed will be here in a few minutes.

Richard puts a hand on his father's chest and takes a step toward me. "You're going to be sorry."

"I'm not the one who killed my mom!" I scream, tears threatening. "You killed her. I hate you both."

The sound of an engine revving up the driveway cuts through the hatred spilling out into the foyer of what used to be my home. Richard moves to block my exit, a smirk on his ugly face. "You'll have to go through me first." He crosses his arms.

The front door swings open with a vengeance, knocking Richard aside with a thud. My eyes shoot up to my hairline at the sight, but I wince when I realize it’s David who did it. Before Richard can get a word in with my father, I chuckle. "Serves you right for standing in front of the door."

David's eyes sweep over me before flicking to his father and then back to Richard. "Ed's been in touch with the local FBI office. I need to make sure Beatrice gets out of the house safely." He clears his throat. "Beatrice, Ed's waiting outside in the truck." He walks over to me and grabs my bags. He catches my eye and motions for me to leave.

"Boy!" Judge growls. "You leave that girl where she is."

David drops the bags and turns to his father. "Fine!" he says to my shock. "Expect several agents to arrive within fifteen minutes to pick her up instead." He turns to me, winks, and heads for the door.

"Fuck!" Richard shouts. "Get out! Both of you."

David pauses, then moves to grab my bags again. I don't catch my breath until we're outside. I burst into tears when I see Essex standing at the back of the truck. I must make some kind of noise because he stops abruptly and stares in my direction. I take off and run into his arms. He catches me and holds me as if he doesn't want to let me go. I smile up at him. "This is a nice surprise."

"I know you don’t want your father to know we are involved yet, but I love you. If you need help, I'm here."

"I love you too." I reach up and press my lips to his. As we stand there in each other's arms, I realize how lucky I am to have him.

A throat clears. "The cat's out of the bag," Ed whispers.

I pull away from Essex's sinful mouth and turn to Richard, Judge, and Evelyn. "I'm moving in with the man I love," I shout.

"Babe, let's get out of here." Essex grabs my hips and shoves me into the back of the truck before following me inside.

Ed jumps behind the wheel when I ask, "Is David going to be, okay? I don't like leaving him."

"David will be fine," Ed assures me as he starts the engine. I don't miss the look he gives David. It's clear that Ed has his doubts, which worries me.

Essex grabs my hand and lifts it to his mouth where he places his lips on my knuckles. "He'll be fine. I'm sure of it," he says quietly. "Remember, David told them it was the FBI that asked for his help."

Nerves flutter in my stomach at what I'm doing. Only in my mind was there a scenario where I stood up for what I wanted with Richard. Of course, he was my father then. Always aloof. He left it to Mom or Evelyn to entertain me as a child. David hadn't taken me places until I was older, and by then I had learned to keep my feelings to myself. Like the fact that I preferred David to Richard. He was nicer and made time for me. I grew up like most children, knowing that their father is supposed to be the one who protects them. Even nurture them. Richard does not have a nurturing bone in his body. Just like his father.

I turn and face Essex, who fills my heart. We haven't known each other long, but it's long enough to know that I can't imagine not being with him. He is my everything, and we met in a store while he was up to no good with his brothers. I frown and tilt my head to the side. "Why were you at the store the day we met?"

His eyes widen in panic before shooting to Ed and then back to me. I roll mine and add, "You can tell me while I'm unpacking in your room." I grin. "You'll have to get rid of all your girly magazines before I discover them."

Essex grins so wide, a chuckle follows. "Baby, I don't need girly magazines. I've got you for that now."

Ed clears his throat and says, "Essex, that's not something you want to say out loud with her uncle in earshot."

Shaking his head, Essex grins as he leans in for a kiss. "I love you, sweetheart."

My heart melts.

35

ESSEX

HavingBea on the back of my bike as we fly along the coast is exhilarating. She wanted to feel the wind in her hair, but that is too dangerous for this road. I consider myself safe, and there is no way I'd do anything stupid with Bea being with me. It's the other fuckers on the road I don't trust.

We both need to switch off and just be us—two carefree teenagers. I only wish. The secluded spot on the beach where we are heading is perfect for downtime. I'm hoping to talk first and enjoy each other later. My body has other ideas with the way Bea has one hand shoved in the waist of my jeans and the other on my stomach, where her fingers rub circles. She's wicked when she wants me. Her teasing has me hard and ready, which is damn uncomfortable on the bike.

The turning is upon us, and we can't get to the beach fast enough. I bring the bike to a stop and nearly lose my balance when Bea shoves her hand around my cock and squeezes. My leg's tremble as she strokes, and a shudder shakes me when she nibbles on my earlobe the second we are free of the helmets.

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