Page 98 of Beautifully Shattered
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My home looks like a fucking military base. Not that I’m complaining. I’m fucking grateful that the Marx family has stepped in to help me and my family after the last ambush, but it comes at a price.
Ewan Marx, the head of the Marx family, isn’t someone who grants favours because he’s a nice fucking guy. He’s anything but. He wouldn’t have agreed to this level of protection lightly, which makes me wonder what the fuck Griffin had to promise to get him to agree.
The steam from my coffee warms my nose as I take a sip, standing on the front porch as I count thirteen black-clad Marx security men guarding my property. And they are just the ones I can see.
There are more hidden in the trees surrounding the house. More again patrolling the boundary. And then, there are thecrews stationed strategically on surrounding properties and roads, reaching as far as two kilometres away.
I knew the Marx family had a big private army, but I never expectedthis.
And I never expected they’d offer me more than a handful of men.
So yeah, I now owe the Marx family. And I owe them fucking big.
My eyes dart up at the low buzzing sound above the barn to find a drone floating by like a mechanical hawk. It’s just another security measure they’ve got in place.
If the Rebels or that fucking cult church try anything, we’ll have advanced warning.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m frothing at the mouth at all the hot testosterone walking around here lately.” Lani’s voice drags my eyes from the drone to see her standing beside me, her own cup of steaming coffee in hand. “But how much longer do you think this is going to take? They wouldn’t even let me out on a Tinder date last week. I’m not happy about getting clam jammed.”
“Fucking hell, Lans. I don’t want to hear that.”
She just shrugs. “You could always negotiate with some of the men to service me,” she smirks, batting her lashes as she lifts her cup to her lips and takes a sip.
“I’m surprised you haven’t already tried to lure one of them to your bed.”
She nods, swallowing her morning brew. “Not for lack of trying. Either those men are gay, or they are the most loyal bunch of employees I’ve ever heard of.”
I scoff. “Would it be so shocking that they are loyal?”
Herexpression drops as she looks at me deadpan. “Mate, I walked into that barn wearing nothing but a G-string and a lace bra that barely contained my tits, andnot oneof those fuckers looked twice. Are they eunuchs or something?”
Biting back my smirk, I shake my head at my little sister, and return my gaze to a group of men that have just started sparring next to the barn.
“As far as I know, they haven’t been neutered, Lans.”
She sighs. “Looks like I’ll have to pull out the big guns tonight.”
“Dare I fucking ask?”
“Full nudity, brother.” She claps my shoulder as she turns away, speaking over her shoulder as she heads back inside. “Might even have to bring out my Big Johnny Dildo and give them a show. Let’s see how long they last then.”
“For fuck’s sake, Alana!” I spin to see her giggling as she disappears inside. “I’m gonna lock you in your fucking room!”
“Language, Cameron!” my ma calls from inside, and I hear Lans’ laughter grow louder, like she’s fucking happy I just got busted.
Little shit.
As I turn and stare out over the pond, movement to my right draws my attention to see my wife strolling up the hill. Her shoulders are slumped and her stride is small. Almost fragile. Her eyes remain on the ground as she walks around to the side of the house where I know she’ll slip in through the backdoor unnoticed.
She’s been down at Bobbi’s grave again, after waking from another nightmare that had her drenched in sweat.
Okay, sowakingisn’t exactly the right term.
Blood-curdling screams ripping her from sleep is more accurate.
They started five nights ago, just after Bobbi’s funeral, and have haunted her ever since.
