Page 9 of Don't Break My Heart
“You have to be kidding me. I just found out I was married to a Moretti, so excuse me for needing a fucking break, Jagger,” I snip back, folding my arms over my chest, not ready for the big brother lecture today. I have been through enough. There is also a long list of shit I need to discuss with my big brother. Shit I know he’s not going to answer, like why is he fucking the new commissioner, and hey, thanks for lying through your teeth to me about Syd. That fucker is the reason we are all in this situation now. My big brother isn’t as perfect as he would like to make out.
Cruz turns in his seat so he’s facing me, a cheeky grin on his lips. “I hear you rid the world of another scumbag.” His eyes gleam with excitement at the thought. “Stryker clean-up crew is working overtime today.” His grin is sardonic and everything I need to see right now, something normal. My big brother the psychopath. And fuck, I love him for it.
“Job was long overdue,” I sass, my eyes locking with Jagger’s, my face bitchy as hell. The job he said he had taken care of is now actually taken care of.
“You did good, Sloane,” he mutters, but by the tone of his voice, I can tell he has more to say on the topic. He just doesn’t want to do it here in front of the others, and I wouldn’t want to if I was him either.
When a flash of red speeds past us and pulls up, I glance at Reef and find him staring out the window watching Orlando and Romeo as they meet with a fire crew who have just arrived on scene. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking. Reef is well and truly on the other side of the law now, and he’s been so damn quiet. His cheeky smile is nowhere to be seen. It’s him I feel the worst for. He looks more broken than me, and that is saying something.
“What happened with your job, Reef?” I ask quietly, needing to know how bad it is for him.
He shifts his attention back to me. “It’s not important, wildcat,” he mutters, his voice filled with no emotion.
But I can see to him it is important. It might not have been the profession he grew up dreaming about finding himself in, but he was good at his job, and I know he got something out of it. Even if it was only his sense of identity. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper, feeling close to tears again for everything he’s given up for me.
“Hey.” He reaches for me, lacing our hands together. “This isn’t on you.”
“But you came to the island for me. You hid me when you could have turned me in back when you raided the club,” I whisper, knowing thisison me. Everything he’s done over the last couple of months has been for me, to hide my true identity and to keep me safe. I will never forget his reaction on our first date when I got those threatening photos. Right then I knew he would do anything to protect me, and as sweet as it is, I don’t want him destroying his life for me.
His sad green eyes lock with mine. They are darker today, more like the ocean during a storm, and I feel our overwhelming connection right through to my soul. He’s always had this effect on me, right from the first time I met him at my club. “You know how I feel about you, Sloane. I was never going to rat you out to my boss or Emilio.”
I offer him a half smile, hating that my brothers are here for this conversation. “I’m lucky to have you on my side,” I say softly, instead of admitting how deeply I have fallen for him, when I know I should. When I know how much I owe this man for what he’s given up for me.
“Besides, it’s going to be more fun following your cute little body around. I was always jealous of how much time the big guy got with you.” His cheeky smile returns, but I know this one is forced just for me. He doesn’t want me to see his real pain. But I can feel it, and it crushes me.
“Good luck, you’re about to find out how much trouble she really is,” Onyx mutters, but his voice holds a playful edge to it.
I smirk back at him. “Only when you assholes don’t let me do what I want. It would all be so easy if I was the one in charge.” I return my attention to the front. “You two better make sure I have a club to come home to. If Sally quits on me and Asher fucks every girl in sight, I’m not going to be happy.”
“I have Asher under control. And we both know Sally would do anything for you.” Jagger smirks like he knows shit he’s not telling me. Under control doesn’t give me a lot of confidence because we both know no one can control Asher; he does whatever the fuck he wants.
My eyes narrow in on Jagger. Romeo said I would be able to work on the club from Italy. I know now’s not the best time, but it’s been weeks and I’m getting desperate. “Can I call them and check in?”
I see the way Jagger looks to Onyx for the okay. I flick my angry gaze to him. Why is he in charge here? He works for my brothers, doesn’t he?
“I’m in another country and my identity’s been outed to the fucking world, so I don’t see how it’s going to be too dangerous now,” I add just to sweeten the deal.
Onyx considers me, then to my surprise, he reaches inside his pocket and hands me my phone. My phone! I stare at it in disbelief. I never thought they would give this back to me.
“Thank you,” I mouth before I hit dial on Sally’s number quickly, so they don’t have the chance to change their minds. It’s eight in the morning here, so that should make it about one a.m. at home. She picks up on the third ring, and I can’t help but squeal her name. “Sally!”
“Oh my God, Sloane, is it really you?” she screams back at me.
“Yes! Is Myriah around?” I ask, feeling a fresh wave of emotion come over me. I have missed these girls like crazy. And I might not have been the emotional type when I was dragged from the club in handcuffs, but I most certainly am now.
“Right here, girl. Where the fuck have you been?” Myriah cries down the line.
I glance at my brother in the front, not wanting to get into details with them here. “It’s a long story.” I sniff, wiping a stray tear from my cheek.
“Sloane, are you crying?” Myriah asks, sounding surprised.
“No. It’s just a bad line.” I sniff again, trying to get the waterworks under control. I’m never going to admit to anyone what an emotional mess I have become, but having your life ripped from your hands will do that to a girl, I guess. “It will be easier to keep in contact with you now. If you need anything, call me on this number or call Onyx or Romeo, I’m with them.”
“Where are you now or shouldn’t we ask?” comes Sally’s voice.
I glance at Onyx, and he nods that I can tell them.
“I’m in Italy. Just need to tie up some loose ends and I will be home. Are you girls okay? If you need anything, just let me know.”
