Page 24 of From My Past
There were too many of those nights.
“Why?” She whispered, her voice broken and disbelieving. I couldn’t say I blamed her after how I’d just left that morning. No note, nothing but coffee and toast on her bedside table to let her know how I felt.
“I’m…not a good man, Talia. I’ve done things, terrible things because I had to put the Clan and my men first. I do what I need to do to ensure that our chapter continues on. That our connections and our businesses stay afloat and thriving. Back when we met, I was… in training. I wasn’t allowed any relations or distractions. All my focus had to be on proving myself to the Skipper so that I could join the ranks, so I could prove myself to the Clan that I could be a good Second regardless of lineage. Do you remember how back then I told you about the family business and how I was expected to follow?”
She nodded.
“Just because my family has always been in the mafia didn’t mean that it was given to me. I had to go through initiation and trials. When we met… I had to give up my life to prove my allegiance. After meeting you, I realized this had to be my path and I could do what needed to be done. In making that decision, I had to give you up. I thought I’d bring you down, bring nothing but trouble to your life, so I left. I did what I could from a distance, but you found trouble all on your own, didn’t you, baby?”
Talia looked at me stunned, her eyes wide and blown out like she was slowly sorting through and retaining all the new information.
“I didn’t know.” She said finally.
“I know. How could you have?” I smiled down at her and hoped that she understood what I’m trying to say.
“Why now, Kieron? Why come into my life now and turn everything upside down? If you know what happened then I’m sure you can guess what is being held over my head. I can’t take on the Italian mafia by myself, especially with my baby sister in the balance.” Talia’s tone turned violent and strong, a flash of the woman I remember sitting by at the college party so long ago.
“Because your life finally entwined with mine. Because I found out what was happening and even though your life hadn’t been threatened to where the sentinel I had put on you might have stepped in, you have been getting hurt. And believe me, baby, I will be kicking his ass every way from Sunday for this fucking ‘oversight’. The minute you stepped out with so much as a mark, I should have been informed. Because I can’t stay away from you anymore.” I confessed, my chest feeling tight from the vulnerable position I’m putting myself in, but I knew she never would trust me if I didn’t tell her the truth.
“Even if you don’t feel anything for me, even if it was just a one-off thing for you five years ago and you barely remember me, I will not sit by and watch you get hurt.” I take her hand and interlace our fingers.
“I came in here not confessing everything at first because I was scared you wouldn’t remember me, so I acted like a right fucking idiot. Then I thought, if I gave you my number you might feel a little safer knowing you could contact me if you needed. But I see now just how far that fucker has gone and I refuse to let him harm you anymore, in any way. So, get over it, get your shit and let’s go.”
* * *
“I have her, Trent. Go ahead and get going on the next part.” I demanded into the phone before ending the call and wrapping Talia under my arm. I was trying to keep an eye on our surroundings because based on my recon, this son of a bitch didn’t let Talia breathe a breath of free air. I wouldn’t put it past him to have someone watching her every move.
“This isn’t a good idea.” She whispered, clutching her purse to her chest and gripping onto my waist. I could feel her warm, dainty hand against my abs and I loved it.
“Trust me. I know I haven’t earned it quite yet, but I will. Is there anything at the apartment you absolutely can’t live without? I can get you new clothes and stuff like that. But I’m talking sentimental items that can’t be replaced.”
“No, I had to get rid of all that stuff a while back. There are just pictures left.” She said softly and my heart broke for her.
“Let’s get you back to my apartment. You’ll be safe there.” I pulled her closer into my body and pressed a quick, chaste kiss to the crown of her head. The blonde was a different look than I remembered, but she was still stunning. I could tell she didn’t like it though with how much she fidgeted and tugged at it.
“Where do you live?” I heard her ask quietly as I steered her in the direction of my Mustang. Her eyes lit up when she saw my car and I felt pride in my chest that she seemed to love my baby as much as I did. “Wow.” She breathed and ran her hand over the hood of the car.
“I know.” I winked and opened the door, sliding into the driver’s seat.
“She’s beautiful.”
“Thank you, I’ve spent many nights and shed much blood, sweat and tears fixing her up.” I answered honestly.
“Thank you, for your sacrifice.” She said with sass and a smile. Talia, my Talia, was coming back to the surface. I would make sure she was able to be herself again; free from her cage and abuse and let her fly freely.
The old phrase‘if you love something let it go, if it loves you back it will come back’flitted through my head and I knew that I’d give her anything she needed and if she wanted, I’d let her be truly free.
Chapter Eight
Talia
Dear god, this car is beautiful. The roar of the engine was deep and powerful and enough to completely turn me on.
“So, where do you live?” I prompt him since he skillfully sidestepped my first attempt and finding out.
“I live in a beachfront home permanently, but I crash at the Clan headquarters so much I may as well claim that as my permanent residence.” He said. Kieron looked like a model out of a damn magazine with his black leather jacket, light brown hair pulled back into a bun with tendrils flying in the wind from the open window, and a panty-dropping smirk.
“A beachfront home. Fancy.”
