Page 37 of Crash and Burn
18
Marley
The next dayis the anniversary of my mom’s death. Two years have gone by and it still hurts as bad as the day I found out. I spend the whole day in my room by myself. I can’t bring myself to cry this year. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m completely numb. I miss her more than words can explain, but they don’t fall. Would I still be running from the Cartel if she were still alive? Would I have ever moved to Colorado with Blaze? Or met Rascal?
I’ve always been one to believe that everything happens for a reason but this is one thing I haven’t been able to accept. I spent so long wondering what I did to deserve losing my mom at such a young age. It wasn’t until I moved in with Blaze that I learned that while everything happens for a reason, we won’t always understand or know what that reason is.
Sienna texted me earlier to let me know Rascal was asking about me. I haven’t talked to him since he left my room yesterday. I’m thankful he’s giving me space, though, I haven’t thought about much of anything other than my mom and my time with those Cartel assholes. Tomorrow marks two years since I was kidnapped. It was as if they knew I was alone, maybe even watching me and learning my habits. I never thought I was predictable until that happened. I’ve learned from that. I began taking different routes to and from work and the grocery store. I started switching up what day of the week I go grocery shopping.
I haven’t had to worry about any of that since moving into the clubhouse five months ago. I’ve only been off the MC’s property twice since I’ve been here. The first time was for Cali and Buster’s baby shower, I took pictures for them. The second time was when we went to the mall. I honestly don’t plan on leaving the property again until these bastards after me are taken care of. Bull has promised me that as long as I’m under their protection, I’ll be safe.
I’m laying in bed, staring at the ceiling with the TV on, oblivious to what’s even playing on it, when my phone buzzes.
From Romeo:I’m sure you don’t want to hear from me right now, but I want you to know, if you need anything at all, I’m here.
I stare at the text for what feels like forever. Part of me wants to ignore him and the other part wants to text him back and ask him to come lay with me. That in itself would show if he’s serious about being with me or not.
To Romeo:Come hold me. Please.
He doesn’t text back. Instead, a couple minutes later, he comes walking into my room. Closing the door behind him, he walks to my bed, kicks off his shoes and climbs into bed next to me. My eyes fall to his. His deep, chocolate eyes. His fingers graze my cheek as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. Without saying anything, he pulls me into his chest, enveloping me in his arms. As if on cue, the flood gates break loose. My body shakes with sobs. Rascal holds me close, letting me get all my crying out. He holds me until I fall asleep.
* * *
The rest of the week goes by uneventfully. Minx talked Bull into letting all of us girls have a girls’ weekend at her house. Since it’s on club property, we’ll be close to the clubhouse in case something happens. Bull’s only stipulation was that two patched in members hang around outside the house all weekend.
I’m packing my weekend bag when there’s a knock on my door.
“Come in,” I call. I turn around as Rascal walks in.
“Hey, Princess.” He gives me his sexy half-smile.
“Hey, Romeo.”
“You about ready to go to Minx’s?” He sits on my bed, watching me as I continue to pack.
“Almost. What’s up?”
He grabs my hand, pulling me so I’m standing between his legs. “I wanted to do this.”
He slides his hand along my cheek, into my hair. Within seconds, his lips are covering mine. I glide my hand into his hair, grabbing a fistful as I deepen the kiss, moaning into his mouth. He wraps his free hand around my waist, holding me close. Our tongues dance together in a sweet kiss. Neither one of us fighting for control. Letting go of his hair, I break the kiss.
“You sure you don’t want to spend the weekend with me instead?” He smirks. “I mean, look at this face.”
“It is a cute face, but it would look better between my legs,” I sass.
His smirk turns into a full tooth smile and grabs my hips. “That could be arranged.”
“Not now, Romeo.” I play swat his hands away. “I have to finish packing and head up to Minx’s house.”
He pouts his lip. “But, but, I need you,” he fake whines.
“It’s only two days. You’ll be fine.” I pat him on the chest and go back to packing.
“So cold,” he mutters, teasingly. “You owe me.”
“Oh? How so?” I giggle.
He shrugs a shoulder. “You’re leaving me for the whole weekend.”
