Page 22 of Deranged
“I know.” He did. They were amazing together. How could they be anything less than perfection? Henry had promised they would be.
Chapter Ten
Theplacewasoddlyquiet, to have so many people sitting around the room. In the new dance studio, they sat in a circle. A pile of presents sat on the floor in the center. They had a few additions today. Field had asked Clay, Briggs, and Fabrice to join them. He had an ulterior motive with Briggs. Clay and Fabrice were there because he liked them, and he needed the support of some people who weren’t his brothers.
“What’s up with all the gifts? It’s not your birthday.”
It was true Field usually handed out gifts on his birthday so he wouldn’t be in anyone’s debt. This was likely the same, so he hadn’t come empty-handed. Plus, he didn’t feel like he had been showing his family the love they deserved lately. He had to fix losing his temper the other night.
“I’ve been feeling like you guys deserve more from me, so humor me, okay?”
Everyone nodded and mumbled their agreement. A lot of “whatever you need” was thrown around.
Field cleared his throat. Even to his ears, he sounded uncomfortable as hell.
Crisp cut in before he could speak. “You’re wearing a sleeveless shirt. I’ve never seen you do that before.”
Field looked down at himself. “Yeah. It’s Henry’s. I just grabbed the first thing I saw.”
Edge laughed. “I have to hand it to you. You said you’d make him yours. No one keeps their word the way you do.”
Field saw his opening and took it. “He asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
Everyone brightened and said their congratulations. Several of his brothers jumped up for hugs. He wished he felt better, but he still had some shit to say. Field would give anything for this to just be a celebration.
“Thanks, guys.”
“Is that why you called this meeting?” Rain asked, looking like he hoped to help move things along. It was obvious Shadowhad talked to him and filled him in. He had known Rain would support him.
Field cleared his throat again. “No. Well, partly, but no. Lately, it’s kind of felt like we’re falling apart.” No one denied it. That pushed Field forward. “A lot of things have changed lately and I’m not holding up well.” Field stared over their heads as he spoke. He couldn’t look anyone in the eye. “This last job, coupled with the way everyone is acting, nearly sent me over the edge. I had one of the worst episodes I’ve had in a long time. Afterward, if Shadow hadn’t come after me, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.” Field’s gaze shot to where Clay and Fabrice sat. “Please don’t tell Henry that. I don’t want to scare him.” He knew his brothers wouldn’t be surprised. Field hadn’t thought about the rest of the guys being there.
“We don’t talk,” Clay and Fabrice said at the same time, proving how much Henry wasn’t part of the household beyond Beau and Mickey.
Field nodded. He got back to the reason they were there. “Anyhow, I realized something afterward. Something has to give. First off, you guys can’t fucking leave me. How very fucking dare any of you even think it?” He heard the pleading and hurt and couldn’t stop it. “You know we’re dead if we split. If you’re that upset about something, talk to me. I’ve always tried my best to be there for everyone.” He focused on Edge. “I’ve always loved everyone in this family. If I’m failing you, say it.” His outrage died a swift death. “I’m really about to fail you. This is Briggs.”
Every eye turned Briggs’ way.
Briggs didn’t look uncomfortable even with his legs still heavily bandaged from surgery.
Ridge spoke first. “Isn’t that the guy who tried to kill you?”
Field shrugged. “He was only protecting himself. Any one of us would’ve done the same in his position.”
Shadow flashed Briggs a welcoming smile. “Sorry about the legs.”
Briggs looked at Shadow with open shock. “That was you?”
Two knives appeared in Shadow’s hands so quickly, no one could’ve possibly seen where they came from. He spun them and they disappeared. Then Shadow went back to smiling and posing like the pretty, pretty princess he was.
Field tried to keep the conversation moving along. “Briggs was raised and trained by the society.”
That had everyone’s attention. The society was an academy of assassins. Academy was a very loose term they used for themselves, making the literal nightmarish torture of children sound okay. Societies made the government-led program they survived look like summer camp. There was zero oversight. The children were dirty, starved, beaten, and forced to kill each other for food. It was hell. Briggs seemed nice, though. They had spent several hours talking that morning before Field had called everyone together. Field felt like this was the best decision he could make for everyone.
“If I’m going to make it, I have to step back from the team. Not you or the family, just the work. Briggs is highly trained and could easily take my place. He’s agreed, if all of you are good with it, to stay here and do whatever is needed.” Field tried for a smile. “He’s a really great guy. I hope you’ll give him a chance. For me. I try not to ask for much. I’m just—”
Ridge cut in. “No, man. Don’t keep explaining. You’re right. I know I’ve been part of the problem. Honestly, I never wanted to move here, but Clay showed me some pretty cool training areas that have kept me busy, and goddamn. You’re the one who holds us together. If it weren’t for you, none of us would be here to have this discussion. You’re the reason we’re alive today. If you need anything, I’m in.” His gaze swung Briggs’ way for half a second. “Nice to meet you, man. I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine, but we’ll talk.” He went back to focusing on Field. “I know you think we don’t see the way you spend every day trying to make us smile and make our lives brighter, even when it’s costing you everything to even stay upright. We notice that shit. If this is what you need, then okay.”
Everyone nodded along. Something warm tickled Field’s face, and he realized he was crying. He swiped at his cheeks and sniffed.
