Page 106 of No Fear
She rolled her eyes and he chuckled. His joke helped to lighten the mood just a little, just enough that she could breathe. He gave her a questioning look but she nodded that she was ready and let him take her hand. They walked, together, to the front of the trailer as the banging came again.
“Coming.” Remy called before covering the last few steps and unlocking the door. It swung outward and morning light spilled in along with a cold breeze. Rachel shivered but Remy didn’t move out of the way to allow whoever was outside in. His lips turned down into a scowl and he shook his head, “I told you to give us some time.”
“I did. I gave you all night. Now move aside and let me in. It’s cold out here, Remington.”
Even if she hadn’t recognized the voice, she would have known from the condescending tone who was on the other side of the door. There was only one person that called Remy by his full name. It wasn’t the cops. It was someone far more intimidating. Lincoln Bomar was here.
Remy had been about to tell her something about Lincoln, and now here he was. Had he been worried about her too? Like his brothers? Or was he here to cover his bases and make sure the untrustworthy new girl kept her mouth shut about what she’d seen last night? She figured it was probably the latter but she still nodded when Remy shot her a questioning look. Whatever Lincoln wanted, they couldn’t just send him away. Dealing with him now would be the first step to putting the events from last night behind her.
“Fine, but you better be nice.” Remy growled as he moved aside to let his cousin inside.
“I’m always nice.” Lincoln snorted but when he stepped inside, he wasn’t smiling.
Rachel steeled her spine when he immediately turned to face her. Lincoln looked like hell. He looked like he hadn’t slept at all. His short hair stuck up in every direction. There were dark circles under his beautiful eyes. Stubble covered his jawline and he was still wearing the same clothes he’d had on when she’d seen him last night. He looked rumpled and tired but that wasn’t what made her stomach clench. It was the worry that was clear in his bold gaze as he looked her over, top to bottom.
His jaw clenched as he took in her bruises and then he was moving. Lincoln was in front of her in three long strides before Remy could even think to step in front of his cousin. She didn’t back up. She didn’t even flinch when he raised his big hands and cupped her face. She wasn’t scared of this man, she realized. Not anymore. She knew he wasn’t here to hurt her.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered and his voice was rough, “I’m so sorry, Rachel.”
“It’s… it wasn’t your fault.”
Lincoln’s eyes latched onto the bruise on her neck, “Ford told me what happened, as much as he knew anyway since he let that bastard trick him and wasn’t there to protect you. He should have been there. He should have been there and that fucker never should’ve touched you.”
She swallowed hard at the anger in his voice, “It wasn’t his fault. Please, don’t blame Ford.”
“I have to blame someone, sweetheart.” Lincoln’s grip on her face tightened a fraction of an inch and then he seemed to catch himself and he released her completely and stepped back, “If that fucker were still alive, I’d gut him for daring to touch you. Nobody messes with my family and gets away with it. Nobody.”
Rachel raised her eyebrows but kept her mouth shut. Yesterday, Lincoln had stood in almost the exact same place and called her a liar and a traitor. He’d accused her of only being with Remy to protect herself. Today, she was one of them. She was family. Which reminded her of what it took to truly be considered a Bomar. She had to protect them, just as they would protect her. She’d earned her place.
“He’s already dead, Link.” Remy spoke up, “And it wasn’t Ford’s fault he got past us. Ford saw something and went to check it out. It’s more than Colt or I saw. He was a sneaky, rat bastard and he got what was coming to him. It’s over.”
“You’re right.” Lincoln cleared his throat and turned to face Remy for the first time since he walked into the trailer, “He’s dead and it is over, at least for you two.”
“What?” Rachel squeaked as she glanced between the two men. “Wh-what does that mean?”
“Bug wasn’t working alone. I’ve still got the rest of the Santos Peridos crew to deal with. That’s on me. Not you.” Lincoln shook his head, “It means, you two have done your part to protect the family and now we’re going to protect you by getting you out of the family business.”
“Wh-what?”
“Out?” Remy’s brows knit together. “What are you talkin’ about Link?”
“You’re out. Done. Free. As clean as your little brothers from this day forward. I hereby baptize you from the Bomar curse.” Lincoln made the sign of the cross and then shrugged when nobody laughed at his joke, “You did your part for the family. You killed our traitor and your girl nearly lost her life helping us. I figure that entitles you to one request and we both know that’s going to be your freedom.”
Rachel gaped at the offer Lincoln was making. In Lincoln’s eyes, Remy had done something for the family last night. He’d handled their traitor problem. He had blood on his hands and in the Bomar family that meant he was owed something in return. Lincoln was offering him the one thing that he knew Remy wanted most.
No more fighting in the cage for the family. No more looking over his shoulder. No more wondering if saving Colt had truly been worth it. No more worrying how much would be enough to earn his own freedom.
It was as close to a declaration of love as Lincoln had probably ever come. The man took loyalty seriously. He protected his family at any and all costs. He was their leader for a reason, because he put them first. He was putting Remy first now.
She glanced at the man she loved and saw his features twisted into disbelief. Her heart squeezed tight in her chest when his eyes narrowed on his cousin. That was her Remy. She could practically see his mind racing, trying to find the loophole, trying to discern what the trick was behind Lincoln’s words. He didn’t trust his cousin or an offer that seemed too good to be true.
“Out?” Remy repeated, his head cocked suspiciously.
“Yes. Out, Remington. You’re out.”
“No more fighting?”
“Nope.”
