Page 34 of Unloaded
I slip into the driver’s seat, buckling my own seatbelt before putting my truck in reverse and backing out of the space. Turning out of the parking lot, I head in the direction of my home. It isn’t a large place only two bedrooms, but it will do in the short term until we can have team meeting and determine the extent of the threat to Rachel and her brothers.
“Where are we going?” Rachel asks after we’ve been driving for a few minutes. I glance over as I reply.
“My house. You’ll be safe there while we figure out what to do.” Her eyes widen briefly before giving me a single nod. Her head turns to stare out the window. “Dalton has your brothers.He’ll meet us there and keep them safe in the meantime. The guys and I will have a team meeting to figure out the best course of action. Try not to worry, angel. Everything will be all right.”
Everything Rachel has disclosed is astonishing. I’ve suspected since she first arrived that she is running from something or someone, but I never dreamed it had anything to do with the mafia. I’d thought more along the lines of an abusive ex.
She continues to amaze me. The fact she’s kept herself and the boys from the mob for six years is astounding. Yet it infuriates me, too. Just thinking of her being out there on her own while caring for the boys with no one to lean on. I can’t imagine how hard all of this has been on her.
“I’m not worried about my safety,” she replies after a moment of silent contemplation. “At least not as much as I worry about the boys. I know you will keep us safe, but I don’t want you and your family getting caught up in my mess.” She sounds so defeated.
“You don’t need to worry about me or my brothers, angel. This is what we do on the daily. We run a security company, in case you’ve forgotten,” I add cheekily, hoping to lighten the mood. She rolls her eyes in dramatic fashion, so I flash her a grin.
She doesn’t have to worry. She’s not alone, not anymore. I might not be right for her, and I’ll never be the man she deserves, but I will not leave her unprotected.
15
RACHEL
Oh my God! How did I let this happen?I let my guard down, that’s how.
Over the years, I’ve become a master at compartmentalizing the awful things I’ve seen and done to keep my brothers and I safe. It’s how I’m able to sit here in Rosco’s truck and not be completely falling apart.
Yes, I’d broken down for a hot minute, but I’ve locked myself back down. I’ve turned off the fear, the disgust, and basically any emotion related to the ugly parts of life associated with the mob. It’s a skill I’ve had to master.
While being on the run, I’ve saved all my energy and emotions for my brothers. More than anything, I want them to have as normal a life as possible. They both remember the horrible things they saw before we went on the run, but we don’t ever talk about it. Being their sole caregiver has been frightening and overwhelming at times. I haven’t had anyone to depend on. I’ve had to be strong, to bear the weight of everything by myself.
Now Rosco is here, looking out for us, and I no longer want to always be the strong one. I’m finding it easier and easier to lean on him when things get difficult. Not to mention the physical attraction between us. I want him. Badly. My brothers’ needscome first, but a small part of me wants to put my needs first if only for a night…or three, whatever he’ll give me.
Rosco is taking me to his house. My mind keeps going to my darkest fantasies. The ones I’ve been dreaming up since the night I first met him.And how could I not?He’s so gorgeous, like a Greek god carved from perfection. I want to lick him like an ice cream cone. A hot, sexy, delicious ice cream cone.
A shiver runs through me. Images of our naked bodies cross my mind, causing my nipples to harden and my core to ache. My mouth sliding down his thick engorged length while he tangles his hand in my hair. Not that I’ve seen him naked and hard, but I have a very vivid imagination. I can envision his rigid cock covered in velvety soft skin with precum leaking from the tip. The length of him glistening from my saliva. My panties dampen from just the thoughts of having him in my mouth.
I’m in so much trouble!And not just because I’m on the run from my mobster stepfather. Not to mention the crazy-ass man he tried to sell me to. But mostly, I’m in trouble because of the sexy man who is giving me that panty dropping grin.
How on earth can I stay in his home and not jump his bones?It’ll be pure torture. I try, unsuccessfully, to stifle a groan.
Suddenly Rosco takes my hand, threading his fingers between mine. I hold on for dear life. I could keep my cool if it was just my brothers and me, because I’d have to. However I’ve come to learn over the last several months that I don’t have to be strong all the time. The Robertsons have welcomed us in like family.
“We will be there soon.” Rosco’s deep rumble draws me from my worrying thoughts. We share a glance at one another. “You looked worried. You getting anxious about your brothers?”
I give him a weak smile. There’s no way I’m going to tell him what I’ve been thinking about. I’ll just let him believe I’mworrying about my brothers, which I am. I’m always worrying about them in the back of my mind, but Rosco has gotten more of my attention than not lately. It’s likely why we’ve stayed here so long, which is how my stepfather found us. I should be feeling guilty, and I do, but since the moment I met him, I haven’t been able to put Rosco out of my mind.
Minutes later, we pull up to a small house in a nice neighborhood. A couple of black SUVs are already in the driveway, pulled over to one side, allowing Rosco to pull into the garage. As soon as the truck pulls into the space, Rosco gives my hand a squeeze.
“Sit tight, I’ll come around.” I want to roll my eyes again, but I refrain.
I unbuckle my seatbelt, then he opens my door and helps me down from its massive height. The inside door to the house flies open. My brothers burst out into the garage.
“Rachel!” they yell in unison as Rosco and I round the front of his truck on our way to meet them. Dalton is hanging back by the door.
“Thank God, you’re all right!” Ricky exclaims, running up to wrap his arms around me. “What happened? Have Dad’s goons found us again?” I hug him back, so thankful to see them safe and sound. Nicky joins us in a hug, too.
“I’m afraid so,” I murmur holding them close.
“Let’s get inside,” Rosco commands from behind me. “Then we will discuss everything.”
I wrap an arm around each of my brothers and head toward the door. It’s time to get this over with. I’ve never told anyone that we are on the run or who we really are, but I know I can’t keep lying to Rosco or his family. They deserve to know. And the main thing is I trust him with this secret. I know he won’t use it against us or trade us for money or power like others might.
