Page 89 of Unloaded
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Branch sounds astounded. I’m getting even more curious about the past these men have shared.Does Rosco know their history?
“I am.”
“Then I’ll wait for your text.” The line goes dead. Caprice’s jaw is set in a hard line until his gaze falls on me. His face softens, and he takes a step toward us.
“Amelia, I think it would be best if you remain in a safe location until all of this is over,” Caprice says, his gaze focused on me waiting for my reaction. “I’ll need to go back to Chicago. It will take all of my focus to resolve this issue in a permanent fashion. It will be easier if I’m not worrying about your safety.”
“I can keep her safe.” Caprice raises a brow at Rosco’s declaration.
“The way she arrived here would beg to differ.” Caprice smirks.Fuck!Rosco’s face flushes like he just took a knife blade to the heart. He’s already been blaming himself. He doesn’t need my uncle reinforcing his guilt.
“Don’t!” I demand. “The way I came to be in the hands of Vinnie isn’t Rosco’s fault. The Robertson’s tried to keep me safe, but I left. I snuck out to find the boys myself. You can’t blame him for my actions.” Rosco’s face is full of love when our eyes meet. I won’t allow Caprice to blame Rosco when he doesn’t really know either of us.
“Amelia,” Caprice growls.
“Don’t Amelia me,” I argue. “You’re the one who sent that asshole to retrieve me when Lawrence told you where I was.” He actually looks chagrined. “Not only did he run my car off the road, which could have killed me, but he punched me and threatened to do worse!” He pales briefly then his face becomes beet red.
“He will pay severely for his actions,” Uncle Nicolai growls. “I’m sorry that happened to you. If I’d known he would defy me and treat you so poorly, I never would have sent him.
“Please say you can forgive me?” He stares at me with fear and longing in his eyes.
I stare back, holding his intense gaze. His eyes plead with me to understand and forgive. I don’t sense any deceit from him. He means what he’s saying.
“You’re forgiven,” I murmur. Nicolai’s body relaxes in relief.
“I’ll take her back to Virginia Beach,” Rosco announces. “My brothers and I will make sure she’s safe while you deal with Vena.”
“Very well,” Uncle Nicolai agrees reluctantly. He holds my gaze for a beat. “I’ve waited years to get to know you and tell you about your father. I hope this won’t be the last I’ll see of you?”
“It won’t be,” I assure him. “We’ll keep in touch. I want to know more about him, you, and Aunt Andorra.” The rest of the tension in his body recedes, and a ghost of a smile crosses his face.
“Thank you,” he says, surprising me once more with his kindness. “It means more than you can know to me and Andorra. We want you to be a part of our family. I’m actively working to make my organization less…corrupt and more legal. It might not happen in my lifetime, but it’s a dream for the future. If I am able to find an heir who shares my beliefs and goals.”
“That’s admirable,” I acknowledge. “From what you’ve told me, Dad would be proud of the changes you’re making.” Nicolai gives me another smile, one that lights his eyes with warmth and love.
“Yes, I believe he would be.” Nicolai turns, his eyes hardening as he focuses on Rosco. “I’m holding you personally responsible for her safety and well-being. Treat her well and we’ll get along fine. Break her heart? And I’ll breakyou.”
“Understood,” Rosco replies, “That goes both ways. Just soyouunderstand.”
The men stare one another down for another minute. Then Uncle Nicolai nods before turning for the door.
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but I have business to attend to. Andorra will see to your needs, and Michael will be back soon to check on you, Amelia.”
“Thank you, again,” I murmur. “But I’d like to go home.” Nicolai looks hurt but nods his understanding, then steps into the hall, closing the door behind him, leaving Rosco and I alone.
I glance at Rosco when his arm tightens around me. “I forgot about your house. I guess you’re staying at mine?” He shakes his head, causing my heart to stutter, but before I have time to get worked up, he’s relieving my fears.
“I think we should stay here until we are reunited with Nicky and Ricky. Then we will head back to Virginia Beach together. We can stay with Luke and Marley until we find a bigger house that we all like,” Rosco answers like we’re discussing the weather and not buying a house.
“My house isn’t large enough for the boys to have their own rooms.” Rosco continues, “and I’m pretty sure they’re sick of bunking together. Although, if they go into the military, they’ll be bunking with way more guys, which is even more reason to give them their own space when they come home on leave.”
My chest is tight with all the love I feel for this man. He accepts that the boys and I are a package deal without a second of hesitation. Tears fill my eyes, causing him to look concerned.
“What’s wrong, angel?” Rosco asks, “You don’t want to live at Luke’s or you don’t want to move in with me?”
“Nothing is wrong, Rosco,” I reply, my voice breaking around the lump in my throat. “You just made me love you even more when I didn’t think it was possible. I really do want us to live with you and staying with Luke and Marley won’t be a hardship. We can give them some pay back for when they first got together.”
The look that comes over him is one I’ll remember to my dying day. I’ve always thought he is gorgeous, but in this moment?Heaven, help me!The love and happiness in his expression takes him from a solid ten to a million in a heartbeat.
