Page 35 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Ronnie Parrish.” I said with hatred filled words.

“How the fuck did she get wrapped up with him?!” He finally grabs his glass, only to throw the whole drink back.

“I didn’t ask yet. We have to get her out of his grasp and track down the exterminator.” I throw back my glass and swallow all the contents.

“The exterminator is just like us, Reese. Nobody knows who he is.” He says with a worried expression.

“And just like us, someone has to know who he is.” I say while filling my glass back up. “I need you and Trigger to track that information down while I try to go speak to Ronnie.”

“The Exterminator picked it up, Reese. It doesn’t matter if Ronnie pulls the order, which I’m sure you already know, but he won't. Finding Exterminator is the only option to keep her safe.” Fuck! Why does he always have to be right?!

“I know, but I have to try everything, Matty. Keeping her safe is my top priority.” I look down, swirling the scotch in my glass.

“Do you love her?” He says with a straight face staring at my damn soul.

“What the hell did you just ask?” I say louder than I anticipated.

“I said, do you love her? It is a fairly easy question to answer.” He smiles like the Cheshire cat. Little fucker.

“I'm not going over my love interest with you right now. Go find The fucking Exterminator!” I yell at him, only causing him to smile more and nod his damn head.

“Okay, but first, let me say something.” I roll my eyes, and he continues. “You're one of my best friends, man. If you love her, you need to tell her.”

“Thanks for your input, asshole, Now get the fuck out of here.” He stands up from his seat and leaves my office from the side door he entered.

I swallow my second glass of scotch before running my hands over my face. I need to figure out how she got tied up with Ronnie. She freaked out about me hiding secrets. Is he the reason why?

- Rose -

I see Reese through the window of his office. He is running his hands over his frustrated face. He is terrified, just like I am. I put on my brave face for him and the rest of the world to see, but I'm not sure how much longer I can do that. He has had to save me time after time from my mother and myself. When will he be able to stop having to save me, though?

I remember when I met Ronnie, he was in his marine uniform, and I was mesmerized instantly by how handsome he was. He noticed me, too, and he made me feel high on life. Until it came crashing down around me. That's when I learned his truth and his true self. I think that’s why it was so hard when Reese told me everything. I can’t take it if a man thinks I’m weak and hides himself from me. I'm anything but weak, and Reese is quickly learning that.

He walks out of his office and straight to me. I see this god of a man in front of me, and my world pauses except for him. He is the only person I see in any room with any person. He is mine, and I’m his.

He knocks on my door, and I shout for him to enter. He opens the door and leans against the frame with his hands tucked into his pocket.

“Hey baby, are you ready to go?” I nod my head with a smile as he pushes off the frame. “I think we need to talk when we get home. I have some questions that I will need you to answer.”

“Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Let's go.” He walks over to me and grabs my things before taking my hand and walking beside me to lead me out of the shop.

I already know these questions are about Ronnie. I’ve never talked about our relationship with anyone. Hell, nobody even knew I dated him. It was very short and right when I graduated.

We get back to the house, where I sink onto the couch and curl up with my knees to my chest. I know this conversation has to happen, but I am dreading it.

“Okay, ask away.” I wrap my arms around my knees as he sits next to me.

“How did you meet him?” He asks with a curious voice.

“I met him right after I graduated high school. I graduated a year early, and he was older. I kept it a secret from everyone but mainly from my mom. He seemed so perfect, he was a marine and so nice, but I was wrong. Sooooo fucking wrong.” I take a deep breath as I relax my shoulders.

“How? You didn't exactly answer the question.” He raises his brow, causing me to roll my eyes.

“I met him at my graduation. He was standing on the fence line of the field, and I saw him. It felt like he was staring right into my soul. I know now that it wasn't in a good way.” Those memories hit me so hard that I think it might cause whiplash. “I was walking over to my mom after the ceremony, and he saw me. He ran up and introduced himself. I thought he was just a marine. He lied to me for about a year until the truth came crashing down.”

“What do you know about him?” A better question would be what don’t I know.

“I know that he is fucked up mentally. He finds that being a hitman is fun, and it’s his own justice. The night I found out, he killed someone in front of me without even realizing it. I was mortified that night, and those nightmares still haunt me.” I tell him while closing my eyes and trying to hide the memory.

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