Chapter 11: Axel
My eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the low light above me. It seemed as if it was nighttime, but I couldn’t be sure. There was a pressure cuff on my arm and a pulse monitor on my finger. Beeps sounded from the side and I turned my head a fraction to see wavy lines displaying my heartrate. My first thought was of Gareth. Did they get Paul? Is Gareth safe?
“Hey. Calm down.” Mac stepped up to the side of the bed. “I sent Gareth out for food. He wouldn’t leave you, but he needed something to eat and Ransom finally dragged him off.”
“He’s okay?” My throat hurt and I sounded raspy. “Surgery?”
“Yes. The bullet nicked your lung.”
“Paul?”
“On his way back to America even as we speak. Ransom wants him put in a mental hospital.”
“Prison …”
“I concur but the guys all agreed with Ransom, even Gareth. They’ll have to work it out with the law, but …” he shrugged.
I sighed in exasperation.
“I know what you’re thinking, Axel, but this is their call. You have to see it from their point of view.”
“Stan?”
“Back at work as their new manager.” Mac smiled. “He’s a trouper, that one. He was relieved to hear we caught Paul.”
Using Stan as bait for Paul had been risky, but we needed Paul to let his guard down and that’s just what he did. It was just unfortunate that Gareth found out the truth and confronted him before we could prove our case.
Mac picked the story up again. “I was on my way with the proof we needed. One of our contacts got the flight manifest. Paul would actually go to the gate for the flight to Hawaii and make sure he was seen, but then he’d board a different flight. Stan gave me access to the band’s bank account. Paul sold the tour bus, which was worth a pretty penny, and was using the money to get experimental surgery on his hand in Switzerland. Who knows how much more he embezzled? We had it all in hand. I headed straight to Stan’s when you guys left for Europe and found what Paul had planted for the cops to find. Poor Stan was a wreck, but he agreed to make it look like he’d done it.” Mac sat down and tried to smile. “The guys are devastated. I’m sure you knew that would happen.”
I nodded.
“Ransom is taking it the hardest.”
The door to my room opened and Ransom entered. He looked from me to Mac and then approached my bed.
“Can I have a few with him?”
Mac stood up and put his hand out to the young man.
“I hope you guys will be okay. Hammer, Buster and Achilles are fulltime now. Stan is getting their paperwork in order.”
“Thank you, Mac.”
Mac left the room, closing the door behind him. Ransom sat down and stared at his hands.
“I’m sorry.” It was all I could think of to say.
“Don’t be. I didn’t want to believe it was Paul. We’ve been friends for so long, I never would have guessed he hated Gareth that much.”
“Were you two…?” I leave the question hanging.
“In high school we fooled around a little, but I didn’t think he loved me. I mean, it was just us experimenting.” Ransom sighed and ran a hand though his hair. “I’m just grateful Gareth didn’t get hurt worse than he did. I’m sorry you got shot.”
“Eh.” I shrugged, and then winced at the pain in my side.
“Gareth completely freaked out when he saw how much blood you were losing. He used his shirt to try to stop it before the ambulance arrived. He’s not good with blood, you know? He’s quite squeamish. But when he saw you? He went into some kind of daze where he just saw that you needed help.”
“Squeamish, huh?” I tried to smile.
“One more of his quirks that you’ll have to love.” Ransom tilted his head. “Do you?”
“Do I what?”
“Love him?”
“I’m not sure I know what that is, Ransom,” I admitted.
“Maybe you should take some time away to figure that out. Mac told me that sometimes these jobs turn into relationships because of the close quarters and imminent danger, but they don’t last. You need to be sure that your feelings for Gareth are genuine. I think you guys are good for each other; then again, what do I know?” Ransom stood up and took my hand. “When you come to Gareth, come to him and give him everything. He deserves that.”
Ransom left and I closed my eyes again. Did I love Gareth Wolf? I wanted to see him every day. I wanted to hold him and kiss him and make love to him. Gareth made me human. I’ve been alone for so long, I don’t know how to be anything else. I like who I am with Gareth.
Warm lips touched my temple and I opened my eyes. Gareth was smiling at me.
“Hey there,” he whispered. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got shot.”
“Nothing new for you, huh?”
He was smiling but I could read the fear in his eyes. I reached out a hand and Gareth took it and held it tightly.
“I’m going to be fine. I promise.”
“I was so scared. I saw you all covered in blood, and I couldn’t help but think I was going to lose you.”
“Listen, I —”
“I know.” Gareth nodded. “I figured you were going to leave. I was ready for it, or at least I thought I would be.”
“I have to know, Gareth,” I tried to explain. “I have to know if this is real.”
Gareth leaned in and kissed my lips softly.
“I know.” He said against my lips. “I’ll be waiting.”
~*~
They discharged me a week later. Gareth had gone on with the rest of the tour and Mac stayed behind with me. I knew Achilles and the guys would watch Gareth for me. Achilles said so when he came by to visit.
I grabbed my vest and bag and turned to look at the room. I hate hospitals, always have. Mac took the bag from my shoulder and I shot him a look.
“Fuck, just let me help you, jackass.” Mac tilted his head to the side, studying me. “You miss him already.”
“Yeah. Tell me you got something for me to do.”
“I will, but not yet. Christy wants you at my house where she can hover.”
“Wonderful.”
“Please. You know you love her pecan pie.”
“How did you know?” I turned to look at Mac.
“That I loved her?” Mac asked.
I nodded.
“It wasn’t just one thing. When I was gone, I felt an ache in my chest.”
I snorted and Mac smacked me in the stomach.
“Ow. Fuck, don’t hit the guy who just got shot!”
“Then don’t be an asshole. I just remember whenever something good happened, she was the first one I wanted to tell. I thought about her all the time. She gets me, you know? She knows what I’ve done and she doesn’t give a fuck.”
I smiled. Gareth knows what I do and he doesn’t give a fuck, either.
“It’s rare to find someone who can still look at you with love knowing what kind of a monster you can be,” Mac added.
That startled me.
“Don’t even go there.” Mac put his hand up. “We both know what we’re capable of. This world isn’t black and white; there is all kinds of shady shit going on and we’re just wired to deal with it. Gareth knows what he wants and so do you. But if you guys feel like you need some time apart to make sure it’s the real deal, then by all means, have at it. Now, get your shit and let’s go.”
~*~
Christy did hover.
Like an Apache helicopter.
I was feeling ten times better but that didn’t matter to her. She fed me chicken and steak and plied me with pecan pie. I was going to have to buy new clothes if she didn’t stop. I was just about to sip my freshly opened cool, crisp, frosty bottle of beer when Christy snatched it from me.
“Hey!” I balked.
“No alcohol with your meds.” She waggled a finger at me.
“Oh, my God! I need a job. Maaaaac!”
“He’s out. Suck it up, ya big baby,” Christy giggled. She sobered and sat beside me on the couch. “Why aren’t you with him?”
“Who? Mac?”
“No, stupid. Gareth.”
“Because I need to know if what I felt with him was real or if it was a product of the situation. If I’m going to go to him, it will be because I can’t live without him. He deserves someone who will put him first.”
“How do you know he’s okay right now?”
“Achilles calls and gives me updates.”
“That man is just nummy.” Christy’s eyes got all moony.
“Nummy?” I cocked a brow at her. “Does Mac know you drool over his employees?”
“Hell, half the time he does, too!” Christy laughed.
“You are bent.” I pointed at her.
“You can spend months away from Gareth, Axel, and it won’t change anything. The only thing you’ll do is put both of you through hell.”
“I’m already there,” I admitted.
“Then go to him.”
“I will. Eventually.”
“Oh God, Axel. You’re in love with him.” Christy smiled at me sadly.
I was beginning to think the same thing.
~*~
I ground my teeth in frustration as my newest babysitting job face-planted on the sidewalk. After being stuck with the son of a high-ranking political figure, I missed Gareth ten times more than I already did. I honestly didn’t think that was possible, but there you have it. This kid couldn’t stay sober, or out of trouble, to save his life. His father’s career was going to go down the shitter if I didn’t get this kid into rehab. He was driving me nuts.
There had already been a kidnapping attempt. Whoever wants this kid is insane; they’d probably bring him back after a few hours because he’s a massive pain in the ass. I’ve been away from Gareth for over a month and I’ve hated every damned second. Ransom calls and gives me updates, as does Achilles.
“Who put the sidewalk down here?” Dumbass mumbles.
I picked him up and stood him up. Blue eyes stared into mine, trying to focus.
“Aidan, you’re going to die of an overdose or liver poisoning if you don’t get your shit together.”
“You don’t tell me what to do!” He pointed in my face.
I grabbed his finger and squeezed. Aidan’s face turned red with anger as I kept a hold on him.
“Grow the fuck up! Is this what you want to do for the rest of your life? Party and fuck?”
“What’s wrong with fucking?” Aidan stared at my lips.
“Oh. Don’t even think of hitting on me. I’ll spank your stupid ass.”
“Oooh, I like spankings!” Aidan giggled and almost fell backwards. If I hadn’t been holding his finger he would have.
A van screeched around the corner and I pulled my gun. Three men jumped out of the sliding side door and headed toward us. I pulled the trigger. I shot all three in succession, and then shot out two tires. Police immediately rushed from the club and four cop cars surrounded the vehicle.
“What the fuck?” Aidan twirled around.
“I love it when a plan goes down perfectly,” I drawled. One of the police officers approached us and stuck his hand out.
“Good work, Mr. Blaze. Smart idea taking him to the club.”
“You used me as bait?!” Aidan gaped in disbelief.
“Yes, I did.” I crossed my arms and glared at him. “It was the fastest way to bring your kidnappers out into the open.”
One of the men I’d shot was being hauled up by his arms. A cop pulled off the mask he was wearing and Aidan swore. I smiled to myself. I’d known the kidnappers were part of a much bigger picture; this wasn’t about something as simple as a ransom grab. Aidan’s father was running for re-election and there stood his rival, staring straight at me.
“How did you know?” he snarled at me.
“I do a thorough check of everyone in my client’s employ. His aide used to be your aide. It wasn’t hard to make a connection.”
“You fucking shot me!”
“Yep, but don’t worry — it went through and through. Your leg will heal in prison.” I laughed as I got the middle finger from the guy. I turned to find Aidan scowling at me. I took him by the shoulders and leaned into his face. “Get cleaned up, kid. The next time, you may not be so lucky.”
I left Aidan in the care of the cops and went to my hotel room. I kicked off my shoes and removed my bulletproof vest. I have a lot to live for these days and I plan to go right back to Gareth to start that living. Mac and I have discussed it, and I’m going on as head of security for the Skull Blasters band.
It’s time to retire my old life.
I dropped down on the couch and flipped on the TV. The news was just ending and “Hollywood Now” came on. I reclined on the couch and crossed my legs. The Skull Blasters emblem flashed across the screen and I smiled as the screen lit up with the band live in concert.
“I’m here with the members of Skull Blasters.” The blonde talking head turned to the band with her white smile and her microphone. “Word is you guys went through a lot recently. Among other things, your manager, Paul Vincent, was hospitalized.”
The camera panned to Ransom and he leaned toward the microphone.
“Paul needed some rest. He’s been a solid figure in this band since we were thirteen. When he’s ready to come back, we’ll be here for him.”
“Gareth, reports say they arrested your stalker. Is that true?” The woman thrust her microphone in Gareth’s face. He was wearing his hoodie — it was like his armor when he wasn’t onstage. Gareth blinked a few times, and then a smile creased his face.
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Does that mean you won’t be needing protection anymore?”
Gareth looked into the camera.
“Oh, I think I’ll always need protection.”
I smiled and sat forward.
I’ve got some packing to do.