Heather

What I didn’t tell Brax is that I’m afraid of how my father will react. This could cause him to question everything. I don’t have the heart to crush my dad, by telling him what happened to me. I’ve decided to let my past go. If my father finds out, there will be no letting go.

I haven’t been able to focus on how to reveal the truth. With Nellie’s arrest, and now this. Someone trying to snatch Kamara and the twins again. It never ends around here.

I frown, placing my hand over the engagement ring hanging around my neck, beneath my shirt. Until I figure out how to make things right with my dad, I’m going to make Brax suffer. His words still gut me. Take all of me, Heather, or stop killing me. I wanted to slap him, but I couldn’t, I couldn’t because it’s the truth. The truth hurts. It burns deep down in a place I can’t even name.

Braxton has been watching me all day. I thought for sure the drama would allow me to escape. I was pissed, when he and dad ripped into me, forcing me into the back of Wyatt’s car. I refuse to ride with dad and I damn sure wasn’t going to ride with Brax.

I followed Aunt Cass into the dining room, as soon as I walked through the door. I could feel Brax’s eyes on my back. I didn’t even need to turnaround.

I’m now pacing the dining room, as Uncle Joe recounts what happened and the information he got, from the guys that tried to snatch Kamara and the kids. I cover my mouth and giggle, when he mentions Aunt Cass pulling her guns again. I would have loved to have been here for that.

When Wyatt pulls his phone to make a call, my curiosity gets the better of me. I move to the edge of the dining room, right into the doorway to listen in.

“Briggs, what can I do for you, Wyatt?” The voice on the other end picks up, sounding tired.

“My sister in law and the twins were attacked. This Vanessa has come up again. The message was and I quote, ‘You can’t hide her forever. It’s time for Donati and the Mairetties to pay. All of you will suffer until she is revealed, one woman at a time,’” Wyatt responds.

The voice I believe to be Thomas Briggs sighs. I know his voice from his calls to the office. He’s quiet for a few moments.

“Okay, I was going to call and suggest this anyway. I am stretching my team thin, right now. Otherwise, I would have sent a few of my squads out there to help out. I know it has been quiet, but I also know this problem is still lurking and causing trouble in other ways.

“I think you all should come to New York. I have plenty of room and the two Estates are as tight as we are going to get, security wise. I could actually call in some favors to cover for Black and Lock if that’s a problem,” he offers.

“I like the way that sounds, but don’t worry about Black and Lock. Are you sure you can handle the whole family coming along,” my Uncle Joe nods.

“Bring anyone near and dear to you. We have room for everyone,” Thomas says.

“It’s settled. We’ll be there in the morning,” Uncle Joe replies.

I start to fume, there is no way I’m being trapped on a plane or anywhere else with Braxton. I need a break from him. I may be pissed, but every time I see him, I want to run to him.

Yup, Heather needs a freaking break.

My face is hot with my anger. I clench my fists at my sides. I’m already shaking my head, as Thomas Briggs extends the welcome wagon.

“Cars will be waiting when you arrive. My home is now your home. Hopefully, we will get a handle on this sooner rather than later,” he says.

“Thanks, Thomas,” Wyatt says, his voice hardening with his next words. “And Briggs, I’m going to need that answer on who the fuck this Vanessa is, real soon.”

“As soon as you get here, Son,” Thomas chuckles, before hanging up.

“I’m not leaving,” I hiss.

“We’re all going,” Dad says sternly.

“I’m not,” I roll my eyes.

“Don’t let us put you in danger,” Braxton growls, pointing a finger between us. “I’ll back off, for now. Your safety is more important. So get over it. You’re going.”

“You’re not the boss of me, you overgrown brat. I said I’m not going,” I yell, stomping my foot. Hasn’t he gotten enough of bossing me around? That’s our freaking problem now.

Braxton jumps from his seat and flies across the room. It happens so fast, I have to blink. My chest start to heave, as he bends over nose to nose with me. Cupping the back of my head, he stares me down. I’m hopeless, melting into him and his touch.

“That’s what I thought,” Braxton says, releasing me. He steps away with a scowl, pointing a finger at me. “Only for now,” he warns.

I look up at him with a ping in my heart. I want him to hold me again. I miss him, but his words ring in my ears for the millionth time and I get pissed all over again.

“You two need to find a room and have a good fuck,” Cass snorts, I blush and turn to her. “Heather, let yourself have at what ye want. No use in fighting it. He won’t stop until he gets what he wants. He’s just like his father. The man wore me down.”

Everyone around me bursts into much-needed laughter, loosening the tension in the room. I dip my head, when Brax turns his back and walks away. I take a step, but stop myself from following him.