CHAPTER TWELVE
Later after they had all gone to bed, Mountain pulled Izzy into his arms. “Are you okay?” he whispered.
“I’m not sure. I hated telling him we weren’t siblings. He looked so lost.”
“Everything he’s ever known has been lost to him,” Mountain said. “You’ve been a part of his life since he was born. He thought you were his sister all this time and now, he finds out you’re not. He’s feeling lost right now.”
“But I am his sister,” she insisted. “I won’t give him up, I can’t. I’ve loved him since he was born. I can’t just turn those feeling off.”
“I’m glad to hear that. What you told him earlier is true. You are still family.”
Izzy sighed.
“What’s wrong baby?” he held her closer and felt her trembling.
“I’m not sure. All my life I knew who I was, I was Sonny’s daughter and I was Boone’s sister, then I was told I didn’t belong to either of them. I didn’t belong to Roxi either. I would never know my real mother and I have no idea who my father is. Roxi wouldn’t tell me his name. For the longest time after she told me, my life was a lie I was so lost. I couldn’t go see Boone. I was so hurt, I couldn’t tell him what I’d just found out. He would have been devastated.”
Mountain nodded. “Plus, we still don’t know how the key figures into this or who might still be after it and, or you.”
“God,” she whispered. “I wish to heavens I’d never heard of or seen that damn key.”
Mountain hugged her close, then decided to turn her attention to something else. He began nibbling on the back of her neck while his hands got busy cupping her breasts.
Izzy groaned as she felt her body respond. Mountain’s hands slipped under her shirt and one of his hands cupped her bare breast while the other slipped down under the band of her underwear. His fingers found her clit and he rubbed it while she lifted her hips slightly.
Then he slipped one finger deep inside her. He could feel her wetness and after a few in and outs he slipped another finger into her core. He felt her body heating up and then it was his time to groan as she pushed her ass against his hardening cock.
Soon, he was three fingers deep and her juices were flowing. Mountain pulled down his boxers and when his cock was free, he positioned himself at her entrance then he pushed himself inside her deep and hard. He hissed when he felt her wrap herself around him. She was warm, wet and tight. As he moved in and out of her, he could feel his body tighten. His lips suckled the side of her neck, then he groaned as he felt her pushing back.
He ground his hips into hers and sank in deeper. Then he felt her tighten and he thrust deeper, harder and faster. Only three hard thrusts later, he felt her ignite and he groaned as he exploded inside her.
His hands gripped her hips as his cum burst from the tip of his cock and painted the walls of her pussy. Mountain ground himself into her.
Oh God Talon, I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you too sweet girl…” He began pumping inside her again. His cock was semi hard but with each stroke, he could feel himself getting ready for another round.
Izzy groaned as she pushed against him. Mountain rolled her on her belly and raised her hips as he snuggled in behind her. Each thrust was deeper and harder than the last. Before he thought it would be possible, he was ready to blow again.
His hand reached around her hip to her clit and with a few rubs, he could feel her body tighten with her orgasm. Grinding in to her core, he climaxed with her. He groaned as he slid down beside her and his arms tightened around her.
Izzy took his hand and raised it to her lips. Spreading tiny kisses to his skin, she whispered, “How did I get so lucky to find you?”
Mountain chuckled. “I think I’m the lucky one.”
“Mmmm…” She snuggled her back to his chest and spooned her body to his. “I think I need to sleep now.”
“Sweet dreams sweetheart,” he murmured in her ear. He closed his eyes and drifted off holding her close.
~* * * *~
A while later, Mountain’s eyes snapped open, and he held his breath. He wasn’t sure what woke him only that he sensed danger was near. A moment later, he heard a slight knock on his door. Moving away from Izzy, he pulled on his jeans and went to the door. Cracking it open, he found his daughter standing there. She had the baby in her arms and a worried look on her face.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I think there’s something wrong with Boone,” she informed him. “I was on my way to the kitchen and I heard him moaning in pain.” She looked up at her father. “Can you check on him? Please?”
Mountain’s eyes went to the door down the hall. He nodded, “I’ll check on him.” Turning to her he asked, “Where’s Sam?”
“He’s heating a bottle.” She grinned.
“Hmmph.” Mountain grumbled as he walked to Boone’s door. Hesitating, he listened for a moment then he too heard groaning. He gave a single knock then opened the door. Standing in the doorway he called out softly, “Hey, are you okay?”
Boone thrashed around on the bed. “No I don’t think so.”
Mountain moved closer to the bed. He watched as the young man grimaced “What’s going on?”
“I’m not real sure,” Boone admitted. “For a long time after the shooting, I didn’t feel anything below my waist, but for the past two years I have nights like this when my whole body burns.”
Mountain frowned. “I thought the bullet severed your spinal cord?”
Boone shook his head. “The doctors couldn’t take the bullet out. The risk was too great. The bullet is still in my back.”
“Do you have anything for the pain?”
Boone nodded. “Yeah, there’s a bottle of pain pills in my shaving kit.”
Mountain went into the bathroom and found the small black shaving kit. Opening it up, he found a prescription bottle. Reading the label, he opened it and shook a pill out into his hand. Getting some water, he went back to Boone’s bed and handed him the medication. “How long has it been since you’ve seen a doctor?” he asked.
“Two years. I saw a doctor when I had pneumonia.” Boone told him.
“What about a doctor for your back?”
“That’s been a little longer.” He sneered.
“How much longer?” Mountain crossed his arms over his chest.
“The last doctor I saw for my back was four days after the shooting.”
“You haven’t seen a doctor since then?” Mountain asked as anger built within him.
Boone shook his head as he laid back down on his pillow. He knew the pills would take away the pain and allow him to sleep. “I guess the long ride jarred something in my back and the muscles aren’t settling down like they should. The pain should be gone by morning. I’m sorry I disturbed you.”
“You don’t have to apologize for hurting.” Mountain growled.
Boone nodded then hesitated.
When he didn’t say anything, Mountain sat down on the edge of his bed. “What’s going through your mind right now?”
Boone’s fingers plucked the blanket covering his lower body. He couldn’t look at the other man. Looking away, he said softly, “I was just wondering why Izzy came to get me when she didn’t have too. I mean, I’m not really her brother.”
Mountain reached out and turned his face toward himself. “You are her brother, in every way there is. You share something deeper than just blood. She loves you dearly and I think you love her too. You have her loyalty and in her mind, that’s more important than anything.”
“Then why did she leave me all those years ago?” Boone asked with a sheen of tears in his eyes.
“Because your uncle made a deal. He told her he would take care of you as long as she stayed away. He knew you weren’t her brother back then, but she didn’t. I think if she had she would have taken you with her right then and there, but she thought she was doing what was best for you. She gave you up once, she isn’t going to make that mistake again.”
Boone laughed slightly. “She is rather stubborn isn’t she?”
“Do ya think?” Mountain chuckled. He watched Boone relax. “She might not have been there but she’s always watched out for you. She’s had someone there in your corner the whole time and if your uncle tried anything funny, she would have been there. I hope you know that.”
Boone nodded. “Yeah, I do. I’ve felt her right beside me at times and I know if I was ever in trouble, her friends would be there for me. I wasn’t worried about me all these years. I didn’t know what was going on with her, where she was or if she was in trouble. I know I was younger than she was but I couldn’t be there to protect her. I couldn’t hold her and keep the fears away from her like she did for me. I missed her so much.” He swallowed hard. “Until the night I was shot, she was all I had. Mom didn’t care about anyone but her and Dad was too busy drinking and gambling. Izzy was all I had and I was all she had.”
“But she found Melora after that,” he reminded him.
“Yeah, I know. Did you know I hated Melora at first? I hated the fact that Izzy replaced me with her.”
“Do you still feel that way?” Mountain asked.
Boone shook his head. “No, the first time I met Melora, I was prepared to hate her but she wouldn’t let me. She told me she would take care of Izzy for me and that if I needed anything, she would be there to make sure I got it. She used to leave stuff for me. It was never a lot but just little things Izzy knew I would like. Stuff like books, puzzles and toys. It wouldn’t be much but it was enough that I knew my sister was nearby.” Boone paused then added, “When they left Chicago, Melora found a way to bring Izzy to me. They didn’t stay long but it was long enough that we had the chance to say goodbye. Izzy told me then she would come back one day, when I was older. She said when she came back she would bring me away with her. She’d take me somewhere no one would ever hurt me again.” He peered up at Mountain and smiled. “I guess she kept her promise.”
Mountain chuckled, “I guess she did.”
Boone yawned. “I think I can sleep now, thanks.”
“No problem. If you need something just ask, don’t suffer through it. You aren’t alone anymore.”
Boone grinned. “Yeah, I get that now. It’s just hard to get used to, I guess.”
Mountain got to his feet and patted Boone on the shoulder. “Get some sleep, we’ll talk more in the morning.”
“Good night,” Boone called out.
“Night kid,” Mountain called back. He closed the door behind him and raised his head to meet Izzy staring back at him from their door. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned and went back into the room.
Mountain closed the door behind him and followed her to the bed. She was laying there sobbing. Gathering her gently in his arms, he let her cry for a moment then carefully wiped her tears away. “Hush now. It’s all right. He’s going to be fine and so are you,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her.
“Hold me tight because right now I want to kill someone,” she whispered back.
“I know baby, believe me I know and I promise you Michael Clemends will get what’s coming to him,” Mountain vowed. He stretched out and pulled her close. Eventually, he felt her fall asleep. Closing his eyes, he joined her and both slept the rest of the night.
~* * * *~
Later that afternoon, Mountain was called to the phone. When he answered he found Deke on the other end.
“I think you guys better come to the clubhouse,” he said. “All of you and bring the boy with you.”
Mountain stiffened. “What’s going on Deke?”
“Do you know a man named Timber?”
Mountain frowned. “Yeah, I met him the other day in Chicago, why?”
“He came here to give you a warning. Somebody is following you home and he doubts they mean you any good. His words, not mine.”
“Ok, we’ll be there,” Mountain assured him. He went in search of Sam.
A short time later, they pulled into the dooryard of the clubhouse. Mountain saw two old trucks sitting there and he glanced over at Izzy and Boone.
Boone leaned forward. “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure,” Mountain told him. “Why don’t we go inside and find out?”
While he was helping get Boone settled in his chair, Sam and Melora and the baby arrived. When they all went inside, they saw five older men sitting at a table with Deke and Gator.
“Timber,” Izzy called out. “What the hell are you doing here? Did something happen? Is everything alright?”
One of the new men got to his feet. He chuckled and held his arms open.
Izzy ran into them and hugged the older man tight.
Melora handed the baby off to Sam and joined the other men. After greeting them all, Melora stepped back and repeated Izzy’s earlier question. “What’s wrong?”
Timber glanced over at Mountain. “When you stopped at the restaurant the other day, you stirred up a shit storm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mountain frowned.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else to talk about this?” Timber suggested.
“Right here is fine, old man,” Mountain assured him. “If this concerns them, they need to know.”
“Well, after your powwow the other day with the mob boss, one of my men was watching, you know just in case. Well, after we left to pick up Miss Izzy and her brother, my man Harry said a very angry young man rushed out of the restaurant. This young man did not look happy and the fact he was wearing a very large bruise on his face didn’t help.”
“And who was this young man?” Sam frowned.
“His name is Stephan Rizzi,” Timber replied. “He’s an underling of Dominic Marconi. Within hours, he was asking questions about you.”
“What kind of questions?” Mountain crossed his arms over his huge chest.
“Like who you were and where you could be found.” He reached up and scratched his ear. “I got a visit from Jumper, one of the Saints and Sinners and he told me I needed to get in touch with you and give you a warning. He gave me some money and told me it might be a good idea if I gave you this message in person, if you know what I mean.” He shrugged. “So me and my buddies drove out here to tell you in person.”
Mountain reached out and shook his hand, then turned to each of the men who’d come with him. “Thank you for that. My earlier offer still stands.”
Timber nodded. “Much appreciated.”
Mountain turned to Izzy and Boone to explain, “While we were in Chicago I made a visit to see Dominic Marconi. I wanted him to understand what I knew about the bet. I didn’t know anything about the key yet and he said he would look into the bet and he assured me he would take care of it.” He shrugged. “I know MC’s not the mob. Somehow, I don’t think this Stephan Rizzi is going to let this go. I may have messed up and put you in more danger than I needed to.”
“I think you need to talk to Leon,” Deke suggested. “He might be able to smooth things out.”
Mountain nodded. “Maybe he could at that. I’ll give him a call.”
“Why don’t you use the phone in my office?” Deke nodded down the hall.
Mountain gave him a nod and turned to walk down the short hall to Deke’s office. While he waited for Leon to answer his call Mountain thought about what he’d said to Marconi the day he spoke to him. He tried to see the faces of the other men but he hadn’t really taken his eyes off Marconi.
When Leon answered, Mountain sat down and began telling him the story. He told him the whole story as he knew it and it wasn’t until he mentioned Roxi that Leon began asking question.
“Did you say this woman’s name was Roxi?” Leon asked.
“Yeah, she was married to Sonny Clemends.”
“When you met with Dominic did you mention Roxi by name?”
“No, I only mentioned Sonny’s name. Why is that important?”
“I’m not sure, it could be. What is so important about this key?” Leon asked.
“No one knows for sure but uncle Mike has been asking about it since Boone came to live with him, and Sonny was going nuts when he thought he lost it,” Mountain told him.
“I can call Dominic and speak to him about this,” Leon offered. “If what I think is true, you’d better protect Izzy and her brother. I’ll call you back as soon as I speak to Dom.” Leon hung up.
Mountain was left with frustration. He still had no idea what was going on. He went back out to the main room to join the others. He found Melora and Izzy sharing stories about the past with the five guys that came from Chicago. Everyone was laughing and joking.
Sam, Deke and Gator joined him.
“So what did Leon have to say?” Deke asked.
“After I told him everything I knew at this point, he asked a few questions, mostly about Boone’s mother then said he’d call Dominic. I’m not sure what’s going on but he said he’d call back.”
“Then, all we can do is wait.” Deke sighed.
“He also said we had to protect Izzy and Boone,” Mountain informed them. “What I want to know is why would he say that? Why specify protection when we would do just that anyway?”
Deke frowned and swung his gaze over to view where Boone and Izzy were sitting. “Maybe we should lock things down until we know what’s going on? I’d really hate to be surprised and caught up in a situation when we don’t need to be. I’ll get Amos and Frankie to bring the women back from Redemption House. I don’t want them caught in the crossfire.”
Sam turned to Mountain. “What the hell is so damn important about that fucking key?”
“I don’t know but I’m beginning to feel like Izzy does. I wish I’d never heard of the fucking thing.”