Chapter 24 (Sam):
One Year Later:
Rex and Alex brought the coolest place ever, not that I would expect anything less from them. Rex’s old condo was modern and very white. It was definitely a nice place, but this place is stellar. It’s a condo, with dark walls and a very dark interior. A lot of the decorations are navy blue and burgundy. There are some signature pieces that are totally Alex; spiky statues, dim lighting and cushy black blankets. I’ve spent the last week here. It was my bachelorette party of sorts. Dana even spent the night for three nights, and we kicked Rex out, and because he is the nicest guy ever he was super cool about it. Honestly, its hysterical that Alex ended up with the cliche nicest guy out of all of us and Dana ended up with the biggest boy boy. Talk about hysterical and shocking. Today’s an interesting day because Dana and I get to officially meet these guy Anatoli and Tobias that Alex has talked about. I mean I met them when they killed the Russian, but, uh, that doesn't really count. I more saw them in brutal passing than anything else.
“They are a little...uh, aggressive,” Alex says leaning casually against the counter.
“It’s interesting to me that you stay in touch,” I say honestly. This has intrigued me given their background.
“I swear they have some crazy brother sister thing going on,” Rex says when he walks in the room, throwing his t-shirt on. “Anatoli is like super overprotective of Alex, no surprise there, and Tobias is well… Tobias.”
“I’m curious.” Dana looks super intrigued, but I am not surprised. Dana loves different human interactions and people watching. This is like a dream scenario for her. Im more interested in these guy’s morality. As in how evil are these guys? I don’t want their business getting caught up in my life or the lives of my friends. Alex is for sure gonna kill me, but Im gonna drill these guys.
There is a knock on the door and Alex leaps up. Rex laughs. “Relax babe.”
She turns to us with an annoyed look. “They’ve never been to my house before. It feels weird so Im a little jumpy. Sue me.”
She walks to the door, and before she opens it she nervously adjusts her ring. Dana and I smile and turn to Rex who has a soft look on his face. Alex and Rex got engaged a year ago and are in no rush to get married. It’s so cute that they are childhood friends who have been through hell together and made it out on the other side. They bring each other peace. It's really beautiful.
My swooning ends when two large men walk in the room. One is larger than the other. He has green eyes, and is literally giant. Not in the over muscled bodybuilder way, but just a huge strong dude. His presence would be super intimidating if I didn’t know he took a bullet for Alex. He seems like the kind of guy with a lot of darkness but a heart of gold somewhere in there. The other guy, on the other hand, looks like some kind of dark Greek devil. Holy (WORD) he is intimidating. I know that is Tobias. I doubt he has one good bone in his body. Yet for some reason he is furiously loyal to Anatoli. Alex and Anatoli give each other a friendly greeting, and then Alex and Tobias just glare at each other and walk back into the living room where the rest of us are seated. Wierd.
I stand up first. Dana started looking down at her feet the second they walked in. They made her nervous so I would be the one to break the ice.
“I’m Sam,” I say extending my arm and adding a bit of steel behind my voice. They have to know I don’t fully trust them.
“Anatoli,” the larger of the two says. I shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you officially.”
“You as well.” Then I turn to Tobias and stiffen even more. He makes no move to shake my hand or appear more friendly or approachable.
“Tobias,” he says with something that barely qualifies for a head jerk. I don’t like him already, but Anatoli on the other hand he seems actually like a cool guy.
When we are done with introductions he walks over to Dana who looks super comfortable. I feel sorry for her. Having anxiety must be awful. I know Dana is strong, heck she is dating Gunner, but when she feels in any way threatened her anxiety takes over. I know she hates it. I know she’s strong. So that is why Anatoli gets on my good side when he seeks Dana out. He takes a seat next to her and extends his hand with a kind smile. This man is a killer? Crazy. How did he get into that line of work.
“Hello, Im Anatoli. I know Alex. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Dana,” Dana says with a shy smile.
I ignore the rest of their conversation, but they get to talking. Tobias is shaking is head at Anatoli.
“You’d think he was a fucking kindergarten teacher,” I hear him mutter, and I know this is my chance. I move closer to the corner Tobias is now standing in.
“And what is it you do?”
He gives me an evil smirk, like he is amused by me in his own sick, twisted way. “You know already Im sure so skip to the chase. I don’t like dicking around.”
Fair.
“I don’t want your shit falling back on us, Alex specifically. We all need peace for a while.”
“Anatoli would never let that happen.” His face is dead serious.
“He really cares about Alex doesn’t he?” I glance over where Rex, Dana, Anatoli and Alex are talking. Alex isn’t paying attention though. She is watching me suspiciously. I turn back to Tobias.
“For some reason, yes. He does.”
I nod. “And that matters to you?”
His expression darkens a bit. “If you are asking if she is safe then yes, she is. I won’t her,” he snaps.
“You’re very loyal to Anatoli? You’d never cross him.”
“Watch it.” His eyes are glaring daggers into me. Alex comes up behind me.
“Okay, will you guys come join us please.” She kept her eyes on Tobias. Ah, she doesn’t trust him either. That makes me feel oddly better. I like when my friends have their guards up.
Wrong, I know.
Im as crazy as my life has turned out to be. I let my guard down and socialize with the group. It’s a fun evening, but honestly I just can’t wait to get married and see my kids. I love my friends. My friends are my life, but nothing can replace my little family. They are my life. After my mom died I never thought I’d have a family again. I lost my first family. Then gomt y mom and her unconditional love. After her death I became terrified of losing someone again. I really thought my life was over when my mom died. I wish I knew it was just beginning. The best part is I don’t feel bad anymore for living. Like I struggle and it’s not always easy but I know somewhere in the universe my mom is so proud of me right now. I touch her letter that I put in my pocket that day and smile.