Chapter Nineteen
It’s not who you think you are that holds you back,
it’s who you think you’re not.
it’s who you think you’re not.
—Mel’s Motivational Blog
“I’m really fine,” Melanie stated for the fifth time in what seemed as many minutes. “Just do whatever you guys would normally be doing.”
She settled back on the sofa in her house. Well, Livie’s old house. Jade and Livie had picked her up once the doctor had given her the all-clear earlier that morning. She’d be lying if she didn’t admit a piece of her heart had utterly crumbled when Tanner had walked out and hadn’t come back today. He hadn’t called or texted. Livie and Jade hadn’t mentioned him, either.
Melanie had pushed him out to keep him protected—isn’t that what she wanted? Above all else, she had to protect Tanner and their child. Neville didn’t just toss around idle threats. He would ruin Tanner the first chance he got. But Melanie only hoped that if she proved they weren’t together, then there would be no more threats against him. And if Neville couldn’t use Tanner against Melanie, then he wouldn’t have any way to blackmail her into another hellish marriage.
Because, in the end, Melanie would go public with her pictures and documents if she had to. That was the last thing she wanted. Yes, the harm would be on Neville, but she’d be putting herself out as a victim, and she’d sworn she’d never be that woman again. Showing such vulnerability wasn’t something she wanted to do, but again, she’d do anything to protect Tanner and the baby.
“I’m actually going to send a few résumés out later today,” Jade stated. “I found several places where I think I’d be a good fit, and I need to move on with my life. I can’t be here forever.”
Melanie sat up straighter. “You’re leaving Haven?”
“Well, there’s not much here for me to do.” She lifted one slender shoulder in a shrug and plopped down in the leather accent chair. “Not as far as work. I need to get back to feeling like I’m contributing, and the longer I go without a job, the more I feel like I’m mooching off Livie.”
Livie laughed and propped her hip against the opposite end of the couch, where Melanie sat with her feet propped up.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Livie stated. “This house needs to be lived in. I can’t bear the thought of selling it.”
Melanie recalled a time not so long ago when that was exactly Livie’s intention. She’d wanted to sell anything to do with her past, but instead she’d chosen to embrace it.
“Well, I’m staying.” Melanie attempted to find a comfortable spot, but with the damn sling she just looked like a bug on its back trying to maneuver. “So this house won’t go empty as long as you don’t care I’m here. I don’t care to mooch.”
Jade rolled her eyes. “You’re not mooching. You’re pregnant and you’ll be at Tanner’s when—”
“When what?” Melanie asked.
Jade and Livie exchanged a look as silence joined their party. Melanie’s stare volleyed back and forth, but her friends remained tight-lipped.
“Spill it,” she demanded. “What is going on?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Livie stood up and grabbed her keys from the table by the front door. “I need to get back home.”
“Sit down.” Melanie pointed to the couch with her good hand. “Nobody is going anywhere until I know what you-all know. I should’ve realized something was up when neither of you mentioned Tanner this morning.”
“What you need to focus on right now is getting better,” Jade said as she reached over and patted Melanie’s leg.
“I’m not sick,” Melanie growled. “I’m sore and pregnant, with a broken collarbone and a few stitches on my forehead. What the hell is going on with Tanner?”
Dread consumed her at the thought that Tanner was indeed going to fight her fight. The thought of him confronting Neville made her nearly nauseous.
“Please, tell me he’s not in Atlanta.”
Silence once again settled heavily in the room. Melanie closed her eyes and pulled in a slow, deep breath.
“And Cash and Jax?”
She was almost afraid of the answer to that question, but she knew where one went, the others followed to provide backup and support.
“Why don’t I make you something to eat?” Livie suggested. She remained by the door as if she was ready to dart out at any moment. “You’ve got to be hungry.”
“I’m not hungry.” Damn it, she was, but that wasn’t the issue right now. “Tell me what they’ve got planned.”
Melanie waited, then when her friends continued their silence, she smacked her hand on the arm of the couch. “Damn it, tell me. I never wanted all of you guys to get involved in my mess.”
Jade immediately came from her seat and crouched down in front of Melanie. “Calm down. Getting worked up isn’t good for you or the baby.”
Livie instantly sat at her side and rested her hand on her knee. “The guys are meeting with Neville. Do not say a word, just hear me out.”
Endless scenarios spiraled through her mind. She’d done her absolute best to keep Tanner from Neville, but instead she’d thrust all three guys, whom she’d come to love and respect, right at his door.
“Tanner knows what he’s doing,” Livie went on. “He’s not going to do anything that will compromise his career. That’s one of the main reasons he’s taken the guys with him as witnesses.”
Another reason being the three of them together looked threatening, which was exactly what Tanner would want. Neville would either be terrified of the menacing men or he’d go through on his threat of demolishing Tanner’s reputation and badge. Though unless he had something really dirty from Tanner’s past, Melanie wasn’t sure how he’d pull off such a ruse.
“I just can’t wrap my mind around everything,” she muttered. “I need to talk to Tanner. Can you get my phone from my bag?”
Livie and Jade exchanged yet another look, but nobody moved.
“Come on, guys,” Melanie pleaded. “You know I’m not going to just sit back and let him do this, right? I just want my phone. I won’t rat you two out for telling me.”
Muttering beneath her breath, Jade got up and went to the corner by the door where Melanie had dumped her purse when she got home. Jade searched around and pulled it out, but didn’t come back with it. She held the phone against her chest.
“If you call him, text him, whatever, do not blast him for trying to protect you. That man loves you and he’d do anything for you.”
Melanie’s eyes burned as her throat clogged. She simply nodded. “That’s what I’m afraid of,” she whispered.
She held out her hand and waited until Jade came back and handed it over. Without a word, she laid the phone in her lap so she could use her one good hand and pull up his contact.
Melanie held the phone up to her ear and waited as it rang. And rang. And rang. Finally, his voicemail came on and Melanie ended the call without leaving a message. She had no idea what she wanted to tell him anyway, and given the option of having only thirty seconds wasn’t going to cut it.
She dropped the phone back to her lap and stared at it as if the device would give her some magical answer. She shot off a quick text for Tanner to call her as soon as possible, but she knew he’d do whatever his intentions were in Atlanta first. Then he’d call. Maybe.
“Get in touch with Jax,” she told Livie.
Livie offered a soft smile. “Let them do this, Mel. It’s past time for someone to step in and end all of this. You have a family now to think of.”
“That’s exactly who I’m worried about,” she cried.
Livie came to her feet and smoothed down her cardigan. “I’m going to go make you some lunch. Jade will be here, but I need to get home in about an hour for Piper. She’s next door at the sitter’s for now.”
Melanie knew she was fighting against five people who truly cared about her. Part of her was exhausted and she wanted to turn over the reins of this fight. But the other part worried that someone else would get hurt. Someone she loved.
* * *
Tanner and company marched right into Neville’s office building. With his guys behind him and fury fielding his actions, there was nothing standing in the way of saying what he came to say. This game he played with Melanie was over, because now that Tanner was in her life, for good as far as he was concerned, there was no room for Neville and his ego.
Tanner charged right toward the closed door with Neville’s name in capital gold letters.
“Oh, um, excuse me, you can’t go in there.” The twenty-something receptionist came to her feet. “Do you need to make an appointment?”
“No,” Tanner replied as he kept walking.
“Sir, I’m sorry, but—”
“What’s your name, darlin’?”
Tanner smiled as Cash’s question shut the receptionist right up. He reached for the door handle and shoved the heavy door open. As soon as Tanner and Jax stepped through the door, Neville jumped to his feet, which was saying something considering he’d had a busty redhead sitting on his lap. Thankfully they were dressed, because Tanner really didn’t want to see any of Melanie’s ex’s bits and pieces.
A nasty bruise covered the left side of his forehead, presumably from the crash. Tanner wouldn’t have minded seeing a few more marks on the vile man.
“What the hell are you guys doing in here? Who are you?” Neville demanded.
The redhead adjusted her dress and stepped back toward the wall of windows.
Neville reached for his phone. “My assistant will have security up here—”
“She’s busy right now,” Jax replied with a chuckle.
Neville narrowed his eyes. “You’re Tanner.”
“I’m glad to know you’ve admired me from afar. I’m flattered.”
“Get the hell out of here before I have you arrested.”
Tanner crossed his arms over his chest. “You can call the cops, but this is a public building and I’m only here to talk.”
With a nod toward the woman hovering behind him, Tanner said, “You may want to consider making this more private.”
Neville didn’t even turn around, he simply gave a gesture toward the door and the redhead scurried away. Once the door was closed and they were alone, Tanner seriously called on every single bit of willpower he’d ever known not to reach across that desk and put his fist through Neville’s face.
But he was an officer of the law and he also respected Melanie. He would get this done the right way and not pull more violence into the mix.
“Who’s this?” Neville nodded toward Jax.
“Jackson Morgan,” Jax replied as he came to stand next to Tanner.
“So, what, are you guys here to beat me up? Give me a warning?” Neville asked. Clearly the man was terrified, but he remained behind his desk. “I’ll press charges if you touch me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Tanner replied. “The last thing I want to do is touch you. But I will tell you this, Melanie is off-limits. You’re divorced. Focus on your political career, as pathetic as it is, and let her go.”
Neville stared for a moment, then laughed as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Get the hell out of my office. Whatever is between Melanie and me is none of your concern.”
Tanner took a step forward, but Jax put a hand on his shoulder. Just another reason he’d brought his small army with him.
“Melanie isn’t anybody’s business,” Tanner clarified. “She’s her own person and she’s decided you are no longer part of her life. You will be respectful of her decisions or you will be removed from your position.”
“Bullshit,” Neville spat. “You have no power over me. Nobody will remove me, and not only that, I’ll be the next senator, so you’re the one who will be removed from your position.”
Tanner took a half step forward, keeping his eyes locked on Neville. One of the most important lessons he’d learned in the military and through his years on the force was never back down. And of all times in his life, his relationship with Melanie and their future was the most important thing he’d ever fought for.
“I’m not spending my day here arguing,” Tanner went on. “This is your warning that you can either stay out of Melanie’s life, mine and our baby’s as well, or face the consequences.”
Neville’s nostrils flared as his eyes narrowed. “Is that a threat?”
“Think of it as a promise.” Tanner was so done. He didn’t want to be in the presence of this jerk another second, but he needed to drive the point home. “You’re not the only one with powerful contacts. The state attorney general went to school with my stepdad, and they’ve remained friends. I know Melanie has several pieces of evidence that support her claims of abuse, but I’ll pull those as a last resort.”
When Neville’s eyes widened and his jaw clenched, Tanner knew he was finally hitting the man where it hurt.
“So your options are to back the hell off,” Tanner went on, “or take your chances with your ugly skeletons coming out for all your voters to see. Your choice, but I think we both know who will win this fight.”
Silence settled into the room. Jax remained at Tanner’s side and Neville was no doubt weighing his options. He was stuck and he damn well knew it. Nothing pleased Tanner more than to know he was the one putting Neville out of Melanie’s life. She tried, she’d put up every ounce of fight she had, but she and the baby were his family now, and he’d be damned if he ever let anyone harm what was his.
“Did Melanie send you?”
“She doesn’t know I’m here,” Tanner stated. “She’s home recovering from the accident you got her into. So if you have anything else you want to say, now is the time. When I walk out of this office, your contact with me, Melanie, or anyone else in our lives is over. Are we clear?”
“How dare you threaten me.”
Tanner squared his shoulders and shifted his stance. “You did a hell of a lot more to your wife, so don’t hide behind your political power now. You’re nothing but a lowlife who gets off on manipulating those weaker than you. You wouldn’t have a clue how to handle a fight against someone stronger than you. You’d do best to remember that. I’m not weak and I sure as hell am ready to fight for what’s mine.”
Neville’s gaze darted from Tanner to Jax and back to Tanner. His shoulders slouched just a touch as he shook his head.
“I never should’ve let her go to begin with,” he muttered.
“You didn’t let her go,” Tanner growled. “She was strong enough to leave, and there wasn’t a damn thing you could do about it. If you think she’s hard to handle, you’ve never had to deal with me. So your threats to me are laughable.”
Simply because he couldn’t control himself another second, Tanner swiped his hand across the stack of papers on Neville’s desk, sending them fluttering to the floor.
“We’re done here.”
He marched out the door, Jax at his back. Tanner couldn’t help but roll his eyes and keep walking at the sight of Cash resting a hip on the edge of the receptionist’s desk. The poor girl shouldn’t be working for an ass like Neville, but that wasn’t Tanner’s problem.
“Time for me to go, darlin’,” Tanner heard Cash say. “I’ll give you a call if I’m in town again.”
Tanner knew full well his womanizing cousin wasn’t going to call, and he hadn’t actually lied. He would call if he was in town, but he never came to Atlanta. Cash was too much of a homebody, and Haven was definitely his home.
They all remained silent until they were outside and safely in the privacy of Tanner’s truck.
“I take it things went well.” Cash fastened his belt in the passenger seat and reached up to adjust his vents. “I didn’t hear any glass breaking or screaming.”
“We have a mutual understanding,” Tanner stated as he pulled out into the late afternoon traffic. “But you bet your ass I’m keeping my eye on him.”
“I only had to hold him back once,” Jax stated. “I’m not sure if Neville believes us or if he was just playing stupid, but either way, we’re keeping watch on Melanie, and Tanner has everything else covered.”
“Nobody is touching my family,” Tanner murmured.
He couldn’t get back to Haven fast enough. He wanted to push forward with the next chapter in his life. He wanted Melanie to know that he’d taken care of everything and she had nothing to worry about.
But most of all, he wanted to move her into his house, permanently, and start their life together.