Brant Read online

  “If you had to pick anywhere in the world for me to hide you, to get you away from these maniacs, where would you go?” I ask.

  “Mystic Falls. My friends Damon and Stefan live there. They deal with crazy all the time. They’d keep me protected,” she informs me. All the while, a fat-ass smirk sits on her lips.

  “Cherrrry, a real place, not one where fictional vampires run around causing all sorts of disarray.” It’s like she doesn’t get how important it is she’s kept safe, maybe including safe from me. Sighing, I try another approach, though I know her answers won’t be what I need. She’ll want me to stay close to her.

  “Call Averill. The minute you can make arrangements to, ask to stay with them for a couple of weeks. Rhys will keep you safe. In fact, I’ll fly out a day after you and meet up with Rhys somewhere nearby. Our discussion is way overdue anyway. Add in Averill wanting this argument cleared up before the baby is born and that’s that. Why not start the ball rolling now?”

  “Okay, I’m cool with option B. I’ll call Averill and stay with the Gallhagars for a while. But…a while means days, Ace, not months.”

  “It’s a deal, love.”

  It’ll keep her safely away from me, and now having had her, I’ll be able to stay firmly focused on what needs to be completed here without bringing danger to her doorstep…I hope.

  TESSA

  In the days following, plans are formed, chess moves made.

  And I hate every second of it.

  It’s not like I don’t want to see Av and Rhys again, because I always miss them, but I don’t want to leave Brant behind. I’m holding Justin to his promise of safety. If he doesn’t keep my man safe, I’ll never forgive him, but I don’t want him to lay down his life for him either, like he suggested.

  As the plan stands now, I’ll fly out this coming Wednesday, with Brant following on Thursday. He’ll attempt to smooth things over with Rhys—away from me, I might add—and then will fly back out here the following Sunday.

  Alone.

  Him leaving will hurt, in unexpected ways.

  Of course, I had to tell Av he was here in order for her to know why I was coming to stay for a few days. She had to know Brant was sending me away from home. We’ve chosen to leave out the teeny tiny fact that we’re lovers. It seems like a face-to-face topic of conversation, not one to be revealed over the phone.

  The one thing I am grateful this trip will bring to fruition? The possibility of things getting resolved between Rhys and Brant. They need to work out their differences, pronto. The more Rhys knows, the better.

  Av was happy to hear I was planning an extended visit. I’m upset about leaving my baby in my employees’ hands, but it is what it is. Life hands you limes, make limeade. Yes, limes—I don’t care for lemons. Give me the green citrus.

  It’s Tuesday, which means Ace is working and Justin is moving into my place. Sure…because that’s not obvious. And me? I’m hanging out near my pals. Having already fed Goa Goa, I’m now sitting near their habitat, reading, trying to find peace.

  It’s not working, which is frustrating as fuck.

  I feel like I’m being watched, but it has to just be paranoia setting in. It’s all in my head; no one’s watching me. I’m ridiculous to think otherwise.

  Right?

  Before I give it too much thought, I send off a quick text to Brant. Better safe than sorry and all that.

  Me: Please tell me it’s my imagination and there’s not actually someone watching me.

  Waiting for his reply is pure agony. It’s not like he takes more than one minute to answer, but the hairs on the back of my neck have taken notice. My defenses are up, and all signs are pointing to someone actually watching me.

  Brant: Tell me where you are. Stay put if it’s in public and you’re safe. I’ll be there in minutes…wherever you are. Are you near our furry friends by chance?

  Me: Yes. I could go back and sit near Goa Goa. Should I?

  If it’s going to take more than fifteen minutes for him to get to me, I’m not staying on this bench—no way, Jose.

  Brant: Yes, Cherry. Go back with Goa Goa if you can. I’m in my truck now. I’ll speed, and I’ll see you in a few minutes. Take a deep breath. I’ll be there. XO

  XO? Are we at the point in our relationship where he feels free enough to send me hugs and kisses? I’m sure we are, but we only started having sex like four days ago. Stop it, Tessa. Get the hell up and go to Goa Goa, to safety. Get up, get up, get up.

  Grabbing my bag, my water, and my purse, I casually make my way to the access door and knock. Please answer quickly, Louie.

  My prayers are answered. Louie swings open the door and pulls me inside.

  “Your young man called me. He asked me to come and either sit by you or bring you to see our guy over there.”

  “Brant called you?” Of course, it’s the first thing on my mind. I should be more concerned with this creepy feeling of being watched, but hell if I’m not curious as to how Brant managed to get Louie’s cell number. It’s not like it’s listed on the zoo’s website. “Never mind, don’t answer me. I should be thanking you. It’s probably my crazy brain playing tricks on me, but I’m thankful you’re working today.” When I’m done thanking him, I pull him in for a hug. He’s like the grandfather I don’t have, and I’ve come to care for Louie as if he’s a part of my family.

  “You don’t have to thank me, girl. It’s my honor to keep you safe until your young man arrives, and I will answer your question. It’ll help keep your mind occupied until Brant gets here.” He motions to a seat near a bucket of leaf-eater biscuits. “Sit down, lovely girl.”

  “Um, okay. Thanks?” Why did I question him—again? Can this embarrassing afternoon be over with already?

  Chuckling softly, he does what I did a moment ago: sits.

  “He has my number from when he sent you your stuffed panda. How he acquired it remains a mystery. Maybe he’ll tell us both once he’s here. Do you want to go in and sit with our boy for a few moments? Or would you rather stay and get to know this old man?” he asks.

  “Actually, I’d love to know more about you, Louie.”

  “Ask and I shall answer.”

  “Isn’t it strange how we don’t know much about each other, yet I feel as if you’re a part of my family? Silly, huh?” I ask contemplatively.

  “Not really. We’re in each other’s company enough. We know a few things, the important details anyway. The small things don’t matter much in the end—and by small things, I mean your waistline, what you’re going to have for dinner, what you’ll wear the next day, possessions. The things that truly matter are the whopping details, what’s inside, not the outside, but under the surface,” he says while a sweet smile spreads across his face and his eyes glisten with tears.

  “You’re absolutely correct. Those details are insignificant. Life is made of moments, moments are memories, and memories are the measurable things life is all about. It’s not about who’s dating who, who’s wearing what, or who has the bigger dick.” Glancing up, I see his cheeks turn pink as he chuckles. Oh em gee, I just said dick to him. Fuck my life. “Um, sorry. I’ll clear up my colorful language.”

  “Oh, I’m fine with it,” he says, but he’s lying. The blush still shading his cheeks tells me otherwise.

  We’re interrupted by a loud banging on the door.

  “That must be Brant,” I inform Louie.

  “I’m going, I’m going. Old age has its pitfalls, you know? My walking slower is one of them.”

  He truly is like the two older gentlemen in Grumpy Old Men. Who knew?

  “Cherry, come with me. I have a few things to fill you in on. First things first, you were correct. You’re not delusional. Hurry up, walk with me while the coast’s clear.” Lifting a hand filled with money, he firmly presses it into Louie’s palm. “For your troubles.”

  We leave the habitat like nothing’s happened without letting Louie respond to Brant shoving money at him. Our pace is brisk, an
d before I know it I’m belted into the passenger side of his truck.

  “Is it safe for me to talk now?” I question.

  Actually, I should get bonus points for listening to him and following along with his pace without a peep.

  “Turn the radio up—loud. Get comfy and I’ll take you somewhere else. Then, we’ll talk,” he promises me.

  I may be scared shitless at the moment, but I have complete faith in my man. He’ll always protect me.

  Chapter Eight

  Brant

  You can’t begin to imagine the images that fly into my mind the second her text comes in. I swear, worrying about her takes a solid ten years off my life.

  When I arrive at the zoo—running to the pandas, mind you—I see none other than Corbin and Mick, my dad’s goons. Slowing to a near halt, I casually walk over. I don’t care if they see me, but I have to know a few things, like what they’re doing here and why these two fuckwads would be watching Tessa.

  Taking a seat on a neighboring bench, I attempt to listen to their conversation.

  Corbin says, “Lemme get this shit straight: you, actually you, were married to the flatliner who was reading over near the pandas?”

  You have got to be fucking kidding me—my work Mick is Tessa’s “Mick the Dick”? Dammit, what did I do in my early life to cause such a barrel of twisted monkeys to land in my life? Because, seriously, this is some majorly messed up shit.

  Quieting my internal thoughts, I again try to concentrate on what they’re saying.

  Mick starts spewing his lies. “Yeah, she was a real loner, ya know? I’d known her pretty much my whole life. We dated all through school. Granted, I did still fuck whoever I wanted, but it all changed a couple weeks prior to graduation. Her dad died, so she needed a real man to step up and take his place—and I did.”

  Covering my mouth, I’m successful in keeping them from overhearing my laughs. He’s such a liar. This woman-bashing piece of dog shit doesn’t deserve to be in her presence, and if Corbin believes this filth, he’ll never be worthy of looking at her again either. I will have their balls for this.

  Corbin’s talking again, and it takes me a second to hear him. “Odd, don’t cha think? Boss puts us on babysitting duty, but doesn’t tell us why we’re watching her. Shit, he didn’t even tell us what he wanted reported back—like does he want to know she has a hookup around here and feeds the pandas? And now, you’re claiming she’s your ex-wife. What reason would he have for sending you to watch her? Did you tell the boss you had been married before?”

  Mick merely replies, “Beats me.”

  If you only knew Mick. If you only knew.

  Since they’re not leaving their post, I’ll have to distract them while I grab Cherry. As I walk over to the nearest concession stand, a plan starts to formulate. If I can get it to work, it’ll give us enough time if we book it out of here. She’ll have to trust me, no questions asked until later.

  There’s a cute teenager working the stand, reminding me of what I assume Averill looked like at that age. Her name tag says Melissa. As I approach, she grins, her teeth full of braces.

  “Hello, are you having a zooooorific day?” she asks.

  “I will be if you can do this favor for me. I’ll pay you a hundred bucks, but only as long as you won’t get fired for helping me.”

  Taking a few precious minutes, I fill her in on my plan.

  “Dude, this shit is going to be epic. Do you read? There’s this book, Brightside, where the main character wants to do something epic every day. Cool, huh?”

  “Yeah, cool. Maybe I’ll read it someday,” I snap back, a tad anxiously. “It’s go time, Melissa. Please try to keep them for five minutes. If you can’t, make a caw caw sound extremely loudly. Are you all set to go?”

  “I’m gravy, Ace.”

  Shaking my head, I don’t bother to question her using my nickname. Though I’m not totally sure why, ladies seem to feel the need to call me Ace.

  She pushes her refreshment cart, which now has a full display of stuffed animals covering the back so no one can see around her, closer to our target. When I can no longer make out what’s behind her as she faces Dumb and Dumber, I quickly run toward my sweet Cherry.

  Knocking quickly, I forget about my manners, grab my girl, press some money into Louie’s hand, and bolt for the entrance. Melissa’s cart is still covering us as we make our escape. She’s amazing—not Melissa, but my Cherry girl…and, okay, Melissa, too. If it weren’t for her enthusiasm, my idea wouldn’t have worked.

  Glancing over at Cherry, I see she’s still visibly shaken. She has a right to be, though she still doesn’t know what happened fifteen minutes ago.

  As we’re driving along now, I can’t help myself—I keep gazing over to stare at her. My eyes are drawn to hers. The loud music doesn’t seem to bother her. I had her turn it up because it’s obvious that my father knows I’m involved with someone, so I’m thinking he must have my truck bugged. He wants me to concentrate on the business, not a side piece, as he’d call her. Too damn bad he doesn’t have any idea what’s about to go down.

  She’s my world now, and I’ll do anything to protect her.

  Pulling into Mission Beach Park, I stop in the first spot wide enough for the truck. I place a finger to my mouth, to communicate that she should remain quiet. I’m not positive the truck’s been bugged, but I’m not risking it. The beach seemed like the most logical place for us to go. We can talk here without the risk of someone overhearing us.

  Opening her door, I haul her into my arms. I have one hand placed behind her head, the other wrapped under her knees. She’s crying, and I’m doing all I can to comfort her. She’s the strongest woman I know. Her silent tears stream down her face before hitting my hand as it cradles her head.

  “Cherry, you’re safe here.” Finding a clear space in the sand, I sit down, careful not to hurt her.

  “Br-Brant, what’s going on?” she manages to ask through her sniffles.

  “I brought us here and turned the radio up because I wasn’t sure if our places or vehicles have been bugged. It seems Martinelli knows about us.” She takes a deep breath as her beautiful sapphire eyes seek out mine. “And, uh, there’s more, sweetness.”

  “Okay…I figured as much. Let me sit up a bit, and tell me everything. I can handle it, Ace.”

  Bending my head toward hers, I place a peck upon her lips, release her, and let her get comfortable. She gets up and plops down next to me, her fingers spreading out to absentmindedly play in the sand surrounding her.

  “When I was running to you, I stopped short because I spied two of Martinelli’s goons. My first thought was to get closer to them. I was curious to see if I could possibly overhear their conversation. I didn’t care if they saw me, I’d just think of something my father wanted as my reasoning for my presence. What I heard changes everything.” My hand seeks out hers; I need the physical connection to continue. “Your ex-husband is one of the thugs sent to ‘keep an eye on you’.”

  She squeezes my hand hard enough that she would have broken my fingers if they’d been threaded together.

  “Excuse me? What? Can you explain, please?” she begs, the shock evident in her voice.

  “I overheard them talking. Corbin—the other fuckwad—said he couldn’t believe Mick was married to you. I’ve met Mick a couple of times, maybe three. Anyway, he went on and spat his lies to Corbin. I also found out that they have no idea why they’ve been sent to watch you, but I do. He has to know about us, and him having you followed is his threat to me, one to keep me in line. He believes if he infiltrates my life by knowing those closest to me, he’ll somehow keep me close. It’s twisted, I know.” Sighing, I take a moment before continuing on. “Now I’m more certain than ever—you have to be protected. You’ll be safer away from me until this has ended. My work Mick ending up being your ex Mick hits too close to home. I’m not risking your safety. I love you too much to ever want to lose you because of my ‘job’.”


  TESSA

  Holy shitballs.

  His declaration of love scares me more than knowing Mick is nearby and knows where I am. I’m not entirely sure how to answer, so I’m staying silent for the moment.

  Love.

  The last time I trusted a man as much as I blindly trust Brant, it nearly killed me. Love scares me. I’ve done love. The kind of love I did isn’t typical, I know, but in the beginning, we were terrific. We had normal dates—dinners, movies, days at the beach, nights spent at bonfires with his friends. Those things were easy.

  It’s the hard parts I’m terrified of.

  Love.

  It brings you joy and incredible pain. It’s nights spent in the hospital with broken ribs. It’s black eyes and cut lips, giant sunglasses to cover the bruises, long-sleeved sweaters, button-downs, and t-shirts. My upper arms and my wrists had to be covered, so long sleeves were a must, even in hundred-degree weather. It’s lying to those surrounding you. It’s getting smacked for simply laughing too loudly. Once, my head hit the wall behind me with enough force to knock me out. I woke hours later in a hospital bed, alone. It’s retreating so far back inside yourself, eventually you end up hating who you are enough to want to end it all.

  For me to believe the words coming from Brant’s lush lips, I’m going to have to take some time to think it over. I…like Brant. Since we’ve decided to give in and see each other, he’s managed to lift my spirits every day, but my pesky promise to myself is always there at the forefront of my mind.