The Change: Better Part 24

Oh, thats right, you three are going to dinner. Tessa stressed the three part.

Can I, mom? Ryan was so eager, he s.h.i.+fted his weight from one foot to the other, and it looked like he was dancing.

If thats what you want. Tessa gave in.

While they get dressed, Ill get you a cab back to your place. Id had enough Tessa time. We werent giving her a ride.

Arent you sweet, shed said in that fake voice.

No, not really. Not to her.

That had made Forde laugh.

At the condo, the guys disappeared into the man cave, and I printed all of the lists for Sat.u.r.day nights party, and started to review them. About an hour later, Ryan wandered in.

Hey, do you want a snack? I knew the kid was a bottomless pit.

Maybe. He headed to the refrigerator. This kitchen is so cool.

I know you like to eat. Do you like to cook, too?

He pulled out two individual Jell-O containers. If I said yes, would you think thats weird?

Nope. Id say that in this day and age, with the way you eat, youd better be able to cook or youd starve to death in two days.

My grandpa says its a sissy thing to do. Ryan looked away as he moved to open drawers.

Spoons are in the next one, to your right. I waited until he found one. I dont know what its like in Texas, but here in Indiana, bada.s.s men can cook.

Really? His eyes widened.

I know a guy who worked undercover with a biker gang, and hes still pretty scary. He made us dinner, and it was amazing. I gave a nod to push my point. Youll meet him at the party. In fact, hes helping me with the menu.

Ryan opened the second container and pulled a chair next to mine. So what are you going to have?

Heres the list. Im going to the grocery store tomorrow. How many carts do you think Ill fill up?

He started looking at the list, and after a few minutes he sort of froze. He gave me a guilty look. Uhm, do you think my dad is mad I stopped playing the game with him and Im in here with you?

I reached over and ruffled his hair. Was he losing?

Kind of. Ryan gave me a little smile.

Heres the deal with Forde. Hes really honest. h.e.l.l want you to be the same with us. Do what makes you happy.

Ryan stared into my eyes for a few seconds, just like his dad did when he was trying to see if I was being truthful. Finally, he nodded.

Its really important that you be yourself with us, since were getting to know you. There isnt a right or wrong answer. Just be you.

Really? Ryan leaned forward onto his arms.

Yeah. I was finding that with Forde, all of that was true.

Hey, did she lure you into the kitchen with a promise of cookies or something else she can bake up in a few minutes?

I jumped, then gave Forde a scowl. Id never get used to how silently he moved.

Cookies? You didnt say anything about cookies. Ryan gave me an accusatory look.

We have a reservation in an hour, I reminded them.

Forde moved closer and picked up one of my five lists. Is she asking you questions about the food for the party?

Its okay. I kind of like cooking stuff. Ryan watched his dad closely, waiting for his reaction.

Thats so cool. What can you make? Forde asked him without a pause.

I loved watching Ryans demeanor change. He sat a little taller in the chair as he started to list his specialties.

Its going to take you at least two carts to get all of this stuff. Ryan waived my three- page shopping list in the air.

Maybe Tony can help me tomorrow afternoon? I started to make a note to ask him.

I can go, Ryan said.

Man, Ill pay you if youd help out like that, Forde told him.

Are you sure thats how you want to spend your Friday afternoon? I hoped he wasnt offering to be polite or to impress us.

Well, someone needs to help you. Ryan rolled his eyes sounding like his dad.

Thanks, now I feel like a charity case. I b.u.mped my shoulder into his.

Son, Id appreciate it if you would help out. Forde gave us both one of his warm smiles.

Chapter Twenty-Two.

I was so happy that I could drive myself once again. I felt like I did the day I got my license. Freedom. The guys had discussed things late last night, and the consensus was that Id be safe. Rick had talked to his equal from the Cancerberos side and was a.s.sured they had no problem with me.

Forde gave me the good news right after my first cup of coffee by handing me a set of keys to one of Limiteds Expeditions. Then he blew my mind by mentioning wed go car shopping the next week. Hed suggested a Lexus. I told him I wouldnt be comfortable driving a car that cost more than most of the places that Id lived in growing up. So, the cheeky man then proposed a used Lexus. Ugh, he was impossible in the best way.

After he left for work, I went shopping for paper products and a few extra pans since the condos kitchen supplies were few. Id hurried home and unloaded with the help of a security guard. Tony and Zoe were coming over that night for pizza and to go over the final plans for the party. I hoped that Ryan would join us, because Forde wanted to introduce him to our friends.

My cell rang just as I was making a peanut b.u.t.ter sandwich for lunch. Lay. The rumble in Fordes voice made my inner-most muscles spasm.

Hows lunch going? I asked. Hed had plans with Ryan.

Ricks with us, and were going to be done in about thirty.

Do I need to pick Ryan up? I glanced at the clock and ran a quick timeline in my head.

Ill drop him off at our place, Forde said.

Thanks, that way I can eat my sandwich.

I should have offered to pick up lunch for you, he said, sounding apologetic.

He was so thoughtful. No worries. Im good. See you soon.

Love you, Lay. He ended the call.

I wish he would have stayed on the line a little longer. I would have replied in kind. I was ready.

Id been practicing saying those three words. I was sure I was in love with Lucien Forde. It might be crazy, but well, my life was a little crazy in an awesomely unconventional way.

Ryan and I each pushed a shopping cart filled with bags through the grocerys automatic exit doors. At some point in the last hour and a half, he had become the leader and I, the minion.

He read from the list, and I ran around looking for the item. We worked well together. He joked and was easy-going, a joy to hang with. As we made our way to the Expedition, I took over the lead with Ryan trailing behind me.

The store had been surprisingly busy, and the parking lot was crammed full of cars with more circling trying to find a better parking place. The wind had picked up. I was preoccupied with controlling the unwieldly cart when I should have been paying better attention to my surroundings.

When we got to the SUV, I hit the unlock b.u.t.ton so Ryan could pop the back gate. I put my purse behind the drivers seat and started the unloading process. We had one cart packed with the heavy items, and then the other cart was filled with the rest.

Id just put three bags in the back, and was turning to grab more, when a black, four-door sedan stopped right behind us.

I didnt have time to think as three doors opened and men jumped out.

Ryan was leaning over putting his load in.

I knew we were in danger. I took a step toward Ryan and shoved him, hard. Run, I told him.

What? he sputtered looking shocked and confused.

There was no time. Run Ryan, I yelled, and then I moved toward the man closest to me, pulling the keys from my front pocket, cutting him off.

The man made a grab for my arm, and I raked his face with the car key.

I took that second of surprise to run in the opposite direction, away from the store, hopefully in the opposite direction of Ryans path. I didnt get very far; my pursuers were faster. I tried to the fight the arms wrapped around my chest, and I kicked at a leg. As I fought, I was desperately trying to see whether Ryan had gotten away. His safety came first. I wanted to give him that chance.

The guy holding me dragged me back to the car and threw me against it. My hip took most of the impact, numbing my entire leg, before I could recover, everything went black.

I was slowly coming to. My muscles jerked and flexed, and I tried to surface. Part of my brain wanted to stay under. The other part, Ill label it my survival instinct, needed to see what was happening. How bad was this?

Slowly, I became aware that I was secured to a wooden chair. My arms were folded behind my back, and each ankle was bound to a chair leg. I couldnt run, no matter how much my animal instinct wanted me to. The only thing that kept me from busting into sobs was that I was pretty sure Ryan wasnt in a chair next to me. Relief poured over me. At least Id done one thing right; Id kept Fordes son safe.

The b.i.t.c.h is coming around.

The male voice to my left caused me to lift my head. The muscles in my neck screamed in pain. Christ, how long had I been out? I scanned the room. It looked like I was in the utility room of an older house. It smelled of dampness and old food. The floor had cracked tile and a huge sink in the corner to my right.

A large man with dark, s.h.a.ggy hair and small, mean eyes stood in front of me. He gave me a cruel smile as he backhanded me.

The slap rattled my brain. I shook my head, trying to clear it. I needed to think. I ran my tongue around my parched lips and tasted blood. I waited until my brain was capable of doing simple math before I looked up again.

You challengin me, c.u.n.t? He hit me again.

This a.s.shole thought eye contact was a challenge? What was he, a wild animal? I felt a hysterical laugh start in my belly. Of course, he was.

I kept my head down, and it took a while for my brain to fully click on. Before all this s.h.i.+t, Id never been hit in the face before or by a man. I didnt like it, and frankly, I was tired of it. All of it. I couldnt defend myself being bound. The plastic zip ties cut into my wrists and ankles as I pulled against them. I was getting frustrated and annoyed. My cheek ached and a few of my teeth might be loose. I could still taste the blood from my lips being split. If I raise my head are you going to hit me again? I asked trying to sound reasonable. Dont antagonize him, the voice roared in my head.

Between the big t.i.ts and her fire, no wonder Fordes f.u.c.kin her. This voice came from the doorway.

I lifted my head just enough to get a clear look in the direction of that voice. This one was dressed nicely, in a b.u.t.ton-down s.h.i.+rt in a deep purple and gray, wool-blend pants. His shoes were so s.h.i.+ny I could almost check out how much damage the big guy had done to my face. He looked like someone who worked behind a huge desk in a downtown office. He pushed away from the doorway and moved into the room. Clearly, this man was in charge.

Im not going to hit you, Mrs. Shepherd. He squatted in front of me.

I caught the word choice immediately. He didnt promise not to hurt me, only not to hit me. Who, the word croaked from my throat. Who are you? I looked him in the eye.

He grinned, and it was disarming. He had a dimple. I almost believed he was harmless, but I knew better. How rude of me, Im Javier Moreno.

I had not heard of Javier. But that last name Juan was my cousin, he said, as though he could read my mind.

I nodded once. So Vador still had a problem within his Cancerberos ranks, and the Morenos werent done with me.

Javier raised his hand slowly, and I flinched instinctively.

Shh, easy, chica. He ran his hand lightly over the side of my mouth, and it came away b.l.o.o.d.y. He looked at his hand, and then at me. So much blood has spilled. My family and yours, they are forever tied.

His gentle touch and tone were no comfort. I stopped breathing until I felt my heart pound in my chest. I ordered my body to take a breath. I needed to be smart about everything I did.

Who was the boy? his tone innocent, almost like he was making casual conversation.

I knew better. If I didnt look into his eyes, I might be able to convince myself he wasnt dangerous. But his eyes were burning brightly, and they were focused on me. This was exciting him.

He sc.r.a.ped his index fingernail along my cheek, leaving a raised trail.

The control he showed was terrifying. It took everything I had not to flinch away from his scratching.

You dont have a son. It came out as a statement.

A frr-friends, I said, hating that I stuttered. Im not supposed to do any heavy lifting. I lied, but I thought it added to my story.