Her trust a dark syndica.., p.22
Her Trust : A Dark Syndicate Romance, page 22
“Aren’t you meant to be at home?” I ask, arching brow at him.
“I wanted to come in and check in on ye, make sure the newbie is doing his job properly.”
I regard him with amusement tugging on my lips. “Lorraine had enough of you?”
“She told me if I didn’t leave the house today, she’d bury me in the garden.” He looks grim and it makes me let out a soft chuckle, which only heightens his suspicion. “You’re in a good mood, lass?”
“Would you believe me if I said I was happy to see you?”
“Of course, everyone’s always glad to see me.”
“Except Lorraine, apparently.”
He continues as though I haven’t spoken. “But I’m surprised you would say it out loud. The cop that bad? So unbearable you have to gush over me as soon as I walk through the door?”
That pesky flush threatens to rise over my neck and to my cheeks as I think of how I gushed all over Harvey’s face not that long ago. Not that Stuart would ever be partied to that information. “I’m just more comfortable with the familiar,” I mumble. “And I’d hardly say I gushed.”
“Telling me you’re happy to see me is practically a declaration of love from you, Anni.” He chuckles and I look down at the desk to hide the emotion on my face. Stuart is the closest thing I have to a friend in this world, but our relationship has always been kept firmly in the Employee-Employer box. Because I don’t know how to do anything else. But every time he calls me Anni, the name my mother used to call me before I was ripped from her arms, it makes me wish I could let him in. I wish I could tell him about Harvey and all the unfamiliar emotions swarming through my system like a plague of locusts. But I can’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I offer him the truth he is already a part of.
“I told Campos about Stanley.”
Stuart’s jaw drops and his eyes blow wide. I give him a few seconds to compose himself, but he doesn’t really. He clears his throat and manages to get his mouth working again to say, “How? Why?”
I shrug like it’s no big deal, but Stuart knows all too well that’s not true. I never told anyone what Stanley was doing to me, everyone I had contact with worked for him and they wouldn’t have stood up for me. Except Stuart. I didn’t know him well before, he was an enforcer for my father and a good one by all accounts. He used to visit the house often to receive assignments or debrief. To me, he was just another scary man who had the potential to lay hands on me. But one day Stuart was here later than usual and Stanley must have forgotten he was still around since he came to me as normal when he thought the house was empty, and left the door open—his way of letting me know that no one was going to save me. But that night, Stuart walked past and stood frozen as I gagged and cried each time my father stabbed his disgusting cock into me. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t stop it, I begged him with my eyes to do something, but he walked away. I cried that night knowing that even though someone knew, I was still not getting saved, but the next day, he came to the house while Stanley was away. He found me in my room and told me to tell him all about it. He promised it would end but he couldn’t stop it straight away, he wasn’t in a position to take out Stanley Wolfe. I thought it was nothing but empty promises from someone trying to be kind. But after that, Stanley was away at night more and more or Stuart was there at night for one reason or another so Stanley would have to leave me alone. Three months later the two of us had a solid plan and two weeks after that, Stanley was dead. “He was being a prick; I was pissed off.” I answer Stuart’s questions.
“I’ve seen you plenty pissed off over the years, lass. You’ve never let that slip before.” He looks concerned as he leans forward, resting his crossed forearms on the other side of the desk.
“I…I don’t know.” I sigh.
He regards me with crinkled brows for a moment before his eyes widen and his mouth gapes again. “You like him!”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” My response is too quick.
“You like like him.” He looks incredulous.
I huff and hit him with my coldest glare. “What are you, a teenage girl?”
“Don’t deflect.”
“You’re being absurd.” I readjust my position in my chair, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. “I don’t do silly crushes.”
His cheeks puff out on a long exhale as he slumps back in his chair and swipes his palm over his face. This conversation is so far away from our usual comfortable professionalism that he seems out of his depth, and it makes me squirm in awkwardness. “Anni,” he sighs. “You’re a young woman, you’ve been through a lot, and you’ve come out the other end stronger and smarter than anyone. You’ve built an empire, but don’t be afraid to build a life too.”
“You’re saying I don’t have a life?” I bristle.
“Outside of Talon business, no. And you know that.” He gives me a sad smile and I suddenly have a golf ball stuck in my throat. “There’s nothing wrong with having feelings for someone, Anni. Although it being a cop is surprising.”
“Ex-cop,” I snap, then groan at my damned defensiveness.
Stuart rolls his lips into his mouth in an attempt not to laugh at me and I scowl at him. “I should leave you alone more often, I’m liking the developments made in my absence.”
“Congratulations Stuart,” I say with no enthusiasm, “You now have two women in your life who can’t stand the sight of you.”
He tips his head back and laughs a full belly laugh, that I cannot help but smile at. Despite how uncomfortable this new dynamic has made me, I do feel a sense of peace now that I’ve confided in someone. Something I’ve never done on a personal matter, not since Stuart first came to me with promises of helping me out of an impossible situation. It seems fitting that he is the one to take on my burdens once again. Maybe I’ve allowed him to move past the employee box, just an inch.
“How are those girls of yours?” he asks.
“Of mine?”
“They’re yours until they’re not, right?”
There’s a blooming in my chest. A warmth right in the centre at the thought of these girls being mine and a crazy thought comes out of my mouth before I can process properly in my head. “What if I ask them to stay with me? Permanently?”
The shock I’m expecting from Stuart isn’t there when I look up. Instead a gentle smile and if I’m not mistaken, watery eyes. “I think that would be a wonderful thing, Anni.”
“It’s stupid,” I argue with my own idea. “My life isn’t suitable for children.”
He takes a deep breath looking off to the side as he contemplates his next words. “You know, there are people out there who have children and have no love for them. People who do everything right, stop working to look after their offspring, buy all the most expensive toys, teach them their version of morality and right and wrong. But in the end their child is just another trophy to be put in a case, another excuse to show off, to prove to the world they’re better than everyone else. There are people who have no money, no place to call home, they have children and can barely provide for them.
I don’t think your life is any better or worse than the millions of households having children each year. If you want them in your life because you can provide them with things beyond material possessions, you’re doing a better job than a lot of people out there. The fact that you're aware they need more and are worried about being able to provide it just proves you’re the right person for the job.”
I smile at that. “Diamond said something along those lines.”
“She’s a very wise woman.”
“She is.”
“If you want this Anni, I love it for you. I love it for them. And you know I will help in any way I can.”
I nod, unable to say anything over the emotions I’m trying to tamper down.
“Please tell me you can make use of me today,” he says once he’s composed himself.
“I have a restaurant owner in the heart of the city who hasn’t paid his taxes in two months, want to stretch out and throw your weight around?” I smirk at him.
His grin turns devilish. “It would be my pleasure, boss.”
We stride along the hall to the exit of the club and Harvey spots us, coming over to greet Stuart with a handshake.
“How’s it going? Your wife is well?” he asks with genuine concern.
“Never better, she kicked me out so she can host book club with her friends.” Stuart laughs and Harvey chuckles along with him before looking at me and letting his smile fade. I hate that he’s treating me differently. I wanted him to realise what an obnoxious arsehole he was being, I didn’t want this.
“Stuart is accompanying me to La Delice, you can head back to the house.” I say coolly and then correct myself. “Or home, I don’t need you this evening.”
I don’t miss the flash of disappointment in his eyes, but he nods and pats Stuart on the arm. “Good to see you.” Then he leaves.
Stuart looks at me with raised brows and whistles. “Wow, that was awkward.”
“Shut up.”
27
ANNIKA
Stuart waits in his car as I head into the house and only drives away when the door is closed and the security at the door gives him the salute. I know he’s eager to get home to Lorraine and as much as I feel bad for taking him away from her for longer than we originally planned today, it felt good to have a break from Javier. My brain doesn’t function around that man. As soon as I’m through the door, I’m assaulted by music blaring further into the house. An onslaught of drums and fanfare that makes me feel like a carnival procession is about to parade down my hallway.
I follow my ears to the kitchen where all my senses are suddenly under attack. The smell of coconut is strong, and every surface seems to have a dusting of powder over the top. Mabel and Keely are shrieking and giggling as Harvey spins them around, encouraging them to dance to the music playing so loud it’s practically cracking out of whatever speakers he’s using.
“What the hell is going on?” I observe the scene with intrigue and horror. There is mess everywhere I look. Harvey has a smudge of white powder on his cheek and the girls are covered in some sort of white batter.
“Oh, hey!” Harvey looks up at me with a wide smile, eyes twinkling in the warm spotlights. “Come join us.”
“Yes!” Keely jumps up squealing. “Anni, dance with us!”
“Uh, no. I don’t dance.” I enter the kitchen fully and try really hard not to let the disgust show on my face. I’ve never seen so much mess. What is this powder? I’m pretty sure Harvey wouldn’t do drugs…or have them near children.
“Not good enough,” the man in question says, taking my hand in his and pulling me close. With one hand enveloping mine and the other on my back, in a respectable position, he leads me around the kitchen swaying his hips to the beat and keeping me close. I’m stiff and uncomfortable in his arms. I didn’t lie. I really don’t dance. But there’s something about Javier’s body heat on mine and the smell of coconut and his zesty aftershave that makes me relax against him, allowing his lead to guide me around without falling over. The awkwardness form earlier seems to have dissipated and I can’t help the small smile that plays on my lips.
“You’re a terrible dancer.” I hear Mabel laugh over the music.
“Yes, well, I did try to say so,” I mumble looking at my feet, trying desperately not to step on anyone’s toes. Harvey’s finger curls under my chin and lifts my head until our eyes meet.
“You look down, you’ll fall down.” His smile is so bright and inviting that I find myself leaning in an inch before I catch myself and my eyes widen in surprise. Was I about to kiss him?
He seems to have the same thought, looking as shocked as I am, and we stop dancing, him still holding me and me breathing heavy.
“I think that’s enough dancing,” I say over a swallow.
“Yeah.” He clears his throat.
“Is it time to eat the sweets now, Harvey?” Keely asks.
He seems to shake himself out of whatever trance he was in and nods, heading to his phone on the counter and turning the music off. From the fridge he pulls a tray of white stuff that I can only assume is the source of whatever is splodged all over the girls’ faces and clothing. He slides the substance from the tray and cuts it into squares.
“Kee, pass me the coconut please,” Harvey says. When she does, he turns to Mabel. “Okay, now cover them all in the coconut and put them back in the tray.”
While the girls get to their task, I pull Harvey to one side. “What are you doing here?” Not that I’m mad about it. I’m trying to be but honestly, I can’t muster an ounce of annoyance.
“Guinevere called me because she didn’t want to bother you at your meeting, she wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t sure she could look after the girls.”
“Is she okay?” I glance toward the hall, wondering if I should go and check on her.
“She’s fine, has a migraine and said she just needed to sleep it off. I was happy to come over and hang out with the girls. They’re not completely comfortable with Lee or the other guys yet, plus they’re all busy.”
“Oh. I’ll ensure you’re paid for your time.” For some reason, I can’t seem to meet his eye.
“No, thank you.” I finally look up to catch his smile. When I raise my eyebrow in curiosity, he chuckles. “I didn’t do it for overtime, I like hanging out with them. They’re good kids. Plus, I got to share my grandmother’s Maria-mole recipe.” He gestures toward the girls who are concentrating on coating sticky marshmallow looking squares in shredded coconut.
“We’re finished,” Keely announces with a gapped tooth smile.
Momentarily I’m panicked by the sight of her. “What happened to your tooth?” I step over to her and without my usual caution with regards to touching either of them, I cup her face, tilting it up so I can check her mouth.
“I lost my tooth!” She looks up at me with excitement sparkling in her deep brown eyes. “Harvey says a fairy will buy it from me.”
A warm palm on my shoulder relaxes tension that I hadn’t noticed in my bones. “Kids’ teeth fall out, rainha. She’s okay.” He says the last part in a low and reassuring whisper.
Right. Yes, of course, kids lose their teeth. I totally remember that. No one would have punched a six-year-old in my house. Stupid woman. Once I’ve rationalised, Keely’s words register. “A fairy?”
“Yeah! Harvey says if I put the tooth that fell out under my pillow, in the morning there will be money there instead. Because the tooth fairy takes the tooth away.”
“Right,” I say slowly. Is this a thing? Glancing at Javier, he nods at me, answering my unasked question.
“When I have money, I can buy sweets!” Keely grins. I realise her little face is still cradled in my hands. It’s an oddly tender position to be in, I’ve never touched someone like this before, or had someone touch me like that. It’s nice. She hasn’t seemed to care about the contact and that’s even nicer. Her trust could almost melt a hole in my Ice Queen armour. Almost.
I let go of her and step back. “You keep eating sweets and you’ll lose all of your teeth.”
“More money!” she squeals and I roll my eyes.
“Can we eat this now?” Mabel asks with a little attitude.
“Alright, alright, keep your hair on, ursa.” Harvey picks up the tray and takes it to the table, the girls hurry over, taking seats while I look around my kitchen in slight disdain, wondering when it would be acceptable to wake Guinevere up to ask her to tidy. “Don’t worry, I’ll clear it all up when you head upstairs with the girls. I swear I won’t leave until every speck is wiped away.”
“I didn’t say anything,” I defend. “I’ll…uh, leave you to it then.” I turn to leave but many protests are made behind me.
“We made it for you,” Keeley whines, her eyes wide with worry that I plan on walking away.
“Come, sit, rainha. You will enjoy it, I promise.”
I join them, the girls are in the comfy t-shirts and leggings I bought them, Harvey in cargo shorts and his standard black t-shirt. I sit in my orange Karen Millan suit, back straight and perching on the edge of my seat while the others lean on the table or in Keely’s case, kneels on her chair with her palms on the table as she hovers over the sweets.
“So, what is this?” I gesture at the white stuff.
“Maria-mole,” Harvey answers, thickening his accent.
“Which is…?”
“Condensed milk, coconut cream, sugar, egg white, coconut,” he lists off.
“So, nothing with nutritional value.” I screw my face up at the substance.
“Oh, come on rainha, sometimes food should be for the soul, not just the body.”
“And this will feed my soul?” I ask, plucking a square from the tray and examining it closely.
“Try it and see.” He shrugs.
I pop the piece into my mouth and wince at the overwhelming sweetness, it tastes of coconut and sugar, and it sticks to my teeth as I chew. It’s not as bad as I may have thought but I can’t say I like it. However, looking at the girls, they’re both looking at me expectantly. Even Mabel looks stiff with anticipation for my reaction. Somehow, I know there’s only one correct answer. “It’s delicious.”
I try for a smile, but it doesn’t feel natural although none of them seem to notice. It’s like they collectively deflate, offering big, smug smiles as hands dart forward to grab their own pieces. They all moan and smile around mouths stuffed with Marie-mole and I take a minute to appreciate the scene. The girls look so relaxed, happy. They’ve both put much needed weight on and are well on their way to being unrecognisable from the filthy, scrawny, near feral creatures we found a few short weeks ago. The warmth in my chest that I felt earlier when speaking to Stuart about them comes back with a vengeance. For the first time in my adult life, I feel nervous. I’m going to put myself out there. I’m going to offer myself to someone, even though it may not be a romantic entanglement, I’m still considering tying myself to another life, two other lives.
