Chapter 9

Chapter Nine Declan

“Didn’t ever really expectfor you to be back here,” Scarlett sneers as Nic follows Noah into the room. I suppress my smile and maintain a cool indifference as I track his movements into the room. His eyes are immediately drawn to where Rachel sits at Jade’s side.

Scarlett is quick to jump to her feet and move in front of the pair. They may have demons from their past made worse by the rawness of their pain, but there is no justification for the way he’s turned his back on her. Learning he was the intended heir only makes his behavior that much more suspicious.

“Never thought I’d have any reason to be back here,” he says dismissively and Scarlett bristles even as she rolls her eyes. Her foot taps in her anger as she doesn’t bother to try and mask her reactions for him. She had been softening towards Alec’s less than likable twin despite his first impression. She even pushed for him to comfort Rachel during the funeral, thinking she could have a piece of her family back even if she lost her other half.

Rather than bring comfort, all he’s done is hurt her. Even as I think it, Rachel flinches behind Scarlett, her small frame cowering away from his obvious disdain. My fists clench at my sides at being reminded just how broken Rachel is.

“Spit out your reason for showing back up or leave,” Scarlett demands, her patience obviously waning. A glint of silver makes me smirk as I catch sight of Ryder’s less than obvious threat as he fingers one of his favored blades. His only saving grace is the shared belief between us all that he still has some common sense and wouldn’t show up on our doorstep without a damn good reason.

I cock my head to the side as I analyze him, waiting for his response. There’s a flicker of regret in his eyes as they drift to where Rachel has curled in on herself on the couch. I wonder if he even recognizes her. If he feels any remorse that he continues to push her further into her grief, or if he’s relishing in his ability to stroke the flames of her guilt that Alec’s death is somehow her fault. It’s not.

It’s no one’s. Not hers, not Scarlett’s. Though they both seem determined to carry the burden of blame on their delicate shoulders. There is no logic or reasoning in grief or guilt. The only way for them to see the truth is to hand over the man truly behind Alec’s death. Everything points to Romano, yet none of the pieces we have fit together to paint a clear picture. I can’t help but feel we are missing key elements that led to Unbidden Desires blowing up that day.

As quickly as I saw it, that flicker disappears from Nicholis’ eyes. Any sign of his humanity vanishes once more as his cold demeanor returns with a sense of business. “Thought you would benefit from knowing the Alvarados have declared they will no longer do any business with Romano.”

Hmm, that does have my attention. I mirror his indifferent expression while my pretty girl cocks her head to the side and hums, “Interesting.” There’s a lot left unsaid with that single word. A lot of blanks that still need to be filled in.

The Alvarados hold a lot of power, not only in this world but in mine and Scarlett’s former one as well. A family known for openly riding the line between the depraved underworld that lives in the elite’s shadows. They might have their own moral code, but it isn’t one that wholly aligns with ours. There’s enough overlap that they’ve earned our respect, though not our friendship.

They’ve never had a problem working with Romano all these years even when they themselves never participated in human trafficking. What caused their sudden shift in allegiance?

“They’re claiming he’s unreliable and causing too much havoc.”

Kade snorts, “And we aren’t?” I tilt my head in agreement. We were the ones to openly declare war, the ones who’ve left a rather large, and attention-grabbing, trail of bodies behind us.

Nic smirks, a bit of the guy we had all started to get to know and like shining through. “Guess you are the type of chaos they endorse.”

“Hmm,” Scarlett hums to herself. She’s clearly weighing the news without giving away her thoughts to the outsider. Making such a public statement is the equivalent of the Alvarados announcing their support of us. No one who matters will miss their intentions. Uncovering their motivations is an entirely different story however.

My phone beeps, alerting me to the security going off again. I meet Luca’s eyes only to find the same questions reflected back at me. Everyone else is already here, most of them unaware of yet another unexpected guest. Scarlett’s body tightens as her unease wafts off her in palpable waves.

“Another surprise guest?” I ask, cracking my neck and moving closer to Scarlett. “I don’t think I like that,” she murmurs softly, just loud enough for me to catch as I reach her side. My hand wraps around her smaller one as I pull her closer into me. Everyone else slowly catches on that something is wrong as they stop having their side conversations to focus on us.

Noah already has his computer open and is looking to see who it is. A grimace settles across his face as he gives Scarlett a helpless look, all but confirming her sentiment. “I don’t think you’re going to like this.” My grip tightens on her hand as I pull her against my chest and into my arms.

Luca rips the laptop out of his hands before Noah can stop him and immediately starts cursing. If the two of their reactions weren’t enough to give it away, the way Luca doesn’t turn to Scarlett, but rather Kade would be.

Scarlett’s entire body goes rigid and I swear she even stops breathing. I glare at Noah, knowing he’s the cause behind this latest development. The reason for the imminent meltdown of our girl.

Noah’s already watching her, a guilty and fearful look in his eyes. Her body shudders as she forces herself to take several deep breaths. Obviously, trying to regain the control she seems to always lose in the presence of her past.

“He wouldn’t be here unless it’s something big,” he attempts to console her.

“That does not make me feel better,” she mutters to herself. I squeeze her hip in comfort. I can’t be confident that she was ready for this confrontation, but it needed to happen. She leans back into me and true worry sparks in my chest as I soak in the riotous emotions coming off of her. My pretty girl has come so far from the desolate woman I met in the bar. She’s stronger, more whole. Charles and the demons he brings with him threatens to topple that back down.

“What just happened?” Nic asks as he studies the sudden shift in the atmosphere of the room.

Before any of us have a chance to form a response, Rachel snaps, “None of your goddamn business.”

Scarlett snorts and pulls out of my arms to stand straight, smoothing her expression back into the indifference I’m accustomed to seeing on her face. Her mask, her armor. She raises a brow at him and nods. “What she said.”

“What is he doing here, Noah?” Luca snarls, drawing us all back to the issue at hand.

He raises his hands in defense. “I don’t know why he’s here now, but it has to be because he has big news,” he hesitates. “News that he didn’t feel he could share over the phone or through email.” The insinuation is heavy, but it does nothing to ease the rapidly growing tension in the room. It isn’t just the six of us reacting. Every single person in this room is reacting to the volatility leaking from Scarlett, no matter how she may appear on the surface. All of us are too in tune with her to not be affected by his sudden arrival.

“Everyone, stand down,” I order. We’re too close to completely losing control. It’s the last thing she needs when she’s in a state of vulnerability. “Lashing out won’t solve anything,” I remind everyone. A modicum of calm ripples through the group as everyone stands down. Well, almost everyone. My eyes land on my pretty girl and take a deep breath. She may not be ready, but she can’t continue to ignore the closure she so obviously needs. “Maybe it’s time to get some answers and put some of our worries behind us.” She instantly drops her gaze to her feet. This isn’t something she can keep hiding from. If I have to be the bad guy, I will be.

Speaking of, I turn my glare to Luca and Kade. They’re already silently communicating with just a quirk of their brows and a roll of their lips. The eerily silent communication that takes place between the two of them no longer freaks me out. After almost an entire lifetime together, it only makes sense that they’re able to understand each other so thoroughly.

I wait for them to feel the weight of my gaze on them both. They slowly turn almost in perfect unison to meet my stare, already defiant expressions in place. I don’t need words to tell them to get their shit together. After a silent stare off, Luca finally drops his gaze first. He catches Kade’s arm and gives him a subtle nod.

Pain flashes across Kade’s face and regret lashes through me. It’s not like I want them to be going through this either. Scarlett refuses to tell any of us more about her past with Charles, but it’s clear to all of us it affects the guys as much as her. But none of that changes the fact they are one of the reasons holding her back from getting her closure. As much as I love and respect them, I refuse to allow anyone to hurt our girl. Even if it’s one of us.

Resignation weighs heavily between the two of them. It won’t be that easy, but at least this is the first step for all three of them being able to move forward.

“Guess I’ll get the door?” Noah asks as he tentatively moves toward the door.

I nod in assurance, encouraging him to just get on with it so we can get it over with. Scarlett cracks her neck at my side, her fingers dancing against her thigh in agitation.

Joe clears his throat, moving closer to the center of the room. “Everyone is going to behave, yes?”

Reluctant agreements sound throughout the room. He waits, staring down the brooding pair in the corner before they also acquiesce. His gaze turns to Scarlett, concern radiating from him as he studies her.

“Scarlett,” he starts in a soothing voice. “If you want us to handle this, we can do that without you having to face him.”

She swallows thickly and for a moment I think she may actually tuck tail and run. So unlike the girl we all know. Worry spears through me once more, the atmosphere of the room tilting back into chaos as we all await her response. My pretty girl is the center of more than just my whole world. She’s the glue that brought our entire family together, the backbone that keeps us strong, the leader we all need. Witnessing her fragility is something no one in this room is accustomed to. It’s a part of her she rarely allows to exist and share with us, let alone everyone that is here now. Her unease ripples through all of us. Putting every single one of us on guard before Charles even steps foot in the room.

Jade and Rachel both move to flank Scarlett’s side, while everyone else moves to take defensive positions around her. I side-eye Jade as she plants herself between me and Scarlett, but she just smirks and shrugs, staying firm in her position. I guess sometimes you just need your friends. Even Brittney moves closer to the center of action, having Scarlett’s back.

Nic tenses further, his eyes stuck on Rachel as she grows right in front of his eyes. No longer the cowering girl she was only moments ago. Her normal demeanor and strength evident as she puts aside her own turmoil in order to be there for my girl.

“Do I need to be preparing for something?” he asks, briefly glancing at Scarlett.

“Why are you still here?” Ryder questions with disdain.

He gives him a droll look in response. “When exactly would I have left?”

“Feel free to leave at any time,” Rachel interjects scathingly. His eyes harden as he stares at her but she doesn’t even bother to look in his direction again. I smirk, relieved to see the Rachel from before making an appearance. They are too few and far between. Even Scarlett manages a delighted smile at the interaction.

Nicholis doesn’t bother to respond, instead crossing his arms over his chest as he settles in against the wall. Obviously not willing to leave and miss whatever is about to go down. I hesitate, ready to remove the threat if need be. He already knows too much about all of us, especially Scarlett and Rachel. He knows her true identity and whatever information Charles is about to bring will only put her more at risk.

I catch Scarlett staring at me, her green eyes flooded with more emotions than I could ever put words to. Somehow she’s still able to read me like a book. She cuts a glance at Rachel meaningfully before giving me a slight shake of her head.

Before anyone else can say anything else, Noah escorts Charles into the room. He looks disheveled, his blonde hair longer than when we last saw him is mussed and sticking up in different directions. His skin has a light sheen to it and his eyes have a wild, almost desperate look as his eyes land on Scarlett. My attention shifts to the papers clutched in his hand.

“I found something,” he stammers. “I’m sorry for showing up uninvited, but Scar,” he pauses. “You need to see this. I needed you to see it. Immediately.”

“Did you find him?” Luca demands before any of us have a chance to respond to his declaration.

Charles shakes his head, his eyes never leaving my pretty girl. My hackles rise. “This will help. With finding him and finding who was with my father that night,” he answers, raising the papers in his hands. Still not letting his eyes waver from Scarlett.

All the air is sucked out of the room with those words. The answers to everything might be found in those papers. Right at our fingertips.

Scarlett’s body trembles in response to his declaration. No one dares to speak as we all collectively try and process this news.

“Who the fuck is this guy and who is he looking for?” Nicholis questions.

Scarlett finally snaps, pulling her ever present blade from her hip and deftly throws it in his direction. I snort as it lands in the wall an inch from his head. “None of your fucking business. Get that through your thick skull.”

He arches a brow at her, unfazed by the threat. “I want to know what has the infallible Scar shaken.”

My lips twitch as Scarlett straightens, turning away from Charles to meet Nic’s eyes. His dickish behavior is drawing her out of her own mind. The endless storm that rages inside of her threatening to turn her inside out every time she’s forced to face her past.

“Does this have to do with Romano?” he continues pushing. He comes off the wall and starts to make a move toward her. “Is that who he is looking for?” His eyes dart down to the papers in Charles’ hand. “Are those answers to how and why you lot got my brother killed?” He cocks his head to the side as he gets closer to where the three women stand at the center of the room. Scarlett’s manic grin keeps any of us from making a move to stop him. She needs this distraction to regain control before facing whatever news Charles has.

“Or does it have to do with your sordid past?” His arrogance is on another level. An astounding lack of self preservation. “Something to do with a certain fallen prom queen? Is this guy someone from your hay day?”

In the blink of an eye, he’s laid out on the ground, Scarlett hovering over his body, blade to his throat. Rage lights in his eyes, battling the surprise already there. He didn’t expect her to lash out, forgotten how quick she can move, how lethal she really is. “Keep digging, but it’ll only be your grave you end up in,” she promises.

Nic doesn’t back down. “If he has answers about Alec then I deserve to hear them too.”

“You deserve nothing from us except this blade embedded in your sternum,” she spits.

“He was my brother,” he argues.

Scarlett laughs, a slow, deep, menacing sound. “Then you should know better than anyone Alec would agree with me. Better my blade in your chest than the one you planted in Rachel’s back.”

His large body shakes under her, but he makes no move to get out from under her. “I never betrayed her.”

Her hollow laughter rings out through the room, making Rachel shiver, though she doesn’t cower again. “That’ll be for us to decide,” Scarlett tells him. “So will be finding answers to Alec’s death. He’s our family.”

“He’s my blood,” he curses her.

“Then find your own answers.” She climbs off of him. “Now, get the fuck out of my house so the adults can talk.” There’s no sign of the broken girl Charles always seems to draw out in her. Never thought I would be grateful to dark and douchey but here we are. His antics pissed her right off into her normal badass self.

He doesn’t move, studying her as if he’s weighing how serious she is. She doesn’t give him long to contemplate. “Now,” she snaps. “Before I drag your body out of here. Being Alec’s brother only gets you so many allowances and you’re quickly running out.”

Nic slowly climbs to his feet, refusing to back down even as he relents to her demands. “I didn’t have to bring you the news about the Alvarados,” he comments.

She scoffs. “You got us the information a few measly minutes sooner than we would have otherwise received it. Don’t pat yourself on the back too hard.”

He arches a brow as if he doesn’t believe her. After several seconds of silence, the moment is broken by her phone ringing. She huffs in amusement, showing him the name Max Foster on her screen. “Look at that, almost on cue.”

“Hey, Max. You’re on speaker.”

He doesn’t waste any time. “When did you get in bed with the Alvarados?”

She gives Nic a look that says it all. We don’t need him and she’d be more than happy to disabuse him of that notion. “Don’t know,” she answers Max. “Keep your ear to the ground about any motivations for backing us.”

“You got it,” he says before she ends the call.

“Leave.” She turns her back on him, not giving him an ounce more of her attention.

Nic hesitates, his eyes landing back on Rachel as he slowly exits the room. He holds his head high, every step measured belying the fact this is his retreat. He’s steady all the way out, never shaken over the fact he’s not only been dismissed, but even Rachel refused to watch him go.

At least that’s one battle down.

On to the next.

“Show me what you have,” Scarlett commands, walking up to a still shaken Charles. He watches her with something close to appreciation as she moves. I crack my knuckles in irritation.

He’s quick to hand over the papers to her and launch into his explanation over how he’s been pouring over his father’s various business finances. We already knew this, but there has to be a point to this drivel.

“There were the expected shell companies he uses to cover the discrepancies of his embezzling and illegal funds. I was able to track all of those to known criminal activity he’s been involved in,” he continues. It sounds like a win, it would be enough to have him arrested, however, that’s never been our end goal. We want answers and I can’t see how this gives us those.

“Except for one,” he says, pointing to the top of the page. “This business, CGK Corp, has no ties to anything even though there’s been hundreds of thousands of dollars moving through it just in the last couple years.”

Where is he going with this? Surely his father has many secrets he’s unaware of.

“At first, I didn’t think much of it. But it kept popping up, over and over again. He’s hidden his tracks well. It’s a legitimate corporation. A healthy paper trail, even a good reputation. But no one knows the silent owners behind the company. The more I looked, the more I found. Business trips, conferences, expense after expense, and high enough revenues to demand a significant amount of attention and care from my father. I couldn’t believe I had never seen or heard of it before. But I couldn’t find anything at first, second, or even third glance to see how it could relate to you.”

He hesitates, flipping the pages in Scarlett’s hands. “Until I saw this. The company logo.”

The color drains from Scarlett’s face as she stares down at whatever he’s pointing at on the paper. I move Jade out of my way and she goes easily as I rush to Scarlett’s side to see what it is that’s haunting her.

“Daisies,” she whispers.

“Twined around a C,” Charles finishes for her. I trade looks with Luca and Kade but they don’t understand the significance either.

“He,” she starts, looking sick. She shakes her head. “I need a moment.”

She turns on her heel and marches out of the room, tossing the pile of papers at Noah before she leaves the room. “Start looking for the connection to us.”

As one, all five of us move to follow her. A small hand wrapped around my arm stops me. “Don’t,” Jade implores, looking at each of us in turn. “She just told you what she needs.”

“She doesn’t have to do it alone,” Kade argues.

“You’re right,” Jade concedes. “But take it from someone who knows. There are some demons you need to face on your own before you can let anyone else in to ease the burden.” She allows that to sink in. “She knows she isn’t alone anymore. She knows she has all of us to lean on. She isn’t pushing people away anymore. Don’t let your fears and your wants interfere with what she just told you she needs.”

Well shit. Little J is all grown up and putting all of us in our places.

She eyes Noah. “Are you gonna start looking into that or should I learn how to do your job too?”

Holden and Ian snicker.

She ignores them and snaps her fingers at Noah, hurrying him along.

Ouch.

He shakes his head at her, but grabs his laptop and opens it to get to work. Charles calls his name and tosses him a USB. “That’s everything I could find on it in my father’s records.”

Noah catches it easily, huffing under his breath a little. “Maybe I should teach you how to do my job.” He meets Luca’s eyes. “Can you get the girls started on going through the other financials we’ve got?”