35. Vincent

Chapter 35

I knew something was wrong the second I walked out of the bathroom. Addison was still running around playing, but Kat was nowhere to be found. She would never leave Addison behind by choice; hell, even if she had to go to the bathroom, I know she would have waited. I’ve seen the way she looks at that little girl; she would never put her in danger.

Years of training are hard to ignore, and before I even need to think about it, I’m moving toward the threat in the room. He wasn’t here before I’d gone to the bathroom, which means he’d more than likely been watching us, but if he’s still here, where the hell is Kat?

That’s what I plan to find out.

I grip his shirt, pulling him right off the bench, and his eyes go wide. He’d been so focused on Addison that he didn’t even seem to notice my return.

“Where is she?” I hiss as the woman to his left clutches her non-existent pearls before collecting her child and scurrying away. Good, that’s probably for the best because I’m not positive anyone will want to stick around for what I’m about to do to him if he doesn’t answer me in the next few seconds.

“I, I… who?” Trevor stammers, looking around the room as if he doesn’t have a clue who I’m talking about, but we both know that’s a lie. I can see it in his eyes; he’s hiding something, covering for someone, and I have a creeping feeling that I know who that might be.

“Uncle Vinny, where’s Mommy?” Addison asks, pulling on my pants, and I can hear the sadness in her voice.

I tighten my grip on Trevor’s shirt to ensure he doesn’t try anything as I turn my attention down to the little girl at my side.

“I’m not sure, Princess, but how about we go find out, huh?” I ask her, trying to keep my voice even so as not to worry her. She’s used to Uncle Vince, who is funny and plays with her, but that’s not who I am right now.

No, right now, I need to be Vincent, who was expelled from four high schools before I wound up in school with Nate, who kept me in line. The same Vincent who went to the military with him and served two years before being recruited for a different kind of team, one that used my skills instead of trying to force me to calm down.

The man Nate depends on to protect the most important things in his life, his daughter and his lover.

Fuck, if Addison weren’t here, this man would be a bloody mess already.

Addison is moving before I tell her where we're going, and I remember Kat telling her earlier that if they should get separated, she should go to the main desk and tell them. It was a good lesson, but something I felt was unnecessary, considering she had both of us.

Guess I owe her an apology.

“Keep her here.” I manage to growl out to one of the young female workers who Addison ran to when we reached the main desk. She can’t be more than sixteen, but she nods and seems to understand this is serious.

Most people know Addison if only because of her last name, which means they know the lengths we go through to keep her safe and out of the media. Which is why we hadn’t really looked at Trevor twice prior to him showing his true colors with Kat; we’d assumed he was smart enough to stay away.

We were wrong.

Dragging Trevor with me, I take him into the closest bathroom, away from Addison’s gaze and the cameras. We might be able to cover our tracks, but it’s always easier if we don’t have to, and it means more fun.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I can’t answer it—not right now. Every second counts.

The second the door closes behind me, I drop my hold on his shirt before swiftly pulling back and decking him.

Somehow, I’d thought he would put up more of a fight, but with one hit, he goes down like a sack of bricks, out cold.

I guess it’s for the best; I don’t have time to waste on him, not when Kat is still missing. I leave the bathroom and take a second to look around for a way to ensure the asshole stays put. I’d like to think he’s going to stay out, but I don’t want to risk him getting away should he come to before I can come back for him.

The bathroom has a lock, but I don’t know who has the key, and I don’t want to waste time looking for it. No, I have a better idea.

Not far from the restrooms is a vending machine full of drinks that should do nicely.

I move quickly, pushing it so that it stands in front of the bathroom door, acting as a barricade. With him handled, I take off toward the closest exit, which just so happens to be the front door. I’d like to assume that if Carter took her, he would use another exit, but I also don’t think he’s as smart as he seems to think he is, so maybe not.

The doors slide open, and I have to fight the urge to push them when it feels too slow. I know it only takes a moment, but every second is another too long when Carter could very well be taking off with Kat, and I get the feeling she didn’t go so willingly.

Outside the door, I stop at the top of the steps, taking a moment to survey the lot. There are a lot of cars here and even more in the parking structure not far from here. Hell, there’s parking all over the place. As much as I might want to run around looking for her, this is a damn good vantage point.

A scream catches my attention; it’s raw and full of fear, and I’m positive it’s Kat. I can’t see her from here, but it sounds like she might be on the side of the lot just to the left of the building, which is just out of sight.

Hopping down more of the stairs than I touch, I make it to the bottom faster than should be possible before taking off around the building while pulling my gun from the back of my pants.

Am I supposed to bring my gun to places like this? No, not really. Does that stop me? Also no. The only way I leave it behind is if the building has security that checks, and even then, some allow it based on my client.

Oftentimes, if you conduct yourself as if you’re not breaking the rules, people believe that. I’ve had years to learn how to blend. So well that even I sometimes believe it.

The second I round the corner, I see her, along with her asshole ex, who should have left well enough alone. We warned him, tried to give him a chance to stay away, but clearly that was a mistake, one I assure you we won’t be making again.

Kat’s putting up a good fight, screaming and shouting as she fights against his attempts to shove her into the back of an all-blacked-out SUV, and I push myself harder. They're about one hundred yards away, but I know she can’t keep this up forever; she’s small, and I’d bet it’s only by sheer stubborn will that he hasn’t overpowered her already.

Just a few more seconds, Little Beauty, I’m coming!

I’d love nothing more than to tackle the motherfucker or, honestly, just put a bullet through his skull, but he’s too close to her. They’re damn near wrapped around each other as they struggle. Her to get away and him to put her in the car.

No, I’m here now, and that’s what matters.

He’ll get his later. I’ll make sure of it.

Lifting my gun, I press the barrel hard against the back of his skull as I click off the safety.

I guess he has some brains because he freezes.

“Let her go, and maybe I won’t blow your brains out.” It’s a lie, though, or it kind of is. It doesn’t have to be now, and I don’t need to shoot him exactly, but he will suffer. He doesn’t need to know that, though. If he did, I doubt he would cooperate so beautifully as he is right now as he slowly lifts his hands into the air and turns around.

“There’s really no need for this. Isn’t that right, Katie?” Carter asks, and I can hear the demand in his tone. As if he really expects her to back him up after what he just put her through. With a growl, I slam my gun into his forehead and huff a laugh when he cringes away from me.

Good.

This spoiled little fuck needs to be knocked down a few pegs and given a taste of his own medicine, and I’m more than happy to give it to him.

Kat scrambles away toward the rear of the car and away from the door the second Carter releases her. I let her go, knowing she needs a moment and that me touching her or saying anything might just make her panic more. I’m not known to be comforting.

Yet when I look at her, I can see the relief that shines in her eyes, just like it had the day I got between her and Trevor. I’d never cared to be the hero, happy to do whatever my job demanded of me, but I’ll be damned if she doesn’t make me crave that look.

I take her in, checking her over to find tears tracking down her face, blood dripping from her split lip, and what looks like the beginnings of a nasty bruise forming on her right cheek.

Would it make her feel better if I shot him right here? Or would that be more traumatic for her?

My finger damn near caresses the trigger as I fight with myself on what I should do, what would be best for her.

Before I can decide, a small body slams into me, distracting me from my inner turmoil and indecisiveness, and I hesitate, unsure of what to do.

With my focus on the little beauty, the asshole takes his chance and quickly ducks out from the end of my gun before quickly jumping in the car and taking off.

I should shoot out his tires, run after him, and have Kat go back to Addison so that I can finish this now, and we can be done with it all. Yet, for whatever reason, I can’t make myself do it.

We can handle him later; I won’t rest until he’s answered for what he’s done to her, but right now, Kat needs me, and she needs me for more than just killing.

Flicking the safety back on my gun, I stash it away before wrapping her up in my arms as she continues to sob into my chest, her breathing harsh and staggered as she fights for each breath.

“It’s okay, Little Beauty. I’ve got you. Nothing’s ever going to hurt you again,” I tell her, rubbing a hand through her beautiful red hair as if she’s a cat. I’m not sure if I’m helping or not, but I swear her breathing seems a bit more even the longer I hold her.

My phone vibrates, and without letting go of her, I dig into my pocket for it. I’d missed the call earlier, and I can only assume it was Nate; no doubt he was probably not happy I’d missed it, but it couldn’t be helped.

“They're okay. We had an incident, but Kat and Addison are safe,” I tell him in lieu of greeting.

“We’ll be there in about ten. Desmond will probably be there any second,” Nate growls back at me, and I know he’s mad; I can’t blame him. I’d failed to keep Kat safe and, by extension, Addison as well. Trevor could have run off with her, and then we would have had a much different and much worse situation on our hands.

Nate hangs up without asking what happened, and I know when he gets here, he will demand every last detail, but for now, his main concern is getting here to them.

“Oh god, where’s Addison?” Kat hiccups, pulling back to look around before looking back at me.

“I left her with one of the employees,” I assure her, but that doesn’t seem to lessen her concern.

“Trevor was here! Carter said–”

“Hey, look at me, Kat. I need you to take a breath and listen. Carter is gone, and Trevor can’t get to Addison right now, okay?” I grip her chin lightly, unsure of what might be hurting her but needing her to really hear what I’m saying. “I won’t let them get to either of you.”

Her eyes look to mine as if searching for something, and whatever it is, she must find it because, after a moment, she takes a deep breath and gives me a small nod.

She doesn’t seem very sure, but that’s fine. I’ll show her, and one day, she won’t question it anymore.

“How about we go check on the little princess? She was worried about you.”

We were worried about you.

That’s the truth, but for some reason, I can’t bring myself to say that bit out loud. It feels like so much more than just words, words that are true because I had been worried, more worried than I’d been about anything in a long time.

Kat nods before pulling back further, but she sways on her feet, and I have a feeling that the adrenaline that was fueling her fight with Carter is running out. I catch her before she can sway too much or fall, and without giving her a chance to fight me, I scoop her up into my arms bridal style and start back toward the building.

The second we make it back into the building, Addison’s voice rings out as she calls for Kat before she’s coming at us like a missile. The poor girl I’d left her with looks horrified as she chases after her, but I wave her away. She’d kept her here and safe while I went after Kat, and that was all I needed. Trying to keep Addison away from Kat would be a damn near impossible task, especially right now.

“Mommy, are you okay?” she asks as she comes to a grinding halt in front of the bench I’m setting Kat down on. Her eyes are wide as she looks at Kat’s face, and I realize seeing her in this condition is probably confusing, especially when she was fine a few minutes ago.

“I’m fine, dear. There was a little problem, but Uncle Vinny came and saved me.”

A loud squeal outside has us all looking toward the entrance. I’m familiar with the sound, but even if I weren’t, it only takes a moment before Desmond is running up the stairs to the door, yanking his helmet off as he goes. He pauses for a moment inside the door, but only for long enough for him to spot her. The second he sees her, he’s moving again, rushing toward her. I watch the array of emotions as they play over his face. He’d come in looking worried but also ready to fuck someone up should he need to, but now seeing her, some of his worry melts away, relief taking its place before he really gets a good look at her and notices her split lip and growing bruise. His jaw ticks, and I’ve known the kid long enough to know he’s pissed, but I can’t remember the last time he swallowed it down like he is for her. No, usually Desmond is a loose cannon; the girls love it, and it’s gotten him into more than a few sticky situations over the years.

Maybe he’s finally learning a little control.

His eyes flick to meet mine for a moment, and I know that control won’t last long. But that’s okay, it doesn’t have to. I’ve got one of the assholes and don’t plan to let the other one get very far.

Kat lets out a little squeak of surprise when he reaches her, not pausing for a moment, instead quickly scooping her up into his arms to hold her close.

“Careful, she’s weak. The adrenaline's wearing off,” I warn him, and he nods before sitting on the bench with her still on his lap. He holds her close, whispering words I can’t hear as he rubs soothing circles on her back, and I see her shoulders shake. I can’t see her face, but I’d bet she’s crying again. Shock can do that to you.

Addison sits close to them on the bench, and after a minute, Kat wipes her eyes before pressing her lips to Desmond’s cheek and then turning her attention to Addison. You’d never know everything she just went through as she smiles and talks to the little girl who stares up at her with so much admiration you’d think she really was her mother.

Nate, Oliver, and Alex aren’t far behind Desmond, which is impressive considering he rode his bike here, but I’ve also seen how Nate can drive, so maybe it’s not that crazy.

Nate makes it to the desk first, and I can see the questions swirling in his eyes, but he doesn’t voice them aloud. There’s a time and a place for that, and this isn’t it.

No, right now we need to get Kat back to the house and probably looked at and get the asshole in the bathroom back to the warehouse.

“Daddy!” Addison shouts, running over to Nate with a huge smile before she launches into all the details of her day. She doesn’t get far before her little mouth pulls down in a frown, and she turns in his arms to look over her shoulder at Kat, who now sits on Alex’s lap, though Des is still right beside her.

“Mommy got hurt.” Her voice is so soft but full of sadness that it really pulls at the heartstrings. The same ones I would have sworn I didn’t have prior to the little princess.

“I know, Princess. That’s why we’re here. How about we head home and get her looked at? You guys had a long day. We can have Dale come make something and just relax for a little while. What do you say?”

Addison nods happily before giving him a hug. I look to Oliver, who stands just a few feet behind Nate. He’s been quiet since he came in, but his face tells me he’s deep in thought. He’s always been smart, a real brainiac. I’m still not sure what happened. Did they rush here because I wasn’t answering? And how did they know we would be here? Somehow, I bet he has something to do with at least some of those questions, but we’ll get to that. I look back at Nate to find him also watching Oliver, and I can’t help but raise a brow in question at him because if I didn’t know better, I’d say it almost looks like our little Oli might be envious of his cousin and father and the position they're in right now.

But that can’t be right…right?

Oliver might not have ever said as much, but he’s never really been one to seek out women, and he really hasn’t done anything since everything went down with Natasha.

Just another thing to look into later.

Clearing my throat, I pull both their attention back to me. “I have one of the issues handled. I’ll fill you in on it once we’re back at the house,” I say, careful to watch my words with Addison right here. Nodding toward the bathroom that’s still very much blocked by the vending machine, it only takes them both a moment to catch on.

“Hey, Princess, what do you say we go tell Uncle Alex, Des, and M-Mommy it’s time to go home? Daddy and Uncle Vince will meet us there.” Oliver smiles at her, and honestly, I’m surprised he only stumbled over the word once. Before she can answer, they’re moving towards the little group at the benches, and it only takes a moment before they all head out, leaving me and Nate to handle Trevor.

It’s probably for the best; should I need some help, which I don’t see happening, Nate would be my best bet. He might not use his training anymore, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have most of the same stuff I do buried in that mind.

“I know you saw the way he looked at her,” I say as we make our way toward the bathroom. Nate grunts as he helps me push the vending machine aside, and I know damn well it’s not because of its size. We’re big guys, and businessman or not, Nate is still in shape.

“I did,” he says after a second, nodding before he looks at me, and I know there’s more coming. “I saw it, and you saw it, but I’m not sure he’s quite ready for that conversation yet, so let’s just handle this for now. It’s easier.”

I can’t help but chuckle because he’s right, but he shouldn’t be.

Before I can push the door open, Nate catches my arm, and I stop to look back at him over my shoulder.

“He needs to be handled,” he says, his face deadly serious as he looks me in the eyes, and I know what he’s saying, even if he’s not exactly saying it. Nate isn’t one to use excessive force. He often will use basic scare tactics as needed or even buy people out if it’s required, but he isn’t one to ask me to kill people. I have done both with him asking and without, depending on the nature of the task, but it’s usually a last resort that he will ask it be done.

“They both do,” I say in lieu of agreement, earning a nod before he drops my arm, and we head in to grab the asshole who couldn’t take a hint. Too bad for him; it took too long for him to see the whole picture, and now it’s too late.

Whatever it takes to keep her safe.