Chapter 16

Sixteen

"Please, Captain. I need an extension on our rent. My father, who was our chef, spent a week in the hospital before dying. Most of our recipes only he knew. Between taking care of my mother and trying to sort out the kitchen, I'm drowning," twenty-year-old Bobby pleads.

Callum is reclined in his desk chair with his hands steepled in front of his face. I'm standing behind him and to his right.

"First off, I'm sorry for your loss. Losing the head of the family is hard enough without trying to keep everything afloat."

Bobby's throat bobs. "Thank you."

"Second, you aren't behind on rent, not yet at least. Do you really think you will be?"

"Yes. Between paying for the funeral and our family's normal bills, we don't have much left. Especially where we closed for over a week. If he had trained me before he died and I knew what I was doing, I think I would have it under control, but I don't," the kid scoffs. "H-he thought we had time."

"Declan, have the Doyles ever been late on rent?"

"In the ten years the Doyles have rented the restaurant space from us, they have never been late. In fact, Mr. Doyle usually paid several days early," I tell him.

Callum nods. "I will grant you the extension on rent until the first of next month."

The kid gasps. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Callum raises his hand. "Don't thank me yet. That means you will owe us two months of rent at once. Do you understand?"

The kid nods so hard he looks like a bobblehead. "I do. Thank you."

"Now, as for not knowing how to make your dishes, do you have a plan on how to figure that out?"

"Yes, my eighty-year-old grandmother said she would teach me the ones she knows. It will just be a matter of figuring out how my father had tweaked the original recipes, but I think I can figure it out."

"Then get out of here. It sounds like you have some work to do." Callum stands.

Bobby pops up from his chair and shakes Callum's hand. "Thank you, Captain." The kid looks over at me and nods before rushing out of the room like his ass is on fire.

"Give me a minute before you send the next one in."

The soldier at the door nods at Callum's order and does as he's told.

Callum sighs as he sits down. "Will you stop lording over me already?"

I chuckle as I walk around his desk. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out. Tristano's name flashes across the screen. I don't have time to talk to him right now, so I reject the call and slip the phone back in my pocket before sitting down.

"How's morale?" Callum asks.

"High," I tell him honestly.

For the first two years after Callum took over from our previous captain, things were rocky. To say the two men ran things differently would be an understatement. Then the guys were slowly weeded out. Those not willing to make the change were offered an out. Barely anyone took it. From there, we eliminated any threats from within. We recruited hard, awarding loyalty. Now we have a solid group of guys who I have no doubt would lay their lives on the line for our captain. Not only because they know we will take care of their families once they are gone, but because they respect Callum. The last leader led with fear. The vibe in the ranks has changed drastically and for the better.

"Good. Any news on the Russians?"

I shake my head. "They seem to be in a power struggle over there. The old boss is in hiding. No one has seen or heard from him since Haruaki chased him out of town. Rumors are he's dead, but no body, no proof. The new boss claims everything is fine and that Vladimir has no ties to his organization. He says relations between our family and theirs are good, but…"

Callum nods. "He's saving face and doesn't want to admit that he's in over his head. I've been there."

"He did tell me that if he finds out Ivan is alive and steps outside of Russia to come back to the city, he will let us know."

"That's good, but it doesn't really help us right now, does it?"

I shake my head. "Not at all. He told me my father-in-law was a snake and to watch my step."

Callum's eyes narrow. "Was it a warning or a threat?"

"Warning, I believe. He didn't speak nicely about him. Basically said he was a bottom feeder trying to make a play in a man's game with a boy's heart. Said he's a selfish man who will always do what is best for him over everything else."

"That's a lot of information he provided. I'm surprised. Have you reached out to Nikolai?" he asks, referring to the head of the Russians in California.

We have worked together on the human trafficking ring we have been trying to take down, but other than that, we keep our distance. Still, if he can offer any help with keeping my wife safe, I will take it.

"I did. He hasn't heard anything about Vladimir. He said he would let me know if he hears anything and offered to have Alexei dig if I need help as well."

"That was nice of him."

I chuckle. "At first it pissed me off that he questioned my hacking abilities, but then I figured it might be the only help he can offer us right now. It's not like he doesn't have his own war going on in his backyard over there."

Callum's lips twitch. "I'm glad you could set your ego aside. How are things at home? Nikita is still staying in your place, I assume. It is your first time living with a woman. How are you finding it?"

I nod. "It's taking some getting used to, but we're adjusting. She, uh…" I scratch the back of my head.

"Spit it out, Declan. This coy look you have going on is disturbing," Callum demands.

"Fuck." I rub my hand down my face. "Normally I wouldn't bring shit like this to you, but I don't want to hear Tris get all girly about it."

Callum raises an eyebrow as if to say, "I'm waiting."

"She asked me to give her a baby."

Callum is quiet a moment. His face betrayed no emotions he might feel.

Then he bursts out laughing. "Do you mean she wants to adopt, or is she asking you to make the baby with her?"

I glare at him. "Stop laughing, fucker. She wants to make one naturally."

That only makes him laugh harder. He is bent over, practically on the floor at this point.

I can feel my face heating up, partially from anger, but also from embarrassment.

This is why I don't talk to Callum about this shit. I should've just manned up and called Tris, but I know what he would say. He's all in love with love and shit. He would think this was our story unfolding. Then he would make fun of me for being a pansy-ass bitch.

"Are you done?" I cross my arms over my chest.

He nods, wiping his eyes. Glad he is entertained. I need some goddamn advice, not his laughter.

The woman is driving me mad. Ever since she moved in, she's been trying to get under my skin. It was like a switch flipped in Nikita. Gone is the cold woman I married, and she's been replaced by a temptress. It's been hell trying to keep my distance, but I've held strong.

I want her more than I ever wanted to, but knowing her end goal is a child takes some of that heat away.

"Okay, I'm done. So what is the problem? You are attracted to her, right? Is it a medical issue with your Johnson you're having trouble with?"

I shoot him another glare. "Everything is fine down there. I find her very attractive. So much so that it's hard for me to reject her advances, but I do."

He studies me for a moment. "Why do you reject her if it's something you both want? You are married to her. I know you, Dec. You are loyal. You won't find pleasure elsewhere, so what is holding you back?"

That's the crux of it. Something is holding me back. I know what it is, but I'm not sure I want to admit it out loud.

Thankfully, my perceptive boss does it for me.

"She hurt your feelings when she asked, didn't she?"

I swallow hard. "I shouldn't care. It was all supposed to be fake."

I look down at my hands in my lap, thinking over my words.

"Was. That's what you said. It's not simple anymore, is it?"

"She's mine. I won't let her take a lover. Just the thought makes me want to go on a rampage. Yet, knowing that she only wants to use me for my sperm makes me feel dirty. How is that even possible?"

"Dec, can I admit something to you?" Callum asks.

I'm not sure I want to hear what he's about to say, but I nod anyway.

"I wouldn't have let you marry her if I didn't already suspect that you had feelings for her. The way you always bitched about her. I mean, you talk about her nearly non-stop. From the day she moved in, she got under your skin. I think it's time you admit that you don't hate her as much as you wanted us all to believe. Maybe you like her just a bit, and now you are being forced to deal with it."

I hear what he's saying. I really thought I hated her, but the moment she married me, that hate faded. Sure, I still enjoy our bickering and constant need to annoy one another, but I don't hate her.

If anything, it's foreplay. Makes my dick hard for her.

"What am I supposed to do? If I fuck her and give her what she wants, do you think that will help?" I admit, feeling like a little bitch for it, but I'm desperate.

Callum shakes his head. "Communicate. If Autumn has taught me anything, it's that you need to talk to her. Get to know her. Fucking romance your wife, dude. I know you have charm. I've seen you work it."

"She's immune to my charm," I admit with a growl.

That only makes him smile more. "Show her the husband you can be to her. Make her want you for more than your dick. Make her crave your presence. Treat it like a mission. You have your objective. Now strategize ways to attack it and go for it. I have faith that you can make your wife fall in love with you."

Internally, I freeze at the word love. Yeah, the thought might have crossed my mind, but it's different when someone else agrees when you're still coming to terms with the solution yourself.

Hell, I'm not even sure I'm capable of giving her what she needs.

Or love period.

I wipe my mouth, trying to hide my reaction. "Who said anything about love?"

"If not love, what are you fighting for?"

That shocks me into silence. What is it that I want from her? I'm not sure, but it's more than sex. I want companionship. I want to know that I can come home and annoy the hell out of her, but she will still wake up in my bed the next morning.

Before I can admit anything else, someone knocks on the door.

Callum sighs. "How many more people want to talk to me?"

"Three," I tell him as I stand.

"Three more and then I can go home to my girls," he says under his breath.

"And take Autumn home whatever it is she's craving today," I tease.

"Hey, when you knock Nikita up someday, you'll understand what I'm going through and apologize."

I scoff. "Not for a long time yet."

He smirks. "Gotta get her to fall in love with you first."

I glare at him, moving to retake my place behind his desk with him. The stance of his bodyguard and second in command.

He's about to call the next person in when my phone vibrates.

"One sec," I tell him.

I dig it out of my pocket and see the text that flashes across the screen.

Serena: I swear to God, Declan O'Brien, you better answer the next time Tris calls you. If you don't, I'll kill one of you. The guy is pouting that ever since you've gotten married, you've forgotten about him. He won't shut up about YOU!

I chuckle and type back a quick response.

Me: No you won't. Shit's been crazy. I'll call him when I can. Just distract him in the meantime.

"Everything good?"

I slip my phone into my pocket. "Yeah. Seems my other wife is pissed off that I haven't texted him back. Let's get started so we can head home."

He laughs, calling the next person in.

I focus on the task at hand, but my mind can't help but wander to what Callum said.

Operation Make Nikita Like Me is in full effect.

I never fail a mission.

"Are you sure about this?"Declan asks as we come to a stop in Callum and Autumn's driveway.

When he came back after his work with Callum, he was acting weird. Usually I can goad him into bickering with me, but he wouldn't respond. It's putting me on edge. Especially when I asked if I could go to Autumn's for girls' night.

He acted like it pained him to say yes.

"Do you not want me around your friends?" I ask bluntly, assuming that is his issue.

I wouldn't blame him. The last time I went to his boss's house, it was attacked.

Honestly, I'm surprised things have been so quiet. It's not like my father to launch an attack then be quiet about it. Makes me wonder if he thinks I'm dead. Although the note on the arrow and the botched attack makes me think that maybe I wasn't supposed to die.

His brows furrow. "I didn't say that. Don't put words in my mouth. Why are you acting like such a brat right now?"

Ignoring his brat comment, I focus on my real worry.

"Because this is the third time that you've asked me if ‘I'm sure.' Do you think they are going to do something to me? Or that I would do something to them?" I ask, trying to hide my hurt.

When I got off the phone with Autumn earlier, she made me promise to tell Declan to bring me to her home at six sharp. I told her I would try, but she said if I didn't show up, she would get Callum involved.

I don't want to mess up his relationship with his boss, so I put my big girl panties on and asked him to bring me. I didn't expect him to act so sketchy about it, though. It's almost as if he doesn't want me to go. I just can't figure out why.

The other part of my nerves are coming from the actual girls' night itself.

I don't know these women well, but I'm hopeful that given time, we could be friends. The kind that you see on TV who are there when you need them. I have always wanted that. To have someone at my side who I know would have my back. I'm loyal to a fault if I actually care about something or someone. I haven't had to show that in a long time, though. Not since my father made my brother kill my childhood dog in front of me.

Yet, I feel that now. For Declan and Autumn. I think I could feel that for the others too, given half the chance.

Declan sighs. "That's not it at all, Nikita, and you know it. I just know that Autumn can convince someone of anything. Hell, she could probably sell snow to an Eskimo."

I frown. "Autumn sells snow?"

Declan's lips twitch. "It's an analogy. I just want to make sure you aren't feeling forced to be here."

"I'm not. I wanted to come."

"Okay, then we're good. Now stay there."

I watch as Declan gets out of the car. He rounds the hood to my side and opens my door. Something that he's never done before tonight.

Maybe I'm starting to wear him down about the baby thing.

I shake the thought away as he opens the door for me.

"Thank you," I tell him as I get out.

"Of course."

We walk to the front door, and Callum steps outside. "Hey Nikita, the girls are inside waiting for you."

"Oh, thank you," I tell him as I'm hit with a sudden burst of nerves.

Maybe this isn't a good idea.

Declan reaches out and touches my arm, making my panic subside a little. "I'll be back in a few hours. Try and have a good time, all right? You have my number. Call me if you need anything at all."

I nod and pull away. Robotically, I move up the steps and stop right outside the door. I look over my shoulder and see Declan and Callum walking to the car side by side. Not once does Declan turn around and look at me.

I sigh.

Things haven't changed at all. In all the movies, the man always looks over his shoulder at the woman when he's interested. He can't keep his eyes off her.

Declan has never looked at me that way.

Shaking my head, I step inside and follow the noise. I find Miya, Autumn, and Cleo in the living room.

Autumn jumps up and rushes toward me when she sees me. "Hey, thanks for coming!" she says as she pulls me in for a hug.

"Thank you for inviting me," I tell her when she pulls away.

"Of course. Come sit."

I follow Autumn back to the couch, and she hands me a drink.

"If you don't want red wine, we have white too. I'll just have to grab it from the kitchen."

"This is fine. Thank you."

"Hello." I nod at both Cleo and Miya.

"Hi," Miya says, but I can tell she's wary of me.

"Hey, how have you been?" Cleo smiles.

She's sweet, like Autumn. It makes me wonder how those two ended up mixed up in all of this.

"All right. I'm sorry about Christmas." I bring up the elephant in the room right away.

Cleo's eyes soften. "That wasn't on you. Right, Miya?"

"Right." Miya says the words, but I don't think she means them.

I don't think she will be thawing to me anytime soon.

I take a sip of wine. It's dry and earthy but pleasant. I never drank alcohol before I came here. Then as an act of rebellion, I bought some. I figured someone would stop me, but no one ever did. So I kept experimenting.

I now know that I like certain wines, but not beer. Nor do I enjoy vodka, which is funny since Russians are supposed to love it.

"Well, let's get this girls' night started," Autumn proclaims.

It makes me nervous, but she doesn't single me out right away. Instead, she starts picking on Miya about her man, Kenji. After going back and forth, they include Cleo in with it, and before I know it, I'm laughing along with them.

As more time passes and food and wine are consumed, the more we relax. Even Miya isn't shooting me wary looks anymore.

I take a sip of my wine, looking around at these girls. This is something I can do. I can have friends. My father can't stop me anymore.

"Okay, what is this about you trying to seduce Declan?" Cleo blurts out.

I take it back. These women are terrible. My cheeks blush as I look at Autumn with wide eyes. Why did I think she would keep it to herself?

Miya cringes. "Way to ease her into talking about it." Then, surprisingly, she turns to me and grabs my hand. "Hey, ignore Cleo. You don't have to talk about it, but Autumn did say you might need some advice."

I feel my cheeks heat.

"It's nothing," I say before slamming back the rest of my glass of wine, chugging it.

When I'm done I see that all three women are staring at me, wide-eyed.

"Considering you just chugged six hundred-dollar wine like a frat boy chugs beer, I think you're lying," Miya says.

"This wine costs how much?" I cough.

Autumn waves her hand through the air. "Ridiculous I know, but we're talking about you, not the wine. I hope you don't mind, but I told the ladies you had questions and needed advice from us who are in happy, healthy relationships. It's what friends do. I guess I should have asked first, but this is our core group. It's a trust circle. Nothing said here leaves here."

It makes sense. I did just think these girls could be my friends. I'm pretty sure I can trust them. So what's holding me back?

I bite the inside of my cheek as I try to figure out how to ask what I want to know. "We all know why Declan married me, and I'm struggling to get him to see me as a woman and not a charity case. He didn't want to marry me or I him, but now that we are, I feel stuck."

Miya scoffs. "First off, if you're a charity case, then the rest of us are as well. Kenji never looked my way twice until I was in danger. Cleo wasn't on Kai's radar until her father started looking for a husband for her, and Callum literally found Autumn when she was naked and being held in a basement."

My eyes widen as she gives me that little synopsis of their lives. I open my mouth to ask questions, but I'm cut off.

"What Miya is trying to say is none of our relationships started out like most," Cleo adds. "Our men aren't typical males. What usually works on the male persuasion won't work on them. It's not as easy as flirting and offering no-strings sex to get their attention."

"I do not understand."

"While most men are predictable, there is one thing to consider. Declan will resist temptation until he can't. He probably feels he has forced you into a marriage you don't want, which you pretty much just said. He doesn't view you as his wife in that sense. Especially not now since you pretty much begged him to be your personal sperm bank. You have to be patient." Autumn says gently.

Miya chokes on her drink. "You asked him to do what?"

I cringe. "Not like that. I asked him for a baby."

She gives me an understanding look. "You want someone who will love you unconditionally and give you a reason to continue living."

I nod once, my thoughts sobering. That is exactly what I want.

"Yes. If I cannot have a true relationship with Declan, I will settle for a child to give my all to."

"So you want more from him too? A real marriage?" Cleo clarifies.

I nod, staying silent.

"Autumn is right then. You need to be patient and start showing him that you care about more than a baby. You need to care about him."

"Patience isn't my strong suit," I muse, making the girls laugh. "Seriously, though, I do not know what to do once I have him. I do not know what a relationship is supposed to look like."

Miya shrugs. "It will be what you make it. Kenji loves it when I'm bratty, and it works in my favor."

"Callum accepts me quirks and all," Autumn says lightly.

"I'd say the man carries a rock in his pocket because you told him to," Cleo teases.

"What about your relationship?" I ask.

A soft smile crosses Cleo's face. "Kai is always ten steps ahead of me and knows what I want before I do. Don't get me wrong, he's an asshole to everyone but me. He's always ready to fight my battles."

"He's your asshole," Miya says, raising her glass.

"Exactly." Cleo smiles.

"And when they get mad at you…" I ask the question that's been on my mind.

I think I know the answer, but I need confirmation that my instincts about Declan are right. That he won't hurt me.

All three women look at me in alarm.

Autumn reaches out and gently touches my arm. "Nikita, has Declan been violent toward you?"

My eyes widen at her question. She thinks it's Declan?

I shake my head vehemently. "No, never, but where I come from, punishments are normal. I only want to know what to expect."

"No. They aren't normal. Your man is never supposed to raise his hand to you," Cleo says adamantly.

"Unless it's in the bedroom and you like it." Miya winks, trying to lighten the mood.

"But…"

Autumn interrupts my next words.

Autumn holds up her hand. "No buts. None of our men have ever hurt us, and I can almost promise you that Declan won't either. If he does, you have a group of women right here that will end him."

Cleo nods. "Look, you grew up how I did. You knew what role you would play in life. You were probably taught to be the perfect, obedient wife who keeps her head down and doesn't ask questions. Am I right?"

I nod, swallowing hard. My heart aches at thinking sweet Cleo grew up similarly to me. How did she keep her light when mine faded as quick as it arrived?

Understanding fills Cleo's eyes. "I need you to forget everything you were ever taught because it was all a lie. Yeah, there will be times that you need to slip into that old mindset, like when you're around other families in a business setting, but it's not needed in your day-to-day life. The last thing any of our husbands want is a doormat for a partner."

"Okay," I say quietly.

"We have your back, Nikita," Miya adds softly. "I know I was hardest on you at first, but I can see now I was wrong. If you want Declan to fall in love with you, we will make that happen. It's going to take time, though."

"What are we going to do?" I ask.

She smiles. "We come up with a game plan and execute it."

"She's been trying little things. What is it you said you were doing? Making him dinner. Enticing him with your body. Things like that?" Autumn adds.

I nod. "None of it is working."

"We need some insider help. Autumn, find out from Callum what things Declan likes. Nikita, probe him a little. Find out what he enjoys doing other than working. What shows he likes to watch. Which is his favorite weapon. Take an interest in what he likes," Cleo states.

"Don't dress to kill him. Offer him small glimpses that can be written as innocent enough. Don't press him for more intimacy until you have his mind," Miya adds.

"Finally, communicate with him. Ask him to take you places. Spend time together. Keep up your bickering thing sometimes, but don't overdo it. You want to show him you care, but you don't want to change drastically, otherwise he won't believe it." Autumn smiles at me.

"I do like when we bicker. It doesn't feel like he is trying to hurt me. Only get a rise out of me. Same way I feel about doing it to him."

Miya laughs. "It's your foreplay. That's perfect. Keep it up."

"That's it?"

Cleo shrugs. "Men aren't that difficult. You have to give him a reason to care about you, which means melting the walls and letting him in. Are you ready for that?"

I think it over a moment. I've already been lowering the walls, but can I get rid of them completely? What do I really have to lose?

"I am."