Chapter 5

Logan

Istand on Dom's back patio. I take in the tan sandstone under my feet, the glistening pool of saltwater, and the view of the ocean beyond that. There's a wooden arch over my head that covers half the patio with hanging greenery along with blooming bright flowers. A long table and chairs cover the other half of the patio, next to a massive brick fireplace. Bright red and pink flowers with flowing green vines crawl along the walls, through the beams, and leave a sweet, earthly fragrance behind as I take a deep breath.

I won't ever admit it, but Dom has some good taste. It's like the outside world doesn't exist here; it's just an open view of the ocean with gentle waves lapping at the sandy shore. As if we aren't in California, surrounded by crime from all sides the minute you step outside in the front. I like it back here. It's a false sense of belief that everything can be calm as long as you don't turn around.

"It's lovely, yes?" The soft, calm voice behind me catches me by surprise as I watch the figure of a woman stop at my side.

"You have a beautiful home," I grumble, seeking a glance at Dom's grandma as she sets a tray of iced lemonade and limes floating in the glasses.

"Si. Gracias. My grandbaby has been taking care of me for a long time, even when I begged him not to. A child shouldn't have so many responsibilities at such a young age. When he asked me to move in, I took the guest house to give him privacy since he's a young man who shouldn't have a hovering grandma around all the time. Would you like some sweet limonada?" Isabella gestures to the tray and scoffs as I remain frozen in my spot before she shoves a glass in my hand.

"Thanks," I croak out, sipping the cooling drink, and I'm damn glad I have my sunglasses on so she can't look into my eyes and see how uncomfortable I am.

I don't understand why she's being so nice to me. Unless she doesn't know that Franco killed her son? Jesus.

"My Dom is a lot like you, you know? Both of you are strong-headed, stubborn, and grew up without a loving father." She gazes at me, raising an eyebrow as I sputter on the sip I just took.

"You know?" I rasp, setting my drink down and glaring at the stone squares beneath my feet.

I feel uncomfortable in my own clothing, itchy as if bugs are crawling over my skin. Everything feels too tight. I unloop the buttons of my long white button-up shirt and uncuff the sleeves.

"And I don't blame you. You were just a child with the world on your shoulders," she says, placing her hand on my shoulder with a small pat. "You aren't responsible for another man's actions. Life has dealt you unfair cards, and I'm sorry for that."

My head snaps up, I'm completely speechless.

"I- I'm not sure what to say." I clear my throat, glancing around, and sigh with relief as Tillie walks out onto the patio from the French doors of the kitchen.

"Nothing to say. Just don't apologize to me unless you are the man who committed unforgivable actions. Also, don't let that one get away. She's a keeper." Isabella pats and kisses my cheek as she stands on her toes while pulling me down to her short height.

She walks away, mumbling something to Tillie about needing to eat more as she passes her. I don't move; I'm still hunched over in disbelief. Is it really that simple? To move on when all you do is feel responsible for everyone, even if you didn't pull the trigger?

"Are you okay, Lo?" Tillie hesitantly asks as she wraps her arms around my neck and smiles at me.

God. She really covers me in sunshine and warmth every time she's around. I soak it up even when I feel I don't deserve her.

"I'm fine, baby girl. Did you have a good day with Tey?" I ask with a shake of my head as I smooth her wild, wind-blown hair back from her forehead with my palm and continue to do so as a blissful grin spreads across her face and her eyes slowly close.

"It was… everything. I met all the kids Tey helps take care of and may have promised to have his children. I think he thought right now, so maybe you guys can talk some sense into him for me before I end up pregnant by next month." She hums under her breath, at peace, as I sway us back and forth while laying my head on top of hers to hide my grin.

If she thinks I can talk sense into Tey, then she honestly doesn't acknowledge that she's jumped off the deep end with him by starting the ball rolling on the baby express.

"Don't let him near any sort of birth control. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts tracking when you're ovulating. He's always wanted to have children." I chuckle as she groans out loud and places her hands on my chest to look up at me, putting space between us.

"This is all my fault. It's like, I can't say no to him. I want kids one day, but not now. You'll have to talk me off the baby-making ledge." She stares at me with her head tilted and bites her lush bottom lip. "Do you want children one day?"

I can feel my body tense up, and I know she takes it the wrong way when she drops her arms and steps back. I grab her wrists quickly and place them back on my chest, over my pounding heart, so she can't get away.

"I never thought about it, honestly. I'm not sure… if I would be a good father. I haven't had the best role model in that department." I wince, tilting my head up and squinting as the sun blinds me and I blow out a breath. "It scares me too. You talk about me being in your future, and I'm afraid I'll fuck it up one day."

She doesn't say anything for a minute, and I have to glance back down to see her expression because I can't handle the quiet.

"For a man who's so smart, sometimes you're an idiot. Lo…" She takes a deep breath and moves closer until the heat from her body warms me. "You and me, we are forever. I know you'll fuck up in the near future, but so will I. We are in this together."

I bend down and crush my lips against hers, devouring her mouth with every flick of my tongue against hers. I know my grip is bruising her wrist, but I can't let go. I need her always, like I'm sinking in quicksand and she's my only lifeline to pull me free. If she isn't plastered to my side constantly, I start freaking the fuck out and then comes the disturbing thoughts I'm going to lose her. Tilting my head, I take her bottom, plump lip between my teeth with a deep growl as I tug before smoothing my tongue along her bruised lip. She whimpers needily as I pull away, trying to memorize the way her eyes are softly closed and her red lips are still parted and swollen from my kisses.

"Kiss me like that, and you'll never get rid of me," she teases, still a little breathless, as she opens her eyes and smiles.

"Always, baby girl," I promise in a husky voice.

"Also. Fuck Franco. You aren't him. Never were. We will all remind you of that every day. All of us. For what it's worth, and you might not think it now, I know you would make an amazing father," she says tenderly, tugging gently on her wrists until I lighten my hold so she can frame my face between her soft palms.

I haven't let go of her yet. Just a little bit longer.

"Yes," Tey's voice hisses in excitement beside us like a fucking snake, making us both jump from being startled.

"Tey! No!" Tillie groans in defeat as her head rests against my pecs, and Tey slides up behind and rocks them side to side as his arms slide around her waist.

"Oh yes. It's happening. Logan is aboard the baby train, too. Oh fuck! That's how we can get you pregnant, so we don't wonder who the father is. We can line up like a train and impale you on our fat cocks." He shuts up instantly as Nicky appears out of fucking nowhere and smacks the back of Tey's head.

"Bad Tey. You will respect Tillie's wishes and wait to get her pregnant with little Tey's. Although I like the sound of this train idea, you know I'm a top. I like the idea of you fucking our girl while I fuck you." Nicky closes his arms around Tey's upper chest and low on his stomach before he tries to jump us in a tackle hug.

Tey doesn't look upset, though, as he stares at Tillie with darkening eyes and bites his lip, playing with his piercing.

"I'll be a bottom anytime. Need me to bend over? I'm your guy. Have a sudden need to dominate some ass, I'm your fucking guy." Tey chokes on a gasp mixed with a moan as Nicky shuts him up by biting the meaty flesh between his neck and shoulder.

"Shut up. You sound too eager, and that just won't do. When I finally claim your ass, I'm going to edge you for hours until you are shouting to come. That's what you get for teasing me." Nicky doesn't even try to be quiet as he tortures Tey, sending Tillie a wink as she turns around in my arms to watch them and grinds on my dick with her luscious ass.

"That turned you on, baby girl?" I whisper, licking the shell of her ear and nibbling on the sensitive flesh until her head falls back on my shoulder with a lusty moan.

"That's one of my favorite sounds, mama. I have plans for us later tonight to hear what else comes out of that mouth." Dom says this from the open patio doors, taking in the scene of sexual tension with a sly smirk. "Unfortunately, we have other places to be. Nicky, Tey. We'll meet you guys at Dalton's after dinner."

"Why are we heading to the club?" Tillie asks Dom, her voice laced with confusion.

"It's fight night, pet." Nicky smiles slowly against Tey's neck, not taking his gaze off our girl. She can't seem to look away either, as if she's in a trance.

Smooth fucker.

"Fight night?" she finally asks, looking at all of us and tipping her head back to gaze up at me upside down.

"You'll see. Are you ready to go?" I ask, rubbing her arms, loving the difference in how my hands are calloused, and she's soft as silk even over the bumps of her scars.

"Will I ever be ready for this?" She blows out of breath, reluctantly leaving my arms. "Let's get this over with."

That's my girl.

"Don't forget the cooler I set in the trunk for dinner. I took my time making that arrangement, and I hope they like the flowers. Now come give me a kiss, muffin." Tey makes kissy faces at her and taps his cheek while turning his head to the side.

"Let's go." I sigh and put my hands in my pocket as I watch her glide over to Nicky and Tey with a giggle.

She kisses them both on the cheeks, stands on her toes, and whispers something to Nicky that has Tey groaning with a pout.

"I'll make sure," Nicky promises, his finger sliding over her necklace, which he gives a slight tug before it drops back between her breasts.

I nod when he looks at me over her head with a frown as she walks over to Dom and places herself right under his raised arm for her to cuddle into his side as they disappear into the house.

"Don't worry. She'll be safe with us. The tracker is still working." I glance over to the doors again to ensure Tillie can't hear as I question Nicky about the tracking device he put in the necklace.

"I checked it this morning. It's working. I just don't like this. My gut is telling me something isn't right." Nicky takes his arms off Tey and runs a hand through his shoulder-length hair in frustration. "I'm probably just being paranoid. Just check in with me, okay?"

Tey turns and stands beside me with his pointer finger framing his chin as he looks Nicky up and down with concern.

"What is it?" he asks as my gaze shifts between them. My shoulders are tense as I wait for Nicky to spill whatever is bothering him.

"I don't know. Maybe I'm just stressed; this could all blow up in our faces. We have so much to lose." Nicky stares at Tey, and I think that's the most open expression I've ever seen from him, not hiding behind high walls as he looks at him with love.

"And we'll get through it together. Whatever comes our way, mayhem, murder, or bloodbaths, you have all of us right here by your side," Tey replies back so seriously, all humor gone, and a dark look in his eyes as he mentions murder. As if he dares anyone to come after those he loves.

"For once… I'm not worried. This feels right. It's time our fathers were taken down and Tillie got her revenge. I'll see you guys tonight." I pat Nicky on the shoulder as I move around him and hear Tey just as I head past the patio doors into the kitchen.

"You know what? I'll get my unicorn, and you can use my mouth however we please. Sound good? Oh, and call Nicola and her boyfriend; you know she won't want to miss fight night. I love my bloodthirsty little sister."

Leave it to Tey to think of everything to relieve stress, even when it sounds crazy.

I lied to them both just now, though. I didn't want them worrying even more than they already were. I'm fucking terrified that I'm going to lose one of them through all this chaos we are about to create.

I have to be strong.

The leader.

I protect what's mine, no matter what.