Chapter 27

Most of thenext week was uneventful and much the same.

It seemed Derek was lying low someplace because there’d been no sightings or any further incidents. Atticus and I holed up in Max’s guest house while he recovered and rested. He was doing much better but still got headaches and tired quickly.

Seb helped me keep on top of my work by bringing me a laptop and recent paperwork every couple of days. Atticus wasn’t allowed to return to the garage for another few days, and I could tell the inactivity was wearing on him. He wasn’t one to sit around doing nothing.

Even though there was still no sign of Derek, I was on edge. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen. That he was planning something, and things were going to go from bad to worse. Max and his team had concluded he must be staying in another town, and that he was waiting for the initial heat to die down before trying anything else. I shuddered at the thought.

Atticus came into the living room wrapped in a towel, still wet from his shower. All other thoughts flew out the window as I watched him from my place on the small sofa. He was a sight to behold with his chiseled abs and defined pecs, covered in a light smattering of hair. I all but drooled as I followed a water droplet with my gaze while it made its way down the deep vee next to his happy trail, disappearing into the towel.

“See something you like?” Atticus smirked as he caught me staring.

“Very much.” I grinned right back.

He made his way over to me and stood behind the sofa. He was tall when I was standing, but from my seated position, he was an Adonis. My face was perfectly in line with the towel. I gazed up at him as I ran my hands up his sides and over his abs, lightly teasing as I went.

“I can think of a better view.” I bit my lower lip and pulled on the towel. It pooled at his feet as he ran his large hand over my cheek and into my hair, tugging gently.

“I’m not sure we have time,” he said hesitantly as his cock rose to greet me.

“We should make time.” I gripped the base and began to pump. “How’s your head today?” I needed to make sure he was okay. It had been almost a week since the incident, and we hadn’t been physical since. I needed to touch him but wouldn’t if he was in any pain.

“I’m fine.... Mmm, don’t stop.” His eyes were closed, and his head tilted back as I moved my hand slowly up his shaft. His hand rested on my head and shifted as I moved forward to lick my prize. I flicked my tongue over the head, gathering a drop of precum and savoring the taste. My own cock was pushing against the fabric of my sweats, wanting to join the fun.

“Delicious.” I went to suckle on the head, then twisted and sat up on my knees to lean over the back of the sofa. I rocked my hips against the cushions as I swallowed him down. His hands moved to the back of my head to add pressure. He gripped me but didn’t hold me in place, ever careful with me. I reached up with my splinted hand and pushed mine over his at the back of my head, so he got the picture. I needed it to be a little rough. I needed to feel him owning me.

“Are you sure?” he asked, staring down at me, pupils blown with lust. He was so reverent of my feelings and valued consent. His care and thought just made him that much hotter.

I lifted off him and met his gaze. “Yes, please. I want to feel you taking control. Take what you need.” I held his gaze for a beat, then dove back in.

With a decadent groan, he gripped my long hair in his fists and thrust into my mouth with abandon. I had little to no gag reflex and loved it when he fucked my throat. It made me feel owned in the best way, fully encased in Atticus. Shifting slightly, I moaned as he took control. Relaxing my mouth, I let him have his way with me. I knew I was always safe with Atticus.

“You feel so good,” Atticus moaned out as he took his pleasure. “Get yourself off,” he demanded.

Quickly, I complied, reaching into my sweats for my throbbing cock. Jacking myself in time with his thrusts, I could feel the urgency in his movements. We were both on edge, close after not connecting like this for a week. I reached the peak first, groaning around his thick shaft as I released into my pants, riding the wave of ecstasy as Atticus’s thrusts became erratic. He curled forward with one final thrust.

“Fuck!” he groaned out, pulling back so the last jet of cum landed on my lips and dripped down my chin. I all but collapsed over the back of the sofa as I rested my head against his hip. He caressed my neck while we caught our breath.

“You’re amazing,” he rumbled and tipped my chin up to look at him. “So hot,” he growled as he rubbed his cooling cum over my lips with his thumb, marking me, claiming me. I nipped his thumb and licked the last remnants away.

“Oh my God,” he moaned exasperatedly, lifting me up and over the sofa. I quickly wrapped my legs around his waist while he grabbed my butt for support, squeezing for good measure. He kissed my neck, nuzzling as he did. Nipping my ear, he then whispered, “I love you.”

I smiled and pulled back to look him in the eyes. “I love you, too.” I kissed him, devouring his mouth. “Now I need a shower.” Chuckling, I squirmed uncomfortably in my messy sweats.

Letting out a snort of laughter, he set me on my feet. “Go on.” He swatted my ass for good measure. “I’ll get the coffee ready and let Doc know we’re running a little late.”

I quickly darted off to shower and change for our follow-ups with Doc.

We each went through our appointments with Doc. Atticus had his concussion and eyebrow stitches checked, and I got the all clear to have the walking boot and wrist brace removed before starting physical therapy next week. We were each so happy for the other. As soon as we were done it was lunchtime, and Jolt was calling our name. You had to celebrate the little wins in life.

We decided to walk from Doc’s office to Jolt, since it wasn’t far. It felt really weird to be able to walk unencumbered. I no longer had to shuffle or walk with a hitch to compensate for the walking boot’s height difference. My ankle was encased in a simple fabric support brace to keep it stable and to remind me it wasn’t as strong as it used to be, but nothing hurt. It had been a long time since I had no pain or injuries to worry about.

Or fear of the next blow coming.

I quickly linked my fingers on my brace-free right hand with Atticus’s and brought his knuckles to my lips for a kiss.

“What was that for?” he asked, smiling down at me.

“Just enjoying the freedom.” Winking, I gestured to my wrist and foot. “It’s nice to walk normally for a change.”

“I bet.” He paused then and pulled me in for a hug. “I’m glad you’re all healed.” He nuzzled my hair and gently kissed the top of my head.

“Me too.” I hugged him back, giving him an extra squeeze. “It’s been a long time without injury or pain. It’s wonderful.”

Atticus looked down at me, his face turning serious. “I’ll keep you safe. Max will find him.”

His gaze bore into mine as if he wished his words alone could fix everything and keep us safe forever. He was frustrated that Derek hadn’t even been spotted, let alone caught, but we had to move on with our lives. We couldn’t just wait around for the next incident to happen or put our lives on hold while we hid, in the hope he would be caught. Maybe he’d received the emergency restraining order paperwork and left town. I knew that was highly unlikely, but hey, I could dream.

“We’ll be okay,” I whispered as we began walking again.

Entering Jolt, we were greeted by the various regulars. It felt weird to have so many people recognize me because of Atticus—and unfortunately Derek—but it was nice to know people cared.

Kay was at the counter and looked up to greet us with an exuberant smile. “Hey, you guys! It’s good to see you out and about. How’s the head?” he asked Atticus, quickly looking him over. Atticus’s incident had rattled everyone, and while Kay was fantastic during the emergency, it had worn on him to see his friend injured.

“Much better, thanks. How are you doing? It’s weird not seeing you or Lyric for so long,” Atticus replied.

“We’re good. Your brother’s okay. He has been quieter than usual, but he’s been working hard with Seb to keep everything in line at the garage for your return. It’s good but also weird to see him so reserved. Maybe you could stop by soon. He’s been worried about you. I think seeing you would really help him.” Kay shuffled from foot to foot.

“We’ll go after lunch. Or has he or Seb stopped by today?” Turning to Atticus, I asked, “Why don’t we take them lunch and visit now?”

“That’s perfect!” Kay exclaimed. “They haven’t come by, so why don’t I prepare the usual and you can go check in.”

“Sounds good to me.” I beamed at Kay. I had loved being holed up with Atticus, but I’d missed Kay and Lyric.

“Thanks, Kay,” Atticus said with a nod.

We moved off to the side to wait for our food. The lunch rush hadn’t started yet, so Kay was able to get everything out quickly, and then we were off to the garage.

As we walked through the open roller door, Seb spotted us.

“Hey! What are you guys doing here? Is everything okay?” It was clear everyone was still on edge because I could feel the anxiety in Seb’s voice.

“We brought you and Lyric lunch.” I held up the bag. “You free to take a break?”

“Sure.” Seb came over to hug his brother, then me. “Lyric’s in the office. Go on through and I’ll meet you there once I wash up.”

We headed back to the break room, and I knocked on the office doorway since the door was open. Lyric’s head popped up from where he’d been hard at work on the computer, and as soon as he saw us a smile of relief crossed his face.

“Boy, is it good to see you! You scared us, bro.” He was up and brushing past me to embrace Atticus in a bear hug before I could blink.

Atticus seemed a little taken aback at the force of Lyric’s hug, but he quickly returned it. “I’m fine now, I promise. You know what it’s like to have a concussion.”

I thought I’d save a slightly uncomfortable Atticus. “What about me? Don’t I get a hug?” I asked and nudged Lyric to let go of Atticus. Handing Atticus the food, I pulled Lyric into a hug, too. “He really is fine now. I’m sorry about all of this,” I whispered into his ear.

He pulled back, looking at me stoically. “Not your fault, but thanks.” He offered a soft, genuine smile before turning on the charm, which I now realized was more of a mask.

“So, what goodies did you bring me?” he asked, with his signature smirk in place as he turned toward the food Atticus was laying out on the table.

“The usual.” Atticus chuckled as we all moved to collect plates and dish out the food.

I caught a commotion over Atticus’s shoulder. Seb was heading toward the break room, but something wasn’t right. He was walking backward, and his hands were raised, shoulders tense.

What the fuck!?

“Shit!” I ducked down behind the chair I was about to sit in.

Cold dread settled over me. This couldn’t be happening.

Peering around the chair, I watched as Seb shifted. The man who’d become my nightmare came into view. His large build nearly matched Seb in width and muscle mass, and his icy blond hair was greasy and unkempt.

“This isn’t happening.” My brain was having a hard time computing what I was seeing.

Derek is here.

He has a gun.

Derek had a gun pointed at Seb, trying to get him to move in here with us.

Atticus had picked up on my panic and was about to move to come over to me when my brain came back online.

“No! Nobody move,” I whispered as loud as I could without drawing attention to us. “Lyric, I need you to go into the office and lock the door. Call 9-1-1, then call Max. Tell him Derek is here and holding us at gunpoint.”

“What!?” They each spoke in unison.

We didn’t have time to argue. Derek would see me and Atticus at any moment. Lyric was the only one out of sight.

“Lyric!” I whisper hissed again. “Please go. We need help.” I made sure he was looking at me. “Stay out of sight!”

He nodded and backed into the office, closing the door quietly.

Atticus had crouched down and was now next to me behind the table and chairs, which were doing little to hide us.

“Oh, Bodhi,” Derek singsonged. “Why don’t you come out here and say hello?” His voice was so cold and callous.

My blood turned to ice when I finally heard his voice for the first time in so long. Bracing myself, I peeked over the chair. He knew I was here. We locked gazes instantly. His blue eyes were hazy and bloodshot. I had to wonder what he was on. It looked like more than just his usual alcohol binge.

“Come out and join us.” He waved the gun around. “Now!”

I didn’t move.

“Come here now or I start putting holes in your friend here.”

A loud crack rang out, and I froze in place. Terror settled over me. What had he just done?

I was still petrified when pieces of the plastic clock on the wall behind me exploded around my feet. Thank God!

“That was a warning. I’m not fucking around, honey. The next one goes in this guy’s head.” He was waving the gun around erratically as Seb took a step to the side. “Then, I’ll use my next six or so to put some new holes in that one next to you. The one who dared to touch what’s mine.”

“The fuck you will!” I exclaimed and stood to face him. Anger burned in my gut as I confronted my abuser head-on.

“Oh ho! Look who thinks he has a backbone now.” Derek chuckled darkly, turning his flinty steel blue eyes onto me again. “You really think you can stand up to me? Really?” He rolled his eyes.

“Leave them alone!” I said firmly.

“But I’m just starting to have fun!” He advanced on Seb, pushing him backward into the room, and came to fill the doorway, effectively blocking any escape.

I took a moment to take in Derek’s disheveled appearance. It was a far cry from his usual immaculate deportment. He was in a basic long-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, but it looked like he hadn’t showered in a month and his usually clean-shaven face was now covered in a bushy, unruly beard. He looked more than a little unhinged.

“Do you have any idea the trouble you caused with this little stunt? You really thought you could run away from me? You might have succeeded longer if you hadn’t basically gift-wrapped your new address with that trip to the hospital.” A sickly, sardonic look crossed his face. “Did you have another accident, baby? You’re just so clumsy, always hurting yourself. And you dared to blame me! You cost me my job! They’re investigating your fucked-up lies. You are coming with me, and you’re going to fix this fuckup you little shit. You’re going to tell everyone you lied, and then I’ll have my fun dealing with you.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you. The truth came out, and you’ve got no one to blame but yourself.”

“How dare you?” he growled in outrage as his face flushed red.

Now that he was closer, I noticed that his hands were trembling. His gaze shot around the room, assessing before settling back on me with a smug grin. “I’ll give you a choice. You come with me now or I kill your friends and drag you out of here. Which is it going to be?”

Normally, I wouldn’t think he was serious. He knew the law and delighted in skirting it with his position, but to actually kill someone meant he had seriously lost it.

“You’ll never get your job back if you kill someone,” I said, hedging my bets.

“Ha! You think the idiots around here could link this to me? I know how to cover my tracks.” The look that crossed his face was completely deranged, bordering on manic. Had he killed before? “Decide. Now!”

“Okay, okay.” I held my hands up, deferring to him and trying to give myself some time to think. I knew I couldn’t go with him, but I couldn’t let him hurt Atticus or Seb or risk him finding Lyric. “If I leave with you, you promise you won’t hurt them?”

“Oh, I promise.” I could hear the sarcasm in his voice.

“You’re not going anywhere with him!” Atticus said as he stood and grabbed me to pull me behind himself.

Everything happened so fast after that.

Derek’s patience snapped. His rage bubbled over as he pointed his gun at Atticus.

Instinctively we both ducked as a shot rang out. Even knowing we couldn’t move faster than a bullet, it was human instinct. We landed heavily on the floor and rolled as Atticus tried to shield me.

Then there was a sickening crunch followed by a heavy thud.

I was still in shock, terrified to move and see Atticus covered in blood, but it wasn’t until an anguished “Sebastian!” came from Lyric that my body responded.

I pushed Atticus off myself and checked him over. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Oh my God.” Atticus stood and froze, going completely pale.

I slowly stood and took in the scene of horror. Seb was on the floor not moving, blood pooling from his stomach. Lyric was panicking and trying to push the blood back in with his bare hands.

Derek was sprawled in a heap off to the side, blood trickling from his head and a bloodied torque wrench beside him.

“Seb!” I jumped into action, rushing to the cabinets, and grabbed as many dish towels as I could. I nudged Lyric out of the way as I went about assessing Seb’s wound. Moving his shirt up, I could see the bullet wound on the upper right side of his abdomen and covered it with the dish towels. I applied as much pressure as I could.

Lyric had fallen back onto his butt, clearly in shock.

“Lyric, is Max on his way?”

No response.

“Lyric!”

Still nothing.

“Atticus! You need to call 9-1-1. Seb needs an ambulance!” At the mention of his brother, Atticus snapped out of his trance and quickly called, mechanically answering the dispatcher’s questions before hanging up and calling Max. The ringing echoed nearby. I almost sagged in relief when Max came in, gun drawn, and took in the scene.

He called out, “Clear.” Then, Sam came in followed by Theo. Sam quickly assessed and handcuffed Derek’s prone, but still breathing, form as Theo took in the scene. He froze for a second, then jumped into action, quickly shifting to his EMT persona.

I could hear Max talking and barking orders as the action happened around us, but I focused on Seb and Theo.

“He’s been shot and hasn’t regained consciousness. I don’t know if the bullet is still in him or not. I can’t seem to stop the bleeding,” I said, trying to think of things an EMT would need to know, not a brother. Theo was checking Seb’s pulse.

“An ambulance is on the way,” Atticus added as he knelt by Seb.

“We need to stop the bleeding,” Theo stated, sounding detached. “Call Doc. We need sterile gauze and wound packing supplies as soon as possible.”

Atticus quickly went to do as instructed while I kept pressure on Seb’s abdomen. I was scared to move as blood soaked the dish towels and pooled between my fingers.

I kept the pressure on Seb’s wound while we waited for Doc to arrive with supplies. Time felt like it was moving as slow as molasses. Theo added another dish towel to the drenched pile I was pushing into Seb. I could hear my pulse ringing in my ears as Seb continued to pale even more before my eyes.

This can’t happen.

“Come on Seb, fight,” I croaked out, my voice thick with fear.

Movement continued around us as time blurred until, finally, Doc came racing in with medical supplies. He and Theo quickly took over. Gently moving me and all the bloodied towels out of the way, they hastily cut off his shirt, then began packing the gunshot wound, checked his pulse, and started to talk in medical terms with numbers and stats I didn’t understand. Hopelessness swamped me while we waited for the ambulance.

They shifted Seb, noting an exit wound, and began packing the wound on his back, then added more to the front, while continually monitoring his pulse and breathing. Seb was still unconscious. The sterile white gauze was darkening with blood faster than they could pack the wound and apply pressure.

I froze in fear as dread settled in my stomach. I was pulled to my feet by strong hands and enveloped in Atticus’s comforting embrace as we watched Seb fight for his life.

After too long, the ambulance finally arrived. Seb was rushed to the hospital with Theo and Doc along for the ride, rattling off all the stats and things they’d done to help keep Seb hanging on.

I was slowly sinking into a quagmire, trying to fight my way through to the other side as we answered questions. We were shifted from the break room, then out to the garage, then the street, before we were finally allowed to leave to go to the hospital.

Thankfully, Sam was directed to drive us because none of us were in any state to do it.

We were all shuffled into Sam’s deputy vehicle. I was in the middle of the back seat and we were moving by the time I came back to myself.

“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I brought Derek into your lives.” Derek was an abuser and a bully, but I didn’t realize how unhinged he had become, or how truly dangerous he was to those around me.

“Shh, it’s not your fault,” Atticus said robotically.

Lyric grunted in the affirmative from my other side.

We rode in silence the rest of the way, and we were all praying with everything we had that Seb would be okay.