Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Nia

It takes a few hours to leave the hospital, but after that, I'm loaded into the helicopter, the doctor joining Luke, Roman, and Jake as we lift off.

I have no idea where we're going…again.

But this time, I'm not scared. I sink into Jake's side, closing my eyes. I had no choice but to wear the jeans I'd had on this morning, but they're covered in dust and grime, my shirt too.

"As soon as we get you to the house, you can take a hot shower. We'll get your clothes tomorrow, promise."

I nod, not really caring. Just as long as he sleeps with his arms around me, I'll be fine. I close my eyes and burrow into his side.

I know there is still so much unsaid, and I have no idea what will happen after. Which is why I don't speak at all. Just close my eyes and breathe in his scent.

His arm is tight around me, his nose in my hair. I spread my fingers out on his chest, letting my hair cascade over my shoulder .

It's over. Toni's in prison, or he will be soon. I never have to live in fear of him again.

"Here," I hear one of the other men say.

A soft cloth touches my face and I jerk my eyes open, stiffening. It doesn't smell like Jake and my eyes flick down to a handkerchief before I look back up at Jake's face.

"It's Roman's," he says, kissing my forehead. "For your tears."

I didn't even realize I'd been crying. I swipe at my eyes, averting my face so the other men can't see. I don't know them, I don't trust them—Roman in particular—and I don't want to show them any weakness.

But facing Toni…it's stripped me raw. Or maybe it was staring into that pillow and being so certain that was the end.

Jake hugs me tighter, pressing the soft square into my hand. I swipe at the tears some more, even as a soft sob breaks from my lips. "Shit."

"It's all right," Jake nuzzles my ear. "You've earned a good cry."

I shake my head. "No. Not yet. Not here. I…" I don't know how to explain…I feel safe in his arms but that's a very small bubble of space and everything beyond…

I draw in a steadying breath, trying to push the feelings back down. "I'll be all right in a minute. I just need…" This time, I feel the next tear slip down my face.

Jake reaches up with the pad of his thumb and brushes it away.

My eyes close again as I fight for control. I know I'm going to have to fight these men, they want to throw me back to the wolves, and by wolves, I mean my family. And despite the promises Jake has made, I have no idea how this will all shake out.

I need to be strong.

But the tears keep spilling out of my eyes.

Finally, I take the wad of handkerchief in my hand and just cover my face.

If Toni has taught me one thing, it's not to show weakness, and I'm failing right now .

None of the men say a word as Jake pulls me into his lap as another sob breaks from my lips.

I bury my cheek into his shoulder, but I know they can hear me, we're all mic'd. Another sob breaks from my throat, my hands fisting into Jake's shirt.

Jake's hands are spread out over my back, his arms tight around me as the dam I've been trying to keep strong breaks, the cracks that have been collecting finally too much, and a torrent of tears unleash on his shirt.

I push the mic away from my mouth as a feral cry rips from my lips, but I think they hear because one of them says, "Fuck me," into the earpiece.

And the other. "Jesus Christ."

I can't tell who is who, and I'm sure I'm making them wildly uncomfortable, but I just can't hold in the feelings.

I'm crying for my mother, for me, for the past several years… The grief pours out of me in wave after wave as I curl into Jake's embrace, trying to draw from his strength, because without his arms, I'd be a puddle on the floor.

But he never lets me go, and at some point, I hear the words he's been whispering as he holds me. Brave. Strong. Beautiful.

The tears finally subside, the sobs receding, but I don't move, I just stay buried in his embrace.

I don't want to face the other men, and I don't want to be out of Jake's arms. I feel the helicopter land, but I still don't move.

"She asleep?" Someone asks.

"No," Jake softly answers, but he shifts his arms, sliding one under my knees.

Another set of hands remove the ear protection. I don't look to see who as Jake lifts me and carries me out.

My eyes are squeezed shut. I know I'm a mess when I hear the sound of another helicopter growing louder.

That makes my eyes snap open, panic lacing my voice. "Who's that?"

My arms clamp around Jake's neck as my entire body stiffens. "It's Mason and Leo," he answers with a gentle squeeze. "They are here to help."

I shake my head. "Not help me," I whisper.

"Yes, help you," he answers and that's when I hear the steel in his voice. "They'll help or they'll answer to me."

I blink up at him, cocking my head. Jake is the oldest. The last of the original brothers. I suddenly wonder how much power he has in this dynamic.

My fingers spread out on his neck, twining in his hair. I must be an absolute mess, but he looks down at me, our eyes locking.

If I've never been weaker, he's never looked stronger.

His jaw is set in hard lines, his grey eyes flecked with steel.

Any tether I had to Toni is now gone. The bond with my family severed. I'm relieved.

But now is the time: I strike out on my own or I join this family for real. My lips softly part. "Jake?"

"Sweetheart."

"What happens if they don't? Help me…"

I feel his muscles tense under my body. "I promised what I promised, Nia, and I meant every word."

The other helicopter lands and Mason and Leo climb out. I'm at the point where I recognize a Kincaid, and the two brothers standing shoulder to shoulder exude the Kincaid confidence and swagger.

Roman and Luke join them, the four men shaking hands, giving one-armed hugs, before they all turn to look at me and Jake.

Jake hasn't moved, he has still has me in his arms, as the four men move toward us in a single line.

I live with a bunch of crazy criminals, and these four men might be the most intimidating thing I've ever seen.

They look like a wall, and I find myself shrinking a little deeper into Jake.