22 The Cleaners

Davis' P.O.V.

After today, there was no way Lisa would leave my side ever again. I won't lose her, not the same way I lost Grace. I didn't want to show her this dark side of me, but it was impossible to hold it back after what I'd seen when I came in. She was hurt, and he was about to attack her again. I could see the hunger in his eyes as he looked at her. He wanted her body and there was no way in hell I would ever let him have it. He would learn today to associate looking at her with absolute pain.

I just hope Lisa doesn't leave me after she sees this dark side of me.

Daniel was still trying to recoup from the pain that was seething in his back. I was trying to break his back, but I guess I didn't throw him hard enough, as his legs were still squirming on the ground. Grabbing him by the collar of his shirt again, I lifted him up slightly, punching him right in the face a few times. He was hard to recognize now, with his nose and eye socket broken.

It didn't feel like enough. I could just imagine the cruel things he wanted to do to her, and every time I did, my anger would rise to new heights. It was impossible for me to stay calm and, as such, I just continued to beat Daniel to the point I'd broken his ribs and one of his arms.

I stood, seeing him unconscious from the pain now. It was pointless to beat him any further if he wasn't awake to experience it. When I turned around, I noticed Lisa was not where I had left her. In my anger, I had forgotten that Chris was here as well and that his younger brother was probably not the best fighter.

I was not sure how I felt about the kid. On the one hand, he called me and told me everything that was happening with Lisa, asking me to come and save her. On the other hand, he did nothing himself to help her aside from calling me. Yet here he was, battered and bloody, but fighting alongside my woman. Maybe he wasn't so bad. Lisa was pummeling Chris' face in as he fell to the floor before her. She looked powerful with her fist bloodied and her hair a tattered mess from the fight.

I'd never been so turned on before.

It wasn't the fact that she was being violent. It was the fact that she was strong. She had grown strong these past couple of months with me. I knew that, but knowing it and seeing it were two different things. I couldn't help the smile that stretched across my face as I watched her stand triumphantly over Chris. Making my way towards them, I grabbed Lisa and picked her up. It was time to go.

"Come with me," I motioned for the younger brother to follow. The kid was a solid B in my book. He did what he could, but what he could do wasn't enough. "You can't be here when the cleaners come."

"Cleaners?" The younger brother asked.

"Professionals. They owe me a favor. They'll handle the clean-up of what I did to your dad. I only ever use them when it's more legally demanded. If I ever maimed someone or killed someone, they are the ones I called to come clean up my mess. They're pricey as hell, but they are good," I explained to them both, because even though Lisa was not saying a word, I knew she was curious about it.

"Do you do this often?" He asked, seeming both intrigued and concerned.

"Not to this extent. If I hurt someone this badly, it's because they've hurt someone I love."

Lisa leaned her head into my shoulder more as she heard my words. She seemed so exhausted now, crashing from the adrenaline I was sure had been pumping through her body.

"You did good, my little warrior, but don't think you're off the hook."

She wasn't being safe today, and I hated that the most. Mandy wasn't here like Lisa said she would be. Hell, her father wasn't even here. I was unsure what all happened in that house, but I would get her to tell me everything after she rests.

"You can come to my house until they're done, although I would suggest you get a place to stay outside of this house. Your family doesn't seem like the forgiving type and you helped us out a little too obviously today."

The boy grimaced as he realized I was right. He held the back of his neck with both his hands, pulling on it as he looked up at the sky. Probably contemplating life at the moment.

"In that case, I will grab my things. Do I have time to do that before your 'cleaners' get here?"

"You got ten minutes, kid. Grab the essentials and come with me."

I think I was turning soft with age. It seemed I was collecting broken children. I could tell I was going to have to take care of this kid, too. He seemed lost, and I was sure with a father like Daniel, he would be cut off the moment he regained consciousness.

I put Lisa in her car, wishing I could drive her, but I couldn't leave my bike behind. Not after the beating I gave Daniel. I kissed her forehead, still waiting for her to say anything to me. As I went to close the door, I heard her whisper.

"Thank you."

I pulled the door open again, squatting down beside her. I grabbed her hand tenderly and waited for her to meet my eyes. It took her a moment, but when those eyes met mine, they misted with tears.

"I'm sorry, Davis. I really thought I could do it. It wasn't supposed to go like that. I never expected dad to leave, and then they-"

I didn't let her finish, pulling her to my chest and holding her tight. She cried on my shoulder, finally letting the emotions she had been holding back out. When I heard the kid's footsteps on the pavement making his way towards us, Lisa composed herself. She didn't want him to see her cry, trying to keep her appearance strong.

"I'll take him in my car, and we'll meet you at home," she told me, pulling out of my embrace.

I cupped her face, not wanting her to feel like she couldn't let her genuine emotions out near me. I hope she knows that I don't think she was weak from crying. On the contrary, I think it strengthened her.

"I love you, Lisa. You're so strong, and when we get home, I want to hear all about what happened there. I'll wipe those tears away, so don't be afraid to shed them in front of me."

She nodded her head lightly, staring deep into my eyes, straight into my soul. I leaned in, giving her a quick kiss before letting her go.

"Get in, kid. She's taking you to my place, and then we can figure out what to do with you."

"Okay, thank you."

He had a dark green bag hung loosely over his shoulder. Whatever he thought was essential was in there, and would speak volumes as to what kind of man he was. I was curious about what he packed, but I didn't think he'd be willing to let me search it.

I let Lisa leave ahead of me, calling Val to come and clean up this mess for me. I didn't want her to meet him or his crew, or for them to know I had someone like her in my life. The less they know about me, the better in the end. The line rang once before he answered. He had always been quick to answer his calls.

"Give me the address, and I'll have someone there in five minutes."

He already knew what I wanted. It was really the only reason anyone called this number.

"Quick as always, Val."

"Oh shit, Davis?" He sounded so surprised to hear me.

I haven't called him in a few years. The last time was to clean up Carter's mess. He really did a number on a wealthy billionaire who had invited his younger sister to a party and forced her to do things she didn't want to. That man was an inch away from death when I finally stopped Carter, unable to kill the wealthy ones as easily as the dark criminals.

"Yeah, man. It's been a while. I need a cleanup crew to Darnell's mansion. No one is dead, but they need to be threatened to keep silent. Very proud men."

"Easy, I'll send Arc, and Sal. Payment has gone up since we last spoke, Davis."

Shit.

"How much?"

"A quarter Mil now, but for a good friend like you, I'll only charge you two-hundred-grand."

"Cut the shit, Val. You are not charging anyone that much. You wouldn't have any clients if you were." Val laughed, knowing I had caught him in his lie.

"Can't get past you." He sighed. "It's one-hundred-grand. The wire transfer is still the same. I expect the money tomorrow or they'll be knocking on your door next."

"Don't threaten me, Val. You know better than that. Money will be in there tonight."

He was pissing me off, so I pulled a Derek and just hang up without saying goodbye. I could see why he does it now. It was quite satisfying.

I swung my leg over, mounting my motorcycle and letting it come to life beneath me. I tore that cast off my leg the moment the kid called and told me what was happening. My leg hurt, but not terribly. It made riding my bike a lot easier, so with a smile on my face I raced out of this hellhole, and towards my Lisa.

Time to hear what happened.

Lisa's P.O.V.

It was silent as Davis processed everything I had told him. Jared was sitting downstairs with Izzy on the couch, while Davis and I spoke in our room. He wanted to know every detail of what had happened and why Mandy and Dad weren't there by the time he got there. I was still reeling with a million different emotions. Currently, my anxiety was at the surface, threatening to consume me whole. I wasn't sure what Davis would say or do, but I knew he wouldn't be happy.

"Dammit, Lisa. That wasn't a smart plan. I knew you were up to something, but I can't believe you would do that. I told you Mandy would dig up things on your dad for you to use. Why did you go do something so dangerous?"

"Because what she would find wouldn't show how vile all these men are. The world needs to see what abusive jackasses they are, and this is the only way," I defended. I know it was a stupid plan, but it worked in the end.

He held his hand out, and I stared at it, confused, as it hung in the air before me.

"Give me the broach. I'll have Frank look at it and post it anonymously. He'll edit out our incriminating parts."

The broach looked so small in his large hand when I placed it there. He got off the bed in a huff and placed it in the safe he kept hidden behind his full length hanging mirror. When he turned back to face me, the anger was gone, leaving only concern for me. He sighed, letting his shoulders sink as he relaxed further.

"You need to be more careful, Lisa. I can't lose you. Please never do anything that's going to put you in danger like that again."

Guilt ate away at my stomach as I looked at how scared he was deep down. I had worried him again, and rightfully so. Things could have gone differently today if Jared hadn't grabbed my phone, if Davis hadn't come, or even if he had come later. I was lucky. I know that.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, lowering my head in shame.

**Song Suggestion: Fall Into Me by Forest Blakk**

The bed sank as he sat next to me, grabbing my sides with his large hands and easily sitting me in his lap. His head fell onto my chest, looking so exhausted as he laid it there. I ran my long fingers through his beautiful blonde hair while we sat silently together. There was no getting away from this Viking. He was my everything. My future, my love, my life.

"When this is over, I am going to ask you to marry me, Lisa," he spoke softly as he squeezed me more as if I would disappear into the air if he didn't hold me tight.

"And I'll say yes."

No longer did I hold reservations about marrying this man. He had proven to me the person he was, and although there was a dark side to him, it wasn't one I was afraid of. His darkness stemmed from his protective nature, wanting nothing more than to make the people that hurt his loved ones pay. He was a guardian angel with a loving and gentle heart. I knew that a life with him would be more than I could ever hope for in my pathetic life so far.

There was no doubt in my mind that Davis would make me happy all of my life. He would keep making me strong, and loving me deeply. I would do the same for him and never let him go. I would be his in every sense of the word and he would be mine. Forever, even when one of us passes on. This love would not extinguish.

"I love you, Lisa, more than I thought could be possible again," Davis shook his head in my chest as he spoke, rubbing his forehead against the exposed part of my chest.

"I love you, Davis. More than I thought possible for someone like me. You've shown me what I am worth, what I deserve. You have strengthened me, Davis, and more than just physically. There's no way for you to know exactly how grateful I am to you. You mean so much to me."

My hand rested gently on his cheek as I pushed his head to look up at me. My lips met his, kissing him with passion. He kissed me back, tenderly, lovingly. The love felt in this kiss was palatable, coursing through my body and filling my heart with absolute joy and warmth. I held his face closer, needing to feel him on me more. His large hand traveled up the small of my back, resting between my shoulder blades as he pressed me tightly against him.

"I'm never letting you out of my sight again."

I nodded my head, resting my forehead against his. "I'll never leave your side again."

There was so much I could say about the way Davis makes me feel. So many words, but they would all fall short. Describing the warmth, love, and joy he brings me is practically impossible. It was a feeling so encompassing that the only thing to call it was love. Maybe that was why it was so hard for people to describe what love was like. Love was that word, the word that encompassed all these feelings and more.

"We'll take your dad down together."

"Together," I confirmed with another nod against his forehead.

We kissed for a while longer, unable to separate, lost in this moment of passion and love. It got to the point I needed to feel him more. I wanted to hold him and never let go. To feel every inch of his body against my own and more. I wanted everything he could give me and more.

"Make love to me, Davis. Make me feel all the love you have for me," I whispered, desperate for him to be inside me, to be one with me again.

He wasted no time laying me gently on my back. He trailed soft kisses against my skin as he undressed me slowly. His hands trailed along my skin, sending tingles down to my toes, and a warmth pooling between my legs. His sensual touches and kisses were only stroking the flames of desire I have for him. My eyes were rolling back in my head by the time the head of his dick pressed against my entrance.

He slid inside of me with ease at how wet I was for him already. His moves were slow and intentional, rubbing against the walls of my center in just the right ways. The way his eyes held mine the entire time only amplified the feelings inside me. I felt ready to burst with pleasure and love. His name left my lips in a whisper as I reached an orgasm so intense it made me quiver with pleasure. Davis kept his pace, teasing me for a moment longer before cumming deep inside me.

"As much as I want to stay lost and deep inside you, we have a Darnell in our living room we need to take care of," Davis said with a quick peck to my lips as he slipped out of me

I sighed, hating that we had to break apart. He was right, though. We couldn't just ignore Jared downstairs. I waited for Davis to hand me some tissues to clean off before I got dressed. He stared at me the whole time, watching me with such lust even though we had just had sex. I gave my ass a little shake just for him with a wink before I skipped out of the room with a giggle. He grunted in complaint as he followed.

"You're so mean," he whispered in my ear, grabbing my side.

When we ventured downstairs, we found Izzy and Jared laughing. It was a sight I did not think I would see. Izzy rarely laughs. In fact, the only time I had seen her laugh was the day we went to beat up Daniel together. She was that much more beautiful when she smiled, showing that soft side to her. Izzy was an absolutely stunning girl, but when she smiles, oof, she could make anyone fall in love with her.

"She's so beautiful," I whispered by mistake.

"I think so, too. Just like her mother." Davis stared at his daughter admiringly, a deep love in those eyes. He loves Izzy like no other. He was such an amazing father and I couldn't wait until he stared at our child in the same way.

"Oh, hey, Dad. Jared and I were talking, and he told me about what happened today. Thanks for calling me, by the way," she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, Neal needs a roommate, so I thought Jared could stay with him. What do you think?"

She was so cute when she was trying to be helpful. Her face made it seem like she couldn't care less about his answer, but I knew better now. She valued his opinion the most. She was eagerly awaiting his approval.

"Perfect, thank you for solving that for me, Izzy." He smiled at her. I didn't miss the way her eyes lit up, even as she kept her face composed and still. I saw the happiness inside her shine in those green eyes.

"Thank you for your help today, Jared. If you hadn't grabbed my phone, well, I don't know what would have happened, but I know it would not have been good."

"I am sorry I couldn't do more. I am sorry I left that room at all." He hung his head in shame as he spoke. He was feeling guilty for having left me, but I was the one who told him to go.

"It's not your fault. I told you to go. I knew there wouldn't be much the two of us could do. We needed some backup." I winked at Davis as I said it, seeing him roll his eyes, which only spread that playful smirk on my face.

"I know, but still. I should have stayed and helped somehow."

"You need to learn to fight, kid. I'll teach you if you want," Davis said, crossing his arms and staring him down.

Jared oddly wasn't intimidated as he smiled up at Davis, the same way I had that night at the warehouse. He was excited to learn to fight, to defend himself. He was a lot like me, and I was so proud of my Viking for offering to help him.

"You will? I would love to learn." Jared stood, smiling excitedly at Davis.

"Perfect. Let's go."

Jared's eyes widened in surprise, but I was grinning from ear to ear, loving this interaction. My Viking was this great man, who would take in the beaten and bruised and teach them to defend themselves, to rise from the ashes of their life and take claim of it. He was a great man, one I was lucky to have in my life. Thank God for Liv, because without her I would have never met Davis, would have never seen my brother be happy, or would have never had a little niece to dote over. Liv was the Porter set of siblings' salvation.