Page 3 of Before the Fall

“Then how about I go off all cocked? I’m not feeling this get together and chat about shit vibe you all have this morning now that I know Tia might get hurt.”

Turning to look at Cason, I push him away from me. “And fuck that calm shit you’re giving me. I don’t need to be calm. I need to make sure she’s safe and handle things so she doesn’t lose her father.”

“That’s exactly what we’re going to help you do. Sit down so we can plan things out,” Ryker says behind me.

Unsure I want to sit down when all I want to do is rush to where Tia is to protect her, I stand firm for a long moment before deciding that having my family’s help is a good thing. As we all take our seats again, I have only one question.

“Tell me again why we haven’t killed this motherfucker yet?”

Ryker smiles like I said something funny. “Strange that you should ask that today since that’s exactly what I’ve been thinking myself. My brother is out of control. I’ve waited in the hope that he would settle down, but I see now that isn’t going to happen.”

“So why the hell aren’t we striking this morning? You’ve had Dash over there spying for you for months. What’s the hold up?”

“Timing is important, Jaxon. I have everyone to consider, and until now, I haven’t wanted to put a bullet in my own brother’s head.”

His answer doesn’t jive with me. “Sentimental now? Is this what happens when a guy settles down?”

Rage fills my uncle’s eyes, and he snaps, “There are parts of my life you don’t get to comment on. Don’t make the mistake again, or you’ll find out what happens when you step over the line. We’re family, but that will only take you so far. Ask my brother about that.”

“The fact that I can still ask him anything fucking baffles me,” I say, not giving a damn about Ryker’s feelings on the matter at this moment. “If he was dead, Tia and her father wouldn’t be in danger.”

“About that. I don’t know if you’ll be able to save Tia’s father. Tia we can protect, but if Victor sees any of us around him, that may tip our hand.”

Most of the time, I appreciate Ryker’s ability to calmly judge a situation and not let emotions get in the way. This isn’t one of those times.

Sick of everything I’ve heard at this meeting, I stand up, shaking my head. “Then I’ll protect them. I can’t let Tia lose her father because we’re too chickenshit to move on Victor. You do what you have to, Ryker. I’m going to make sure she and her father stay alive.”

Nobody tries to stop me as I march out of his office. Good. I don’t want to have to fuck up anyone in my family today.

CHAPTER TWO

Jaxon

I see the road sign for Charlotte and know I’m close to Tia. I may have thought I could protect her by leaving, but for me, she’s never truly been far from my mind. I make this trip at least twice a month, needing to see her, even if she can’t see me.

She’d be furious if she knew. She’d glare at me and call me a stalker. She wouldn’t be wrong.

But it wouldn’t matter what she said. I’d still be happier than I’ve been since I left her to hear her say even a single word to me.

A whole year is a long time to want and not be able to have. To not be able to even touch her or smell the soft scent of her perfume. To be without the one person you love more than anything else in the world.

It was my choice, though. I have no one to blame but myself for having to live without her. But even thinking about that last time I saw her makes my chest ache.

I watch as Tia washes the dishes, knowing what I plan to do tonight is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. All day I’ve dreaded it, even as I can’t deny it’s the only way she’ll be safe. I’ve been lying to myself for too long. I wanted to believe what we are could be separate from my work for my family, but that’s just a dream that could never come true.

She deserves a life that doesn’t involve the danger that comes from being with me.

“Do you want to go down to the lake?” she asks, tearing me out of my terrible thoughts about what I’m about to do.

Shaking my head, I grimace. “Not tonight.”

Instead of showing disappointment, she merely shrugs and gives me a cute smile. “Okay. I just thought maybe you didn’t want to stay in again.”

Tia giggles before turning back to finish washing the dishes. I hate that what I’m about to say will make this the last time she’s happy around me.

“When you’re done there, I want to talk,” I say quietly, still not sure I’ll be able to do this, although I don’t have a choice.

She looks back at me and nods. “Okay. I just have a fork and spoon to do, and then I’m all yours.”