Page 21 of Fight
“And Jynx suggested that we have a bit of fun and keep him in total darkness, a bit of sensory deprivation until he goes.” Ace points out with a dark smile on his face.
My grandmother returns it with one of her own, “Good, I might like that idea a bit more.”
“Me too,” Gerald adds, walking into the room and looking like he’s ready to go out again.
“Are you guys going somewhere?” I ask curiously.
“Yes, we’re going back down to Ruth and Dexter’s place for a proper catch-up and drinks. I don’t imagine we’ll be back tonight. Malory is upstairs and will most likely stay there since she’s studying for her final exam. I’ve made you a pie for dinner, and it’s in the fridge. All you have to do is put it in the oven; I have left the instructions written next to the stove. You will also need to make any side dishes that you wish to go with it, we’ve got plenty, so help yourself to whatever you want.” She explains, with such a gentle smile, that you would never expect her to be capable of what she is.
“Thank you, so much,” I reply, shocking myself when I reach out and hug her. I can’t help it, and because she seems slightly confused about my gesture, although not unhappy with it when I pull back, I explain, “I’m going to explain, but I really hope it doesn’t make things weird. That gesture was the most motherly gesture that I have ever experienced, apart from maybe when Gerald yelled at us and gave us breakfast.”
Demelza’s eyes fill with understanding and sadness before they become hard, “You can not begin to understand how angry that makes me at your mother; if we could’ve brought you to us sooner, we would’ve. It simply wasn’t safe.”
I smile, “I know, I get it. I really do understand, and I most likely would’ve done the same if I were in your position. It’s not like I was abused or anything like that, just neglected.”
One of my guys growls in anger at my words, and Gerald’s face looks like thunder.
My grandmother takes hold of my hands gently as she says, “There is no such thing as just neglected, sweet girl. You deserved so much better, and from now on, if you will allow me, I want to show you all the love that you should have received.”
My eyes fill, and I have to swallow a few times before I can get any words out, “I would really like that.”
Her eyes look slightly misty as she replies, “Good. Now, do you want me to stay? I know there are more things that you want to talk to me about.”
I shake my head, “It can wait. Go and have fun and have a drink for me.”
Her eyebrows raise, “You are too young to be drinking.”
“In our line of work, we need one every now and then.” I grin.
She chuckles, “Now, isn’t that the truth.” She leans forward and kisses me on the cheek, “have a good night, sweet girl.”
“You too,” I reply and then add as they leave the room, “Bye, guys.”
The kitchen is silent for a second as the guys just let me absorb the very real moment that I’ve just experienced.
“That was such a grandmotherly thing to say and do,” Rip mutters once they’ve gone.
“I think we all might be experiencing more of that from now on,” Rome points out.
“Are you okay?” Ace checks in with me.
“Yeah, I’m okay. It's just if the circumstances were different, then I could’ve grown up with that. I still would’ve had the dangerous side to it, although not to the extent that I have done.”
Chapter Eight
“Ihear what you’re saying, but there’s no point in dwelling on what could’ve been. As far as I’m concerned, if our lives hadn’t gone exactly how they did, we may never have met, and I’d go through everything all over again if it meant having you in my life,” Rome replies honestly, and I absolutely melt.
He pulls me into his arms with a smile and holds me tight.
“Well said, man,” Mason adds quietly, “I couldn’t agree more.”
“I really like that way of thinking about it,” I admit.
“Group hug,” Ace calls out suddenly, and without any hesitation whatsoever, I’m suddenly surrounded by all of my men in one giant hug, and to be completely honest, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
“Oh fuck, we didn’t get our bags from Ace’s place,” I suddenly exclaim.
“I completely fucking forgot. Let's go grab our stuff quickly, then. Now that we’ve got somewhat of a spare evening, I’m desperate for a real shower and clean clothes,” Rome replies, and we leave the kitchen.