Page 66 of Mutual Obsession (Rivals of Blackthorn #2)
L iving in a state of domestic bliss with the boys has made it easy for me to try to forget the looming black cloud hanging over all of us—though not impossible.
After being on the run for so long, the defensive way of living never truly leaves you, and it’s fucking impossible to forget about the ticking clock that’s edging closer.
As much as I want to pretend I’ve found my happily ever after with Jake and Miles, I’m very aware there’s still a monster chasing me. He hasn’t stopped just because I’m finally happy. If anything, this is the perfect time for him to strike, as I’ve let my guard down.
So when Miles informed me this morning that he’s going with Marcus and Jake to meet with Bree and the Doughty family, I’m a mess of emotions.
On one hand, this is what I put into motion when I came back to Blackthorn to find Miles. I knew he had the connections I needed to help me put an end to Gregg and The Count, and this is just the start of that process.
Yet, on the other hand, I’m fucking terrified. I’ve been running for so long, and now it’s time for me to stand up and fight, but I’m not sure I’m strong enough for that.
Miles takes hold of my hand, pulling me into his chest for a hug when he sees the panic in my eyes after telling me about the meeting. “It will be okay. I promise, as scary as Bree is, she will be on your side. She will listen to you.”
Before I can ask the multitude of questions whirling around my brain, Jacob cuts in, glaring at Miles. “You make it sound like she’s coming, and she’s absolutely fucking not. We’re not taking Indie to meet with one of the most dangerous families in the UK.”
“I want to come,” I tell him, hoping he can’t hear the way my voice trembles in a very indecisive way.
Miles gives me a reassuring smile while Jake glares at me, shaking his head rapidly. “No. No way. You can’t come with us.”
“It will be better for Bree to hear the story directly from Indie. We’ll be there to keep her safe,” Miles states firmly, but Jake just scowls at him, looking even more fuming.
“I don’t fucking care. She’s not coming!” Jake yells.
Marcus, who has been standing in the corner of the room in silence, watching the drama play out, speaks for the first time. “I think it would be a good idea for Indie to come, if she wants to. Bree will be much more willing to listen to her. She has a soft spot for people in her situation.”
I’m not sure I like him implying I’m a victim, but since he’s speaking on my behalf, I keep my mouth shut.
I wonder for a moment what Marcus must think of the strange set up in front of him. He obviously has no idea that we’re all in a relationship together, as it’s very much not allowed, given Miles’ position working for him, but the fact we’re all living together must be confusing for him.
Miles is hugging me, giving me the comfort I desperately need, while Jake argues for what he thinks is my best interest. Neither men are hiding how much they care about me, and I can only assume Marcus thinks we’re in the middle of a fucked up love triangle that will only end badly, but like the good friend he is, he keeps his mouth shut.
Jake looks over at Marcus, the betrayal more than evident on his face. “You think she should come?”
Marcus shrugs his shoulders. “Only if she wants to.”
“I do,” I reply quickly.
I mean, I don’t really, if I’m being honest, but I also don’t want people to have a meeting on my behalf and then only get told the abbreviated version when they return.
My guys have a habit of trying to shield me from things, so the only way for me to know exactly what happens in this meeting is for me to be there.
Miles lets go of me and turns to Jake, his face the blank mask he wears whenever he’s in professional mode. Jake winces when he doesn’t see the care and love reflected back that he’s used to, but I’m sure he knows Miles is only protecting our secret like we asked him to.
“I know you care about Indie and want to keep her safe, but this is the best way,” Miles tells him.
Jake lets out a huff that turns into a long sigh, his rigid posture deflating. “Fine, let’s get this over with.”
Once we’ve all gotten into the car—Miles is driving, Marcus is in the front next to him, leaving me and Jake in the back—Miles runs through the plan with us all.
“We’ve been instructed to meet the Doughtys at a warehouse about an hour away from here. Apparently, they’ve been dealing with business nearby, and the warehouse is neutral territory for us to meet.
“I sent some guards yesterday to scope out the area, and there doesn’t look to be any concerns we need to be aware of. I don’t know how many family members will be in attendance, but there’s rarely less than three of them at any meeting.”
“Why three?” I blurt out without thinking.
“Bree is the leader, and Kian is her second in command, so he’s always with her. But her husband, Liam, also usually accompanies her,” Miles explains, shuddering when he says Bree’s name.
Jake chuckles beside me, obviously picking up on it too, and when I look over at him, his eyes are almost twinkling with excitement. “Bree is a badass, and she scares the shit out of Miles,” he tells me, trying to hold back his laughter.
Marcus coughs from the front seat, a poor attempt at hiding his chuckle. Miles glares at us through the rearview mirror. “You all should have a healthy fear of Bree. She’s fucking terrifying,” Miles argues, which only makes Jake laugh harder.
I have to admit, I’m eager to meet the woman who can instill this kind of fear in men as tough as mine. Despite both Jake and Marcus laughing at Miles, it’s clear they’re just as apprehensive about Bree, which only has me more intrigued.
I’ve never heard of a female mafia leader before, particularly one with the power and reputation to scare grown men like mine. I’ve not met the woman and already I want to befriend her. I could really use some tips on how to be stronger and less scared.
The rest of the drive, we fall into easy conversations, all three of us trying our best not to slip up and reveal too much in front of Marcus. Occasionally, Jake will start to move his hand closer to me, as if to take mine, or to rest his on my thigh, but then he remembers himself and pulls back.
I want nothing more than to slide over to him and let him hold me while my nerves build, but I know I can’t, so I settle for doing my deep breathing exercises to calm my anxiety.
I remind myself that even though we can’t show each other the affection we probably need right now, it doesn’t change the fact my men are here with me. They’re by my side, caring for me, keeping me safe, and no matter what happens in this meeting, they’re not going anywhere.
As the car pulls to a stop outside a large abandoned warehouse, my heart is beating a million miles a minute, as sweat makes my hands clammy.
My nerves are getting the better of me, and my chest is rising and falling rapidly as I struggle to grasp the control I worked hard for during the car journey.
Miles opens the door for me and holds his hand out for me to take. I grab it willingly, wincing when I’m sure he feels the sweat coating my palm. He doesn’t seem to care as he helps me out of the car.
Marcus and Jake are climbing out of the other side, and Miles takes advantage of their distraction by pulling me close, wrapping his arm around my waist.
He leans down until his breath is fanning my face, his warmth making me feel safe and secure.
When his lips are beside my ear, he whispers for only me to hear.
“I will keep you safe in here, no matter what. You have nothing to worry about. Just go in there, hold your head up high, and tell them your story. This is the first step in getting your life back, the first day of our future together without the past hanging over you. You’ve got this, and me and Jacob will be with you every step of the way. ”
He presses a short, sweet kiss to the spot just below my ear, sending a shiver down my spine, before giving me a reassuring smile, as he takes a step back. Once he puts distance between us, the Miles I know is gone, and in his place is the mafia bodyguard who everyone fears.
The cocky smirk I’m used to seeing is gone, as his lips press into a hard line that matches the stone-like expression on his face. His jaw is set, like he’s grinding his teeth together, jutting his chin out in a way that makes him look tough.
He pulls himself up even taller, straightening his back until his posture is rigid, making him look like an immovable object. But it’s his eyes that have changed the most, and I have no idea how he does it.
I’m used to seeing his bright-blue eyes shining with emotion. Whether he’s happy, sad, or angry, you can see it all in his gaze, but with his mask in place, they’re dull and lifeless, giving nothing away.
The Miles standing before me now looks cold, hard, and tough, making it clear what his role is.
His emotionless eyes are constantly flicking around as we move towards the entrance, with him leading the way.
He’s looking for risks, assessing the danger all around us, as he does his job to perfection.
Marcus walks beside me with Jake behind us, no doubt making sure that nobody is going to attack us whilst our backs are turned. Once we reach the door, Miles pauses for a second and turns to face us.
“Is everybody ready? Do we need to go over any aspect of the plan again?” he asks.
Jake groans loudly. “No, we’ve been over the fucking plan so many times I could recite it in my sleep. Knock on the bloody door, you freak.”
I can’t help but smile at the disapproving glare Miles throws Jake’s way, but he just fobs him off, bouncing on his feet like he’s struggling to contain all the energy he has.
As Miles knocks on the door, Marcus turns to Jake. He’s also shifted into professional mode, and quite frankly, he’s terrifying. I have no idea how Jake doesn’t shrink under the weight of Marcus’ glare.