Page 28 of Parker
“You’re awake,” I say, my voice soft like I’m speaking to a startled deer. “Let me get a nurse. How are you feeling, baby?”
“I don’t want a nurse, Joel.” Her voice cracks. “I want to know who I’m married to,” Tears spill down her cheeks. “What’s going on?”
I reach for her hand, but she pulls it back with the little strength she has.
“I hate liars,” she whispers. “You know that. I can’t be married to someone I don’t trust. Someone I don’t even know.”
Then she closes her eyes as if trying to shut me out.
One look at her face, and I’ve resigned myself to having to divulge my family’s dirtiest secrets. I settle myself in the chair.
“You know how I told you that Parker Industries has a variety of businesses?” She nods, her gaze fixed on me. “Well, some of those businesses are less savory than others.”
“Illegal, you mean?”
I nod, defeated.
“Joel, I’m not an idiot. I realized that not all the money could come from Parker Fashion, but I never thought you’d be mixed up with gangsters. What are these businesses? Those men said you owned sex clubs…” Her voice trails off, the desperation for what she was told clear in her tone.
“We have several night-time establishments,” I admit.
“Night-time establishments? You mean the bars and clubs, right? Not sex clubs?” A little hope sneaks in, and I know I’m about to blow it to smithereens.
“Yes, bars and clubs, but they don’t just offer refreshments,” I explain.
“We have more interactive entertainment on offer. The clubs have been in my family for generations. When my father died, I had no option but to take over running them. My mother couldn’t do it.
My man, Drayton, manages the day-to-day tasks. ”
“You own brothels?” she shrieks. “You have men? Who are you?”
“Yes, we own brothels,” I admit. “High-end clubs. Rich clients. Security’s tight. Most of it is strip shows, but there are private rooms. Some girls offer more by choice.” Her eyes narrow. “They’re looked after,” I add, hating how hollow that sounds.
Her tears have disappeared, replaced with fury. She’s livid. “Oh, that makes it all right then. And do you frequent these entertainment venues yourself?”
“No, of course not.” Panic claws at my chest. “I stay away when I can. It’s not my scene. But the business needs them. We land deals, gather intel. It’s part of the legacy I was born into.” I drop my head. The excuses sound pathetic, even to me. Her look says it all—pure disappointment.
“How can I trust you after this?” she mumbles. “I feel like such an idiot.”
“Nicky, what we have is real. I’ve never lied about what you mean to me.
You’re the only thing in my life I care about.
When I met you, you gave me something worth living for.
Someone to stay sober for. I was born into this family.
I didn’t ask for these responsibilities, but they’re mine to have.
Please understand, if I could leave this god-awful situation, I would. ”
She lays her head back on her pillow and closes her eyes. They spring open moments later. “The baby,” she wails, sitting up quickly. I take her hands in mine. “I’m pregnant. That night the men came. I was going to tell you.” My heart hammers hard. “What is it? What are you not telling me?”
She looks at me with a mixture of hope and horror. This is going to break her, I know it.
“I know about the baby. The doctor told me.” I take a breath. “Our little one didn’t make it. Our child is gone. Those bastards killed them.”
“No!” she cries, and I take her in my arms. She pulls away, but I hold on tight until she stops fighting. “No. You bastard. How could you get us mixed up in all this shit? Why me? Why my baby?”
“I’m sorry. I’ll sort this. They’ll pay for what they’ve done. I didn’t ask for this life, but I’m going to use my position to make sure this never hurts us again. I’ll deliver revenge and lay it at your feet.”
My arms secure her against my chest, terrified to let go in case she slips away.
“Joel, I don’t know if I can be part of this. It’s all so dangerous,” she murmurs, shaking in my embrace.
“You already are, baby. You just never knew.” She stares at me with terrified, wide eyes. “Nicky, I love you. But this is my life, and you’re in it. I don’t just work with gangsters… I am one.”
She recoils as if I hit her. Silence stretches out, thick and suffocating. “This can’t be happening,” she murmurs.
We’re too deep into this. I lay it all on the line.
“I couldn’t let you go, even if I wanted to,” I say firmly. “You’re mine. I’ll protect you with every fiber of my being. If you need time apart to come to terms with this, I’ll provide somewhere for you to recuperate, but you’ll be under my watch.”
“Under your watch?” she snaps, the fearful tears making way for the fire beneath. “Who the hell do you think you are? Al Capone?”
“Fucking listen to me. In Glasgow, yes. The Worths have declared war on us. We need to be careful and on guard. You’ll do as I say. It’s for your own protection.”
She glares at me but doesn’t argue. I can see her mind whirling at a million miles per hour, processing everything I’ve been telling her.
“Now, I have some business to attend to. Boyd will leave two guards at your door. I’ll be back later.”
“What kind of business?” she hisses.
“It’s best you don’t know.”
Leaning forward, I place my lips on her cheek. It’s wet with salty tears. She turns away but doesn’t move out of my reach.
“I’m still the same man.” My eyes search hers for understanding. I don’t find it. “Your husband, who adores you. Believe me when I tell you, Nicky. You’re my world. You’re going nowhere. Not from me. Not from this.”