Page 39 of UnWholly Angels (Crestview Cardinals #1)

Chapter Twenty

Maya

T he room was even more eerie in the dim light, and a shiver ran down my spine. Riley would kill me if he knew I’d snuck in here after what happened a few days ago.

While cleaning up from this morning’s activities, I’d remembered that my phone sat at the bottom of the pool, and the SIM card was still salvageable. The information that phone held was irreplaceable. Most importantly, I wanted my picture.

The smell of chlorine burned my nostrils as I stood at the edge of the pool, reliving the moment in real time.

Water wasn’t what scared me, it was the experience itself.

How did one of Rocco’s men get into the house so easily?

Are we even safe here anymore? Swallowing, my eyes moved to the middle of the pool where my phone sat, and right there next to it was the knife.

I couldn’t help but wonder if there really was a purpose for Rocco’s antics anymore, and I came to the conclusion that he just wanted me dead.

My fists balled at my side as I took a step closer, prepared to jump in.

Nervousness and anxiety caused my heart to clench, but I swallowed down the fear and jumped into the water, gasping as the cold water enveloped me.

The phone wasn’t that far down. I could see it as I kicked my feet to make it further to the bottom.

Reaching my hand out, I snatched the phone from the bottom, trying my best to ignore the knife as I made my way to the surface.

Swimming as quickly as possible, I scurried up the ladder and made my way out of the pool room to change for the second time today.

I pulled the dress over my head, letting it fall loosely down my body.

It was one of Chloe’s dresses she’d let me borrow, but she wouldn’t be getting it back.

It looked too good on me to let go, and I smiled softly as my eyes met my reflection.

For the first time in years, I could stare at myself again and not completely hate the person staring back.

My hand rested on the foundation that sat near my toothbrush, but I didn’t need it; there was nothing to cover up this time—no bruises or cuts.

Danger still loomed over Riley and I, like a storm cloud, threatening to drench us completely.

Today though, today my hand released the makeup, and I made my way down the stairs with a slowly growing sense of pride, respect, and confidence within myself.

Riley sat on the couch, head tipped over the back and eyes closed.

A pang of guilt hit me for waking him up so early, but he indulged my pleasure when he should have been resting.

Hiking my dress to my thighs, I straddled him, pressing my forehead into his chest, and reflexively, his arms wrapped around me.

For a moment, we were both quiet, just enjoying the silence, when he spoke up.

“You look so beautiful for someone who’s going to be sitting in the house all day,” he murmured. “Let’s just stay like this and be lazy.”

I scoffed. “I have plans with Chloe today. I can’t suffocate in here, please, I’ll even get a new phone and turn on the location.”

His heavy sigh indicated his frustration as he repositioned our bodies to lock eyes with me softly. “Fine, but that’s the first thing you do, please, Maya. I just want to make sure you’re safe while I take care of something with Nick today.”

“Do you mean someone?” I asked with a hint of concern. “Riley, it’s not worth it.”

His eyes darkened immediately, never leaving mine. I could hear his jaw click, and the vein in his temple throbbed.

“Did he not try to drown you, Maya? Don’t fucking tell me it’s not worth it. He’s going to pay, just like Lorenzo.”

Lorenzo.

I can’t lie to Riley anymore.

“Riley, I lied,” I breathed. My fingers dug into his shoulders as his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Some stuff from that night, I do remember,” I admitted.

“It took me a couple of days to remember everything. My mind and body were completely dissociated from each other, but it did come back to me while I was with the Whitlocks.”

His knee bounced anxiously under me as he stayed silent, waiting for me to continue.

“His friends held me down while he...he hurt me. Lorenzo hurt you when you were trying to help me. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

I tried to shake the memories away, but they needed to be released from my heart.

I’d held onto it for too long, the guilt, the events, everything that happened that night, everything I could remember should not have happened.

From the day Riley walked into my life, he had a target on his back, and all I wanted to do was give him back some of the childhood he lost.

“I trusted him, Riley. He said he was going to walk me to the rink, and I’m…I’m so sorry.” Tears welled in my eyes at the confession, and his expression softened. “They kept threatening to take turns, and I just wanted it to end. I wish they had killed me that night.”

“Stop, please just stop,” he blurted out in a strangled breath.

“Don’t ever say that again. Don’t even think it.

If Maya Whitlock was not running around Crestview causing havoc, then there would be nothing to do.

” He smiled, and I shied away, the familiar feeling creeping up my body as he pulled me closer.

“Life would be boring for everyone. Even that ratfac—I mean Rocco,” he laughed.

“And you will never have to worry about Lorenzo again, because I killed him. He suffered Maya; I made sure of it. Stop saying sorry for a past you can’t change, or holding unnecessary guilt over your shoulders.

They made their choices in life, just like we have.

Rocco is going to learn the hard way that actions have consequences. ”

I nodded, placing my lips on his, feeling his warm breath tickle my skin as a sharp knock landed on the door. Swiping his thumb across my face, he gathered my tears on his thumb, wiping them away before covering my mouth with his once more.

A series of knocks continued, and I tried my best to ignore them, enjoying the moment we had been sharing. With a frustrated groan, I ripped my face from his and rose to go grab the door. Whoever it was, better have a damn good reason, I thought as I crossed the living room to open the door.

Nick and Chloe walked over the threshold and out of the cold quickly, all while she shot me a look of annoyance that took a new form over Chloe’s features.

“There’s my dress, you wardrobe snatcher.

I’ve been looking for that!” she belted out, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the truth.

She probably ripped the whole closet apart while her husband watched in dissatisfaction at the mess that would need to be cleaned up.

“Are you ready to go? The appointment is at one.” Chloe turned to Riley and pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose with a smile. “Give her your card, chop chop.”

My eyes widened at Riley’s grimace, but he listened, grumbling as he reached into his pocket to grab the AMEX card. He didn’t ask what it was for, just slapped it right in her hand before turning to me.

“I’m begging you, Freckles, just no more goddamn puzzles right now, okay?” If only he knew what we were going to be up to this afternoon. “Have fun and remember our deal.” He said sternly, demanding.

“First stop, promise.” Part of me felt uneasy; I never wanted him to think everything was about money, and I wanted to get a job of my own soon.

If anything, to keep myself busy and moving.

It was time to make my own way. Chloe placed the card in my back pocket, and I threw him a worried glance, just looking for that reassurance.

Right away, he stepped forward and onto the porch, placing his palms on the side of my face.

Leaning down, he whispered, “If the gears turned any tighter, smoke would be coming out of your ears.” Riley laughed. “Have fun and pace yourself, okay? Don’t worry about the money, I jerk off to the fact that you’re the one spending it.”

My face flushed with need, incredibly shy at his dirty words, almost folding right then and there.

Walking to the passenger side of Chloe’s car, I peered over my shoulder, and a chill settled in the air.

Riley was smiling my way, but his demeanor was now stock-still, rigid.

Mentally, he was getting ready for what he was about to do to the man who broke in, and my blood turned into ice at the thought. Riley shouldn’t kill anyone for me.

The jingle of the bell above the door halted the hustle of the tattoo shop as Chloe and I stepped in.

Three chairs sat used while two others remained empty, soon to be filled, and Lizzie shot a glance our way.

Her blonde hair rested just above her shoulder as she twirled the pen in her hand leisurely.

“I thought you’d chicken out. Come take a seat,” she ordered, gesturing to the empty seat.

Crossing the room, I settled into the black cushion, trying to decide how I would start this piece.

This piece was less impulsive than the last, but something I’d wanted for a while.

The truth was that pain was a high I’d been chasing for a bit, and if Riley wouldn’t give me the pain I wanted, then this was another option.

What a beautifully perfect way to feel something.

“Do you have any idea where we are starting yet?” Lizzie asked.

I looked toward Chloe, and she smiled, silently encouraging me to go for it.

Soon enough, my whole arm would be covered, each piece with a different meaning, or maybe they don’t need meaning at all.

Maybe I just want to get a tattoo on a normal fucking Tuesday.

I scoffed to myself, and Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“The hand holding the pomegranate will go from the middle of my chest, across my collarbone. Persephone’s hand will be reaching for it, her hand leaving the cage of the high priestess card on my shoulder.

” I raised my head in confidence, sliding my jacket down my shoulders.

I was only in a camisole, the flimsy strap already falling down my shoulder, ready for what was to come.

Elizabeth went to work perfecting the sketch, and I squirmed in the seat to get comfortable.

My nerves buzzed, and I remembered the story Riley told me a few days back about how much his chest hurt, how he would rather be tied down and tattooed on his back over and over before enduring the chest again.

That was what I needed, and no Riley to talk me out of it.

A short time later, Lizzie sauntered over and placed the stencil where we both agreed.

I chuckled when she snapped the gloves against her wrist in a playful manner and took a deep breath.

The melodic sound of Chloe’s voice broke through the silence as she initiated conversation. “Elizabeth is amazing,” she gushed happily. “She’s done almost everyone’s tattoos including Angel.”

The buzz of the machine sounded in my ears, and a calm feeling washed over me as Lizzie got to work. Riley was right, it fucking hurt, but it was a welcoming pain each time the needles pierced my skin. It felt like someone took a branding iron to my chest.

“Really great job, Elizabeth. Gives me something to look at while he’s rearranging my guts.” I laughed, careful not to move too much by the warning look she gave me.

“I tried to talk him into color, but he’s quite plain. Maybe you can convince him. Plus, I think Chloe’s trying to stir the pot and make you jealous.” Lizzie shot back, a smirk playing at her lips.

I scoffed. “Why would I need to be jealous of anyone? He wakes up next to me. I spend his money when he wants me to. And let’s not forget that it’s my nickname that’s been inside not only your husband’s asshole, but yours as well.

” I gasped as the needle went straight into my chest, and Elizabeth apologized profusely, wiping at the area. “Did you do that tattoo, Lizzie?”

Elizabeth stared down, but the scheming smirk that crossed her face made me chuckle inwardly. She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth before speaking. “You’re welcome, Freckles,” she snorted.

Chloe was silent beside us, seemingly lost in thought and for the first time speechless.

I’d almost wondered if I went too far. My mouth parted to apologize when she put a finger against her lips and cracked a small smile.

Staring at her, I realized the small grudge wasn’t worth slightly stepping out of her life, and I resolved from now on to try harder to be close, the way we used to be.

I could finally see the light and had everything I needed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should tell her what I knew.

We were all finding happiness again, and quite frankly, at this point, Rocco could follow me, look for me, take me even, but he would never find out where I hid those drugs.

In plain sight no less, right with the video of him and Chloe’s late fiancé Ezra making a deal that would bring our world to its knees.

I wasn’t an idiot, but never was it made known to me how deep his connections ran until I really started digging.

Rocco was far from a crime lord; there was someone else pulling the strings and telling him how to handle things.

Making my decision, there was no need to tell Chloe.

She’d been through enough already. Finally healed and happy, the last thing I needed was for her to move backward.

Tiredness poked at me, and I rested my head against the chair, allowing the buzzing to lull me to sleep. The others made separate conversations, and I hardly felt the pain as I attempted to drift off, but buzzing in my pocket brought me back, and I rolled my eyes.

Well, that was quick.

Before meeting up at the tattoo shop, I held firm on my deal, running to the store to buy a new phone, and thankfully, everything was in the cloud.

Well, everything I needed anyway. The rest didn’t matter, not anymore.

Scanning across the single message, my stomach fluttered at the simple statement.

Fuck Nugget

I miss you.

More than I’d like to admit.

It’s a weird feeling sometimes.

Looked like Mr. Heartless wasn’t the monster everyone thought he was, and I thought he deserved some appreciation for it. I was sure that was hard for him to admit, and I knew what he was putting his heart on the line here.

Contact changed to Riley.

Maya

I can’t wait to go skating.

Tattoo isn’t so bad, I want to sleep.

Riley

Maybe you’re the monster.

Glad you’re having fun.