Blackness Within (12 page)

“How long have you been single then?”

“A while.”

“Natasha.” His tone carries enough warning that I stop washing the already clean dishes and turn to face him.

He’s glowering at me and invading my personal space.

“Yes?” I ask innocently, not understanding his frustration with me.

“I asked you a question.”

“And I answered your question.”

“No, you put me off.”

“Ben and I have been seein’ each other off and on for a few years. He doesn’t understand my relationship with my family so we never stick. I think the last time we broke up was the last time. That was about eight months ago. He seemed done with me and I’m sick of having the same fight. Is that enough of an answer for you?” I ask defiantly.

“And you’d rather have him here with you?”

“I didn’t say that,” I snap back, as he tips his head toward mine.

“What do you want?”

His breath tickles my neck while his scent begins to envelope my senses. The heat from his massive frame is warming the chills he’s causing to flutter over my skin.

“Loaded question,” I snort, trying to keep my wits about me. I know he’s fucking with me. I’ve been fucked with enough in life to recognize it.

“You can keep tryin’ to push me, Sully. It won’t work. I’ve had men like you pawing at me since I hit puberty. You’ll have to do more than that to get to me.”

When I finish, he steps away from me as if I just backhanded him. He immediately straightens his shoulders and removes the lust from his features.

“You’ve never had a man like me do anything to you. I’ve told you to trust your instincts with me, but let me clear up whatever fucked up shit you’re thinkin’. I’m not that type of man. I don’t force myself on women and I never have. I wouldn’t touch a child, and I sure as shit wouldn’t hurt one. I’m a danger to you because I’m something you’ve never experienced. I’m fire. I’ll burn you, Natasha. But if you keep your distance, I’ll keep you warm through the frigid storm of life raging around you,” he spouts confidently.

Okay, that’s honesty I wasn’t anticipating. I need him to back off. I need a clear damn head to figure this out. I can’t think when he’s pulling and pushing me simultaneously. My current state of exhaustion isn’t helping matters. Add that to the bizarre idea that Blake is entrusting me to this man towering over me, I’m lost.

I grew up with a constant feeling of unrest. My mother tried so hard to do the right thing, but she couldn’t. Her life was a mess and we were a part of that. I don’t hate her. I see her for what she is and that’s a lost, battered woman without the desire to change. Any time a man in her life found himself on the wrong side of Blake’s fists, she immediately kicked him to the curb and usually bruised his balls on the way out. Her problem was, and is, her picker’s broken. She would trade one bad seed for another.

Because we were often moving to get away from a boyfriend, I always felt uneasy. I never felt rooted in life. I can still pack myself and my belongings in twenty minutes. It’s a skill I’d rather not have. This home I’ve rebuilt feels solid beneath my feet, the walls around me a comforting embrace. My tiny bungalow has replaced an absent parent and a troubled brother. I need to feel safe here and when Sully’s within this space, I feel vulnerable. I can’t have that.

“I’ll call Ben. It’s for the best,” I finish, moving around Sully’s dominating presence.

I think I hear a growl rumble in his chest as I pass, but I ignore it. It’s late to be making a phone call to an ex-boyfriend. I don’t really have a choice right now.

“Hello?” Ben’s easy kind voice answers on the second ring.

“Hey, Ben. It’s Natasha,” I respond softly, pulling the bathroom door shut for some privacy.

“Hi, honey,” he breathes out, almost sounding relieved to hear my voice.

“How are you?”

“I’m well. You?”

“I’ve been better,” I answer honestly.

“What’s wrong, Natasha?” his tone is instantly alert.

“Blake’s in some trouble. So am I,” I whisper, embarrassed and regretting making this call.

“That’s nothing new,” Ben grumbles.

I push down the need to defend my brother to Ben’s judgment. I need his help.

“I hate to impose, but do you think you could come over and…” I trail off as Sully opens the door.

“Natasha?” Ben asks, getting nervous at my sudden silence.

“Sorry, Ben. Can you hang on a second?”

“Sure.” He hates being placed on hold.

“Sully, I’m tryin’ to have a little privacy. Do you need something?” I grind out my irritation.

“Hang up the phone,” he demands in a harsh, cutting tone.

“Excuse me? You don’t get to tell me what to do!” I shout.

He stalks into the bathroom, forcing me to retreat further against the vanity to maintain any personal space.

“Get off the fuckin’ phone. Now,” he growls, leaning into my face.

“Get outta my goddamn face and my house! NOW!” I screech, pushing him in the chest with both of my hands as hard as I can. He doesn’t move. He does snatch my phone from my grasp and ends my call with Ben before stuffing it in his jean’s pocket.

“I’m not goin’ anywhere. No more usin’ your phone until we know what you’re dealin’ with. I just got off with my investigator. People are lookin’ for Blake. Bad fuckin’ people and they’re askin’ about you,” he snarls.

I feel a tremor work its way from my toes to my scalp, raising every hair on my body as it travels. I’m going to die. It’s finally going to happen. The bad shit that follows the people I love is going to claim me. Shit!

“A car’s on its way for Blake now. Go pack up and get the baby ready. We’re leavin’,” Sully directs.

I don’t move. I’m not certain I’m even breathing at this point. I can’t…I just can’t.

O’Sullivan

I’m seething. I’m furious. I’m moments away from losing my shit completely. I need Natasha out of this house now. The Vojtech Bratva will be here soon. They know who she is and she’s not difficult to find. I need her in my fortress of a home where I can see shit coming.

I hear pounding on the front door followed by Zeus barking and growling at high alert. No way would a grab team or a hit squad announce their presence like that. Who the fuck is here?

“In your room,” I order Natasha and she complies instantly, running past me and shutting her door before locking it.

I stalk to the door prepared to beat someone’s face in. I grab Zeus’s collar, but I do nothing to calm his impending attack.

I yank the door open to find a small skinny guy wearing glasses. He looks panicked and out of breath.

“Zeus, off,” he commands and the dog does as instructed.

I see.

“Ben?” I question lightly.

“Where’s Natasha?” he ignores my question, attempting to push past me into the house.

I hold my ground.

“I’ll call the police. If you’re here threatening Natasha for her piece of trash brother, you’ll be sorry. Now, move out of my way so I can find my girlfriend,” he instructs with no real threat in his voice.

“Ex,” I correct harshly.

“Who are you?”

“I’ve got things under control here for Natasha. You can go back home.” It’s my turn to ignore his question.

“I’m not leaving until I know she’s okay. Natasha!” he yells beyond me.

I hear her door open as she quickly comes running to this douche bag. I fight the eye roll.

“Thank God. Are you all right?” Ben asks Natasha as she comes into view.

“I’m fine,” she lies.

I take the advantage her proximity offers me, pulling her under my arm. Her body goes stiff, but she makes no move to fight me. Ben’s eyes bug out of his head at my action. Mission accomplished.

“I…uh…well…you didn’t sound fine. And then you hung up on me after yelling. If this man is threatening you, I’ll call the authorities. Just give me an indication that you need help. I’m not afraid of him,” he lies. He’s shaking in his loafers.

Natasha clears her throat and takes a deep breath before responding.

“I’m fine, Ben. Really. I shouldn’t have bothered you. I appreciate you coming over to check on me—”

“What the fuck is goin’ on?” Blake grumbles from behind us.

Natasha tries to wiggle free from my grasp to turn toward her brother, but I hold her in place. Zeus lays down at my feet no longer at alert, but not willing to retreat. Blake slides next to me and I see a fight coming.

“Are you Blake?” Ben sneers.

“Who the fuck are you?” Blake growls back.

“I’m Natasha’s boyfriend. What have you done this time? Do you have any idea what you’ve put this woman through? You’ve destroyed her. She can’t have a life because of you!” the twerp yells like a child.

“Tosh doesn’t have a boyfriend, jackass. I don’t know who you think you are, but I’d step off if I were you.” Blake sounds stronger than I know he is right now. That protector Natasha described is trying to rage to the surface for his sister. I like it.

“You don’t know your sister,” Ben grumbles.

“Ben, you need to leave. I’m not gonna stand here while you insult my brother,” Natasha states strongly.

“No, Natasha. You’re always standing up for him and he doesn’t do a thing for you. Someone needs to put him in his place.”

“Not you,” I snarl, surprising everyone. “Get back in your car and go home. You’re not needed or wanted here. I won’t say it again.”

“Natasha?” he asks disbelieving.

“Ben…just go.”

“Can we talk alone for a moment? I need to know you’re okay,” he pleads.

A black sedan pulls up in front of the house and Finn climbs out of the passenger seat locking eyes with me, instantly searching my face for what the hell he’s walking into. I maintain my glower. He’ll figure it out.

“Mr. O’Sullivan?” Finn asks as he climbs the stairs behind Ben, causing him to jump.

“Yes,” I reply professionally. I love Finn so much right now.

“I have a car here for Mr. Reynolds.”

“That’s me,” Blake answers in a chipper voice, playing along nicely.

I let Natasha go and she flings herself into her brother’s frail arms. He squeezes her with everything he has, which isn’t much. They whisper to each other before Blake moves away to gather his things, Natasha following closely in his wake. I maintain my position on the threshold, staring at a confused Ben. Finn stands behind him smiling broadly at me.

“If you’re her boyfriend, why did she call me?” Ben asks, struggling.

“Don’t know,” I answer in a shrug.

“She won’t stay with you. Blake always wins. I’ll wait for her though. She’ll get sick of this life and want what we have.”

This statement propels me in his direction. I lean down into his face before unleashing, “A real man knows his place is at his woman’s side. In the good times and the bad. Blake’s not a threat. He’s her family. You’ll never have her because you don’t get that. She doesn’t need to be free of the people she loves. She needs the support to love them the best way she can. Get the fuck outta here. Don’t come back. Don’t call her. Don’t check on her at work. You’re done.”

He quivers slightly before slinking off the porch, never looking back. He doesn’t deserve Natasha. She was right to let him go. She never should have given him a chance.

I move my gaze to Finn’s as Ben drives away. His eyebrows are about to meet his hairline.

“I’m takin’ Natasha back to the house. No way she’s safe here,” I say, ignoring Finn’s stare.

“Uh huh,” he mumbles, shaking his head at me.

“Your face is gonna freeze like that,” I chide the crazy way he’s still looking at me.

“Did you really just scare off her ex? Am I really here right now? I just witnessed Brian O’Sullivan acting territorial over a woman other than Kid?”

“Fuck off, Finn. I’ll sick this dog on you.”

“All set,” Blake’s voice cuts off our conversation.

“Blake, this is my colleague Finn Callaghan. He’ll ride with you to the facility and get you all settled in. Good luck,” I say, offering him my hand.

“I’m counting on you and that scary ass thing you’ve got workin’ to keep my sister safe. Don’t make me regret it, man. I’ll see you in a week or so,” he responds, placing his palm in mine. It’s clammy and cold but holds the firmness to show me he means every word he just spoke. “I can’t believe she dated that douche bag. No wonder she never introduced us or told me. I’d have run him off in about twenty seconds.”

“Like Brent McAllister?” I ask with a smirk.

“That motherfucker,” Blake grumbles, beginning to shake hard. His adrenaline is wearing off and I can see he’s hurting.

“Better get goin’,” Finn suggests.

“Promise me,” Blake demands one last time.

“I promise, Blake. Go get yourself together. I’ve got this,” I assure him.

He holds my gaze a long while before a small smirk crosses his face.

“I like you, O’Sullivan. Don’t make me kill you.”

He moves past me as Finn chuckles following him, flicking me a two-finger wave over his shoulder as he goes.

I shut the door feeling bad for letting the cold winter air in Natasha’s warm home. I can hear her cooing in the kitchen so I follow the happy sound.

I find Natasha warming a bottle while she snuggles the baby to her chest. Her face is tear-stained, but I see relief covering her honey skin. That was a big deal for her. Blake’s making a good decision for the first time in a long time. I’m not sure what she feels about the whole thing with Ben. I don’t really give a shit.