Unforgettable (12 page)

I ran my fingers through my hair, flustered. “I love you so much, Livia…”

“I love you too. I know you’re angry and hurt, but I will fix that for you…just like you did to me.”

My rage dwindled the longer I listened to her.

“Now come home.”

I breathed hard, fighting my natural urge to rip him apart.

“Come home to me, Scotty.”

Her voice was soothing me, making me see reason. I finally unclenched my fist and calmed down. “Okay.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “You’re doing the right thing.”

I hung up without saying goodbye.

I returned the car to the parking lot in front of the frat house. When I turned off the car, I sat still, thinking about what I was just about to do.

“Are you letting me go?” he said quietly.

I didn’t answer.

“Believe me, you would have regretted it. I regret what I did to Livia every day.”

Even though murder was worse, I still felt like Livia got the short stick of the situation.

“What changed your mind?” he asked.

I thought that was pretty obvious. He must have heard the phone ring.

“It was Livia, wasn’t it?”

I was getting sick of talking to him. I turned around and untied the rope around his legs. “If you tell anyone about this, then I
will
kill you.” I wasn’t bluffing.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I don’t even know who you are.”

“Let’s keep it that way.” I loosened the rope around his wrists but didn’t untie it. He would have to work to get it off but it would take him a few minutes, long enough for me to get away.

“Thanks for not killing me.”

I opened my door and left his keys in the passenger seat. “If it weren’t for her, this night would have played out quite differently.” I got out then shut the door quietly behind me.

Then I walked home in the dark.

When I reached my neighborhood, I spotted my truck in the driveway. Liam’s truck was there too so I knew he was there. He probably called Livia and told hee about my plot to murder. I wasn’t mad. I guess I wasn’t surprised.

I reached the front door then stilled. What would she think of me? Would she hate me for what I was about to do? Would everything be different?

The front door opened, and Livia was on the other side. Her eyes were clenched in sadness. The redness was still in her eyes from crying. She stared at me for a while, the concern and love heavy in her eyes.

“Are we done?” I whispered.

Confusion spread across her face. “No.”

“Do you hate me?”

“No.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and held me close. As soon as I felt her body against mine, I relaxed. She wasn’t leaving me. I just tried to murder someone but she was still here. “I know you wouldn’t had gone through with it, Scotty.”

“Yes, I would have.”

“I don’t believe that…”

She didn’t understand just how furious I was. I was out of my mind.

She pulled away then looked me in the eye. Then she placed a gentle kiss on my lips, her hands cupping my face. “I love you.”

That was the reassurance I needed. “I love you too.”

She pulled me inside then shut the door behind me.

Liam and Keira were standing there. Liam had his arms crossed over his chest, and Keira had a sad look in her eyes.

“I had to call her,” Liam said. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I misled him anyway. He was under the impression we were just going to jump him, not murder him.

“Keira didn’t know where I was and she was freaking out…so I told her the truth. I’m sorry.” Liam dropped his hands to his sides.

“It’s okay,” Livia said. “I shouldn’t hide it anymore.”

Keira gave her a sad look. “I’m so sorry I was a jerk to you.”

“It’s okay,” Livia said immediately. “I know you’re protective of Scotty, which is exactly what I want.”

I stood beside Livia, feeling like I was drifting away. “I was just so angry…I didn’t want him to get away with it. I was out of my mind in rage.”

“I know,” Livia said gently. “I understand.” She moved into my chest, holding me close.

I wrapped my arms around her, thankful she was still mine.

“We’ll give you guys some privacy…” Liam took Keira’s hand and walked out the door with her.

When the silence settled on us, I could hear myself breathe again. My arms tightened around her and I pulled her as close as possible. I let myself go, feeling the pain and agony. “I just want to protect you.”

“You do, Scotty.”

I moved my fingers through her hair.

“I was a shadow before you came into my life. I was afraid to live, afraid to admit what happened to me. But you made me stronger, you made me believe that men can be good. Whether he lived or died, it wouldn’t have made a difference. Because you made all the difference in the world.

“I know how much you love me. You would do anything for me, even if that meant taking someone’s life. I understood what drove you to it and I don’t think less of you. It didn’t happen. You walked away and let him go.”

I pressed my forehead to hers and closed my eyes. “Liam told me a long time ago that taking him out wouldn’t help you, that only I could bring you back to life. And he was right. I should have listened to him then.”

“It’s in the past. We should let it go and be happy.”

I opened my eyes. “Jacob told me he apologized to you. Is that true?”

She shifted her weight under my gaze. “Yes.”

“When did this happen?”

“A few days ago…”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I knew you would be upset.”

She was right about that.

“While I’ll always hate him and never accept his excuses, I think his apology was sincere. He isn’t doing it to other girls. I was the only victim. And he didn’t know about the other guys…they took advantage of the situation.”

I hated him slightly less but still loathed him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

Her phone rang in her pocket but she ignored it. Neither one of us felt like talking to anyone else in the world. It was just she and I.

Her phone rang again, buzzing loudly.

“It might be important,” I whispered.

She took out her phone and looked at the screen. “It’s Jacob.”

My heart rate increased.

She stared at the phone while it continued to ring. “Should I answer it?”

I would do it for her but I didn’t want him to recognize my voice. “See what he has to say.”

She took the call and pressed the phone to her ear. She said nothing, waiting for him to speak first.

“Livia?”

I could hear his voice through the speaker.

“Yeah.” Her voice was weak.

“I’m not calling you to bother you. I just wanted to let you know I’m standing outside the police station.”

Shit. He was ratting me out.

She said nothing, holding her breath.

“I’m turning myself in for what I did. You deserve justice for what happened, and I deserve to face the consequences of my actions. I know I really hurt you and the guy you love.” He paused for a minute. “I really am sorry, Livia.”

She took a deep breath, relaxing. “I know.”

“I’m glad you have a man who would do anything for you. Now I understand why it wasn’t me.”

She said nothing to that.

“Take care, Livia.”

“You too.”

“For what its worth, I really did love you. I just didn’t go about it the right way.” He hung up.

She put the phone back in her pocket, her eyes hollow.

“I’m glad I didn’t kill him,” I said.

“Me too.”

“You’re getting the justice you deserve.”

“Yeah, I am.”

I stared at her, seeing the relief on her face. This was really over. She could put it behind her and move on. I could finally let it go, knowing this guy would never bother her again. He wouldn’t get away with what he did. He would pay for his mistakes.

I didn’t want to do anything. I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want to watch TV. I just wanted to lay in the dark and hold her. “I’m ready to go to bed.”

“Me too.”

CHAPTER TEN

Livia

When I asked Scotty to let it go, he didn’t. I guess I should have known he would track Jacob down and do something unspeakable. I knew his actions came from anger and rage, but also from love. He wanted justice for what was done to me. He wanted to do the right thing, to take care of me.

But I’m glad nothing irrevocable happened.

I knew Scotty pretty well. Even in his anger, I knew he wouldn’t have gone through with it. Something would have steadied his hand, changed his mind. Scotty was a fighter and he was aggressive, but he wasn’t a murderer.

I still loved him as much as I did before.

The next morning, I woke up to his absence. We hadn’t fooled around the night before. Both of us were too emotional, too numb to relish in each other’s physical attributes.

I looked at the clock and realized it was noon. All the emotions from the day before really wore me out. I stared at Scotty for an hour before my eyes grew heavy and closed. I was excited we would be spending Thanksgiving together. I had nowhere else to go, and honestly, there’s no one I would rather be with.

I got out of bed then fixed my tangled hair as much as possible. I only wore his shirt, but I was comfortable wearing even less around him. After I brushed my teeth, I walked into the living room.

I flinched when I saw Ash sitting on the couch.

God, this was awkward.

I ran back into the bedroom and slammed the door.

My brother just saw me in nothing but Scotty’s t-shirt and my panties.

My face was beet red. I changed into jeans and a t-shirt then stayed boarded up in the bedroom.

My phone vibrated with a text from Scotty.

You have to face the music sometime.

You could have told me he was coming over!

I wanted it to be a surprise. Come on. We’re all adults here. He knows you sleep over here.

What if he thinks we’re having sex?

So? Who cares? He knows I’m in love with you. Besides, you made it clear to him we weren’t. So get that pretty face and nice ass out here.

I sighed then walked out.

My brother was sitting on the couch, watching the football game. “Good. You’re wearing clothes this time.”

“Shut up. I didn’t know you were coming.”

“When you sleep until noon, anything can change.”

“Happy Thanksgiving,” I said sarcastically.

He rolled his eyes. “Happy Thanksgiving, brat.”

I assumed he had no idea what went down last night. I wanted to keep it that way. “You aren’t spending it with Mom and Dad?”

“Fuck no. If you aren’t welcome there then I don’t want to be there.”

It meant the world to me that he took my side. “Thanks…”

“Plus, I’m sick of Mom’s cooking. Scotty made it sound like he knows a thing or two.”

“Actually, he does.”

“And I get to watch football.”

Mom never allowed us to watch TV on the holidays. She said it was rude and disrespectful. I caught my dad checking the score of the game on his phone, and Ash looked bored to death.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Scotty check the turkey in the oven. Then he turned to me, a smile on his face. “Hey, beautiful.”

My cheeks reddened. “Morning.”

“Actually, afternoon,” he teased.

“It’s a holiday. I’m entitled to sleep in.”

He kissed my cheek. “You’re entitled to do anything you want.”

We were back to normal. I loved the way he looked at me, the adoration and joy heavy in his eyes. It seemed like a good night’s rest washed away the horrific night we had.

“Thanks for inviting my brother.”

“He’s my family too.” He gave me a smile then walked to the counter.

“Can I help?”

He smiled. “I was beginning to think I was the woman around here.”

I hit his arm. “What can I do?”

“The potatoes and the green beans.”

“I’m on it.” I washed my hands and got to work. Scotty always did the cooking because he was good at it, but I wanted to help. Doing something so domestic, so normal was wonderful. My mom never let me help in the kitchen because she said I messed up too many times.

I prepared the mash potatoes and did the green beans. By the time we were both done, the Thanksgiving feast was done.

“Smells good in there,” Ash said.

“That’s my perfume,” I joked.

Ash rolled his eyes. “You smell like a skunk.”

I was grateful my brother didn’t treat me differently. He still teased me and picked on me, acting like he couldn’t stand me even though he loved me deep down inside. It’s exactly what I wanted.

We set the table then sat down. Scotty sat next to me then placed his hand on my thigh. “We did good.”

“That stuffing looks awesome,” Ash said.

“Thanks.” Scotty beamed with pride.

“Where did you learn to cook?” I asked.

“My mom.” There was no sadness in his voice.

“Alright,” Ash said. “Enough with the small talk. I’m digging in.”

“Let’s do it.” Scotty grabbed my plate and served the food onto it. Then he handed it back and made his own plate.

Ash watched him then dropped his gaze. “I like him, Livia.”

“I like him too.” I smiled.

“Would it make me an ass if I said I like me too?” Scotty teased.

“A little,” Ash admitted with a laugh.

My phone rang in my pocket and I sighed in annoyance. Who would be calling me on the Thanksgiving? I silenced it then kept eating. Neither one of the guys looked at me. Then it rang again.

Scotty eyed me. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know.” I pulled my phone out and looked at it.

It was my mother.

Ugh.

Scotty eyed the screen. “Don’t answer it. She’s just going to ruin your day.”

I couldn’t agree more. I turned it off and set it on the table.

“Who’s going to ruin your day?” Ash asked.

“Mom,” I said bitterly.

“Oh.” He kept eating like he didn’t care.

Then his phone rang.

He sighed. “She’s trying to track us down.”

“Did you tell her you weren’t going to Thanksgiving?” I asked.

“I didn’t tell her I was going.” He shoved the potatoes into his mouth. “These are fucking awesome.”

“So what did you say?” I asked.

“I didn’t say anything,” Ash said. “I just stopped talking to her. I want nothing to do with her.” His phone made a noise. “She left me a voicemail.

I turned mine back on and a voicemail popped up too. “Great…”

“What should we do?” Ash asked.

“Give it to me.” Scotty snatched the phone away and listened to the voicemail.

We both stared at him, watching his reaction to whatever nasty message he left. He didn’t react at all.

“That must be a good sign,” Ash whispered.

Scotty was an expert at hiding his thoughts. My mom could be saying anything.

The voicemail ended then he pulled the phone away, looking at my contacts.

“What are you doing…?”
Did I want to know?

He hit the send button then put the phone to his ear. “Calling your mother.”

Ash and I exchanged a frightened look.

“Hello?” he said when she answered. “No, Livia can’t come to the phone right now, but I’m more than happy to talk to you.” The anger seeped from his voice. He was trying not to snap. “If you can’t speak to Livia with respect and show her the love she deserves, then you have no right calling her.” He paused and listened to her. “This is the gangbanger you’re so fond of.” The disdain dripped from his voice. “Ash is here too and we’re having Thanksgiving together. Livia doesn’t need you anymore because she has me. You have no clue how amazing and perfect your daughter is. I’m sick of seeing the way you upset her, make her feel like she isn’t good enough to your standards. Let me tell you a few things about her; she’s an artist, not an aspiring one, a real one. She sells her work at a gallery and she’s been making a killing off of it. She doesn’t need your money even if you threw it at her. She’s the smartest girl I’ve ever known. In every class she kicks my ass without even trying. More importantly, she’s generous, kind, passionate, and she’s a good person. She doesn’t care about superficial bullshit like money and social status. All she cares about is what matters. And if you ever set her up with another creep who tries to rape her, I will kill him. Now don’t call her again unless it’s to apologize and make amends for what you’ve done.” He hung up then put the phone back on the table. “Now where were we?”

Ash stared at him with wide eyes. “That was fucking awesome.”

I was still in shock. “I can’t believe you yelled at my mother…”

“I didn’t yell,” he said calmly. “My voice stayed exactly the same.”

“But…” I couldn’t even think. “What did she say on the voicemail?”

“It doesn’t matter.” He took a bite of the green beans. “Babe, these are good.”

Scotty was obviously going to pretend like nothing traumatic happened. I decided to go along with it and enjoy dinner. My mom ruffled my feathers too many times and I wasn’t going to let it bother me.

We stuffed our bellies then slumped in our chairs, bulging with food.

“I’ll never eat again,” Ash said.

“We have pie,” Scotty said.

“I’ll take a small piece,” he said immediately.

I laughed. “Can I get in on that?”

He kissed my cheek. “Ice cream too?”

“Duh.” I smirked at him.

“That’s my girl.” He cut the pie at the counter and scooped ice cream onto each piece.

I was full, but my mouth was salivating over the dessert.

“Did you make that from scratch too?” Ash asked.

Scotty laughed. “No. You can thank the grocery store for this.”

“I’m sure it’ll still be delicious,” Ash said.

I cocked an eyebrow. “How are you not fat?”

“Because I hit the gym—maybe you should try it sometime,” Ash said.

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”

Scotty put the plate in front of me. “My girl doesn’t need the gym. She’s already foxy.”

I blushed then picked at my pie.

Ash took a bite. “Don’t make me gag.”

After we finished dessert, we left our plates on the kitchen table and went into the living room. The game was still on so the guys drank their beers and yelled at the TV. I leaned on Scotty and dozed off a few times.

My phone rang in my pocket and ruined my slumber. I yawned then pulled it out, looking at the screen.

It was my mom. Again.

Scotty took the phone away. “She can’t take a hint, can she?”

“Just ignore her,” Ash said.

“I want to see what she wants.” Scotty took the call.

Ash turned down the volume on the TV.

“Gangbanger speaking,” Scotty announced. He listened to my mom talk on the other line. “She can’t talk right now. But I’m more than happy to speak to you.” He listened again. “If you want to talk to her, come to my house. My address is 2313 Piccadilly.” He hung up.

“What did she say this time?” I asked.

“You’ll have to wait and find out.” Scotty watched the TV again.

Ash gave me a scared look then looked away.

Half an hour later, there was a knock on the door.

My heart moved into my throat. They actually came?

Scotty was on his feet first, walking to the door. I trailed behind him and Ash picked up the rear.

“I wonder how this is going to go,” Ash said ominously.

Scotty straightened his shoulders before he answered the door. In the past few months, he’d grown into a living mountain. Every night I slept with him I felt like I was snuggling with a grizzly bear. He was strong and his eyes turned black when he was angry.

I felt bad for my parents.

He opened the door, coming face to face with my mom and dad. My dad was wearing a suit, and my mom wore a white blazer with a black pencil skirt. It looked like they were going to the Ritz, not cooking Thanksgiving dinner. “Happy Thanksgiving.” His eyes were heated.

My mom looked him over before she stared past him, her eyes landing on me. “Livia?”

“Mom?” Scotty was blocking my way so I couldn’t slip past him.

“Honey, please come home for Thanksgiving. Ash too.” The plea was in her eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere without Scotty.”

Scotty pointed at himself. “Gangbanger.”

Ash snickered.

My mom looked flustered. “Can I speak to my daughter for a moment?”

“In private?” my dad asked.

Scotty turned to me, silently asking me what I wanted to do.

“I’ll be okay,” I said.