Defiance (The Protectors 9)

“Major St. James,” I heard the dark-haired man say as a huge grin spread across his handsome features. I guessed him to be a little younger than Vincent.

“It’s just Vincent these days, Gamble,” Vincent said with a smile as he stepped forward to embrace the other man.

“Better not let my husband hear you calling me that. I’m a Barretti through and through now,” the man said as he slapped Vincent on the back.

“Fair enough,” Vincent said with a chuckle and then he was hugging the other man. “Dom,” he murmured.

“Glad you guys made it,” the bald guy said as he returned the embrace.

“Nathan, this is Cade Barretti, Beck’s father,” Vincent said as he motioned to the dark-haired man. “And this is Dom Barretti, Beck’s uncle.”

I recognized Dom’s name immediately. I shook both their hands. “Thank you…for helping me.”

Dom nodded and then slapped Cade on the shoulder. “Thank this one here. He was the one who got Ronan and Memphis involved.”

Cade glanced at his son and then reached out to pat his shoulder. “We do what we need to do for family,” he said softly. Beck smiled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he stepped into his father’s side. “Isn’t that right, Nathan?” Cade asked as he glanced at me.

His sharp eyes seemed to be looking straight through me…like he knew more than he was saying. I merely nodded, because I was feeling completely overwhelmed.

“Baby,” Quinn said as he stroked his fingers over Brody’s cheek. “You need to take your pills.”

Brody nodded, and I finally noticed how pinched his expression had become.

“I’ll get them,” Ethan offered. “Maybe you want to go lie down?” he asked Brody.

Brody nodded.

“I’ll get you something to eat, okay?” Beck said as he returned to my brother’s side. Brody kissed his forehead.

“Thanks.” My brother’s eyes landed on me. “Would you come sit with me for a bit?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said, thankful that I got to spend some more time with him. Even if now wasn’t the time to say everything I needed to say to him, the fact that he wanted me around was a good sign that maybe I’d get the chance to make amends.

As Beck, his father, and his uncle went with Cain and Ethan towards what I assumed was the kitchen, the little dog trailing in their wake, Quinn and Brody headed for the stairs. I turned to look at Vincent. For some reason, I was unreasonably afraid he wouldn’t be here when I came back down. In theory, I didn’t need his protection anymore since I was surrounded by men who were clearly in the same line of work.

“You’ll be here when I come down, right?” I asked, hating how insecure I suddenly felt. The attack had left everything up in the air and I hadn’t had the energy to ask Vincent what was going to happen now.

“Not going anywhere,” Vincent said softly just before he brushed his mouth over mine. “Go spend some time with your brother.”

I nodded and then hurried to catch up to my twin and his lover. I didn’t miss how Brody was looking at me.

He definitely had a lot of questions for me.

I was just hoping I had the answers.

It was the least I owed him.

Chapter 26

Vincent

“Thanks for the update, Ev,” I said just before hanging up the phone.

“How’s Reese doing?” Dom asked as he slid a cup of coffee across the kitchen island to me. Cade was standing on the opposite side of the island, coffee in hand. Beck had finished making a sandwich for Brody a few minutes earlier and had gone with Ethan to take it and the pain medication upstairs. Cain had excused himself to check the perimeter of the house. I hadn’t expected to see either Cain or Ethan again, but it was comforting to know both men were here to watch out for Brody, his men, and Nathan. I’d been caught off guard when Ethan had hugged me, but I had to admit, it had felt good – like reuniting with an old friend. And considering all the abuse Ethan had suffered at the hands of his vengeful ex, he looked really good. He’d put on some weight, and that constant fear that had seemed to be a permanent part of his expression had been nowhere to be seen.

“He’s in recovery. Still groggy so they don’t know the full extent of the damage,” I murmured. “One of the bullets was lodged near his spine, so they’re worried about possible paralysis,” I said with a sigh.

Everett had sounded gutted when Ronan had handed him the phone. The older man hadn’t managed more than a few words, not that I could really blame him. I was glad that he at least had Ronan and Nash to lean on while they waited for more news. If the damage turned out to be permanent, Nathan would never forgive himself.