Debt Collector's Due

That puts him in a precarious position. I’ve made enemies. Not as many as Porter, but enough to make me proceed with caution. A son. I have a son. His dark hair has more curl than mine, but his broad forehead and square jaw are all mine. His full lips and high cheekbones belong to hit mother. He’s the color of coffee with a bit of cream and already reaches his mother’s shoulders. He’s going to be tall like me. Pride fills my chest. I want to know everything about him. I want to know his hobbies, his likes, dislikes. Is he allergic to anything? Is he a reader? He was excited about Harry Potter. There are so many questions I have and can’t answer. I’m furious with Athena for that. We have a lot of talking to do. I turn my head to peer into the darkness as I try to get my rage under control.

Anger won’t help either of us. I need to get them settled in and figure out our next step. He can’t be out of school for too long, and I’ll need papers for both of them. I need to know what’s going on back in Boston. I pull out my cell phone and begin to make calls. I need to put all my eyes and ears on alert for anything to do with Porter Douglas.

***

The sky overhead was still dark as we park in front of my home. Douglas is in the wind. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing I can’t tell yet. He could be underground or dead. I stare down at the sleeping forms of my family. Family. In one night, I’d gone from being alone in the world to having a son, and a woman. She might not think of herself that way now, but she will. I’ll make certain of that. I’m making good on collecting the debt owed by Porter Douglas. The man had stolen my pride, dignity, health, woman, and damn near claimed my life. Knowing he also took the first nine years as a parent made me want to be the one pulling the trigger on the gun that stopped the bastard's, heart.

My love for Athena has always been true. There was nothing I wouldn’t have done for the brilliant, bright-eyed beauty who was meant to be so much more than an ornament to be paraded around, or a puppet to be controlled and kept isolated and polished. Like some untouchable trophy, the girl had been placed so high up on a shelf it was a wonder she hadn’t suffered from nose bleeds.

Porter demanded so much and enforced rules that prevented her from truly living her life. I understood his obsessive need to keep her safe, but the steps he took went beyond that. They were about control. I often wondered if he planned to use her as a bargaining tool politically. Marrying a child off to another prominent family might be an archaic practice, but it did the job.

Guess I ruined any chance of that. I can’t help but smirk. It was the least I could do. One final jog off as he shipped me back to my country. I gently shake Athena’s shoulder. She startles awake, jerking as she peers around wildly. Tense and shielding Kier from view, she’s a warrior befitting her name, ready to wage war and protect her offspring. The panic and fear etched on her face, twists my guts.

“Hey, you’re okay now, Thena. It’s only me,” I say quietly.

She blinks and peers up at me. As she focuses, the dread melted away from her face, and a sleepy smile curves her full deep rose lips. I want to kiss them again and sample that unique flavor of spun sugar, but I know better. She’s been through too much tonight. Her eyes are filled with affection and happiness. It takes my breath away. I can see her, buried down in the depths of those dark brown eyes, the woman who loved me every bit as fiercely as I did her. My mouth becomes as dry as the Badlands, and my heart kicks up a notch.

She leans against me, and I nearly hold my breath, afraid I’ll spook her and end whatever spell has fallen upon us. She clears her throat, pushes, away, and her expression is shuttered. I watch the invisible curtain come down over her emotions. I mourn the loss, but I’ve caught the scent now. I know I’m not barking up the wrong tree.

“Where are we?”

“My home. I didn’t expect him, so the accommodations might be a little feminine for now. We can go shopping later after you’ve both had a bit more rest and a shower and some food in your bellies.”

“We can’t pretend this is normal.”

“No, but these are all things that need to be done regardless. You want him to be out of school indefinitely.”

“Of course not.”

“Then I need to work on getting the paperwork together after we figure out what’s going on. If you’ve got a target painted on your back, I don’t want to lead them to you with a flashing neon sign.”

“I thought the whole point of shipping us off here was because they couldn’t do that.”

“It’s best to never underestimate your opponent. I’m not taking any chances with the two of you, so I’m erring on the side of caution.”

She grinds her teeth. “We’re not yours to –.”

I bend down and grip her face. “We didn’t have the chance to do this right. I should’ve come back for you. That was my mistake, but I didn’t want to make everything worse, and it took me years to get back on my feet and build an empire strong enough to even think about challenging your father. Now that I have you here make no mistake, you’re mine.”

“I’m not a thing.”

“No, you’re my heart living outside of my body.”

She scoffs. “Right? That why you just gave up on us?”

“Is that what you think? You know how long it took me to heal? Let alone rebuild my name.” I grit my teeth. “We both did what we had to in order to survive and thrive, Athena. If you want to be upset with me fine, but don’t make it be for something petty and out of my control. The person who deserves the bulk of your anger is the same person who sent you here to me. Why? Because he knew no matter what I’d take care of you. You think I’m the type of man who does shit for sentimental reasons, Thena?”

“No,” She whispers. Her breath caresses my lips. The air between us crackles.

“We’ve both changed. We need to relearn one another, but it’s still there. We both feel it. Don’t insult me by lying

.”

“It takes more than attraction.

“Attraction would’ve burned out long ago.” I grip the sleek braid that pulls her hair back from her face and tug gently. Her eyes go liquid. “You remember what happens when you give me lip?”

She gasps and shudders. I lick my lips. “Still so damn responsive.”