Page 39 of Fourteen Years

“We literally only have Jackson’s words against his father’s, Trevor,” came Lucas’ low voice.

I took a drink and set it on the counter, hands flat on either side, staring at the clear water inside of the bottle.

“Do I need to do something?” I asked, my voice sounding brittle, even to my own ears.

“Like what, Trev? Get yourself killed or in trouble again? You think Monica or those girls need that? Man, I know what it's like holding yourself back. I put up a helluva fight when it involved Becks and Nat. Ask Nick. He’s the one I threw up against a wall. But, they’ve been through a lot of shit. They don’t need to lose you too.”

I glared over at him, green eyes meeting brown.

“I know these men, Lucas.”

“I know you do. These women are stronger than we think. They have us. Fuck. Becks handled her own shit with Clark and Larry. I barely got to lay hands on them. It’s not going to come to that. I need you to hold your shit together for me. Let us handle this. Keep your nose clean. We don’t need you dead or locked up, dumbass.” he called me the name jokingly, but the seriousness of his tone was far from a joke.

I looked at the back of Monica’s head outside sitting by Becks. Both of them had their hair up in those damn buns women were wearing, laughing at each other. I couldn’t lose this woman again. I wouldn’t lose this woman again.

“Fine.” I answered, voice clipped. “But if it comes to me when I’m with them, they’re mine.”

“Understood.” He tapped his bottle against mine and we both drank. Some primal understanding that we would protect what was ours to protect, no fucks given on the consequences.

“So, Jackson is staying with Nick?” I asked changing the subject, leading Lucas back outside.

“Yep. Agreed without complaint. He’s in that old house all by himself. One nineteen-year-old kid, who’s just using it as somewhere to sleep and study, isn’t gonna bother him.”

“I think it’ll be good for him,” came Becks’ soft voice. She leaned over automatically, into Lucas as he put an arm around her. “He seems so lonely.”

I barked out a laugh.

“Nick likes being alone.” I replied.

“No. I know what she means. Nick may talk a big game, but he seems sad.” said Monica beside me.

“Oh, God. The women have found their next project.” Lucas groaned as Becks swatted him. “Should we warn him?”

“Nah, let him figure out he’s fucked on his own, man.” I replied, laughing and drawing Monica close to me as night settled in.

“Promise me you’ll call if you need anything at all?” I looked over at Monica. Lacey and Lexi had said goodnight and ran into the house. I was headed back to my place.

“I don’t think the girls would mind if I started staying here.” I added, worriedly.

Mon grinned at me and shook her head.

“Trevor. We will be fine. If anything happens I will call you. I was a cop’s wife forever. I do know a little self-defense anyway.”

I chilled, thinking of her alone and having to defend herself and those girls.

“Trev, stop.” her palm met my cheek, gently. “Nothing is going to happen, hon.”

I tried to smile and failed. I knew it didn’t reach my eyes. Nodding, I leaned over and kissed her.

“Text me when you get home. I love you.” she said, kissing me back, before climbing out. I watched her round the front of my truck, waving at me in the glare of the headlights. I had half a mind to sleep in my truck out here tonight. Fuck what anyone thought. But Monica would have my ass if I did that.

I waved back, watching until she shut the door behind her and flicked the lights, letting me know it was locked. Reversing, I pulled out onto the street and headed to my lonely apartment by myself. I knew I’d be lying awake all night worrying about my girls. Lucas could run his mouth about understanding all he wanted.

I knew he was a cop and as such had seen some of the worst humanity had to offer. But I’d lived it for my entire life. I didn’t want it touching Monica, Lacey, or Lexi any more than it already had. They didn’t deserve it. I’d brought enough into their lives back when I’d chosen to walk out that door.

Driving across town the angry rock music I was known for wasn’t doing anything for my mood. When I reached the parking lot, I turned the truck off and sat in the silence, pondering.

Monica could fight it all she wanted right now. But tomorrow I was going to start hounding her to let me move in. Those three girls didn’t need to be alone in a big house with this kind of threat going around. I felt bad for Jackson. Apparently he was more like me than I’d realized. Being raised by drug-addled parents. Trying to rise above and do better than that. Fuck. I needed to talk to the kid myself. I hadn’t left a very good impression when I’d stood glaring at him in the hospital after the wreck.

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