Page 13 of Dangerous Refuge

“I’ll take the offer.” I say the words without another thought. If marrying Sven is what keeps Rico away from Paul, then I have no other choice. Paul will always chase me down. He will always find me, always come for Rico. “Divorce is always an option,” I mumble under my breath.

“We won’t need that. You’ll see.” Sven’s confidence is comforting, but what I need now isn’t comfort; it’s safety. “I can take you to your place to get whatever things you want. You will move in with me tonight.”

As he speaks, Rico’s eyes pop up, but only for a second. He is absorbed in his video game again in seconds and completely unaware that his entire life is about to change again. Only this time, it will be more than just where he lives. I swallow a growing lump and sink deeper into the leather bench seat of the SUV. What the hell am I agreeing to?

8

SVEN

Istand near the door, waiting as Allie puts some things in a bag. A few of the boxes that were stacked up along the wall the last time I was here are now sitting in different places, open with some of their contents hanging out. The evidence that she is planning to leave is everywhere. I am confident with this new arrangement that her need to run from that jerk is gone.

“But, Mom, Jordan is here.” Rico sits on the sofa with his spindly arms crossed over his chest defiantly. “I don’t want to move again.” His dark hair and eyes remind me of his father, which is not a good thing, but I try to separate my feelings for that creep from this moment.

“I know, bud, but it isn’t safe here anymore. Okay? Sven is going to help us out and we will stay with him now. I don’t think we will have to move again for a while.” Allie’s tone tells me she’s sad about this move too, but I don’t know whether it is only because her son is hurting or if she is also regretting the decision to marry me. My arrangement might not be normal, but when I see a good thing, I just take it.

“We should go soon,” I say firmly, reminding her that I am waiting. She glances at me, and I see hesitation in her gaze. “I can send someone for any belongings you want later on.”

Rico pouts at her, brow furrowed every time he looks at me. I’m an intrusion into his life that he doesn’t seem to want at all. He’ll learn, just like her, that I am the best thing that has ever happened to them. Their life just got elevated several levels.

“Mom, please?” Rico’s whining is louder this time, complete with a dramatic head loll. My father would have smacked me around a bit, but Allie is patient, patting his head.

“It’s for the best, baby. Okay?” Allie glances at me again, more fear in her eyes. “Let’s go.”

“No! I don’t want to.” Rico throws himself back on the sofa and shouts his displeasure, but Allie is so calming. She reminds me of my own mother. She sits next to him and pulls him onto her lap.

“Look, I will make sure you get to play with Jordan, okay?” She talks to him in a calm tone. “This time is the last time. I give you my word.”

After several minutes of cajoling, Rico is on his feet, carrying his bag to the waiting car. Allie only brings one bag with her, the rest will be sent for. I lead them to the SUV and we load up then head out. Matty drives; he and Rex have been by my side all evening. If not for them, Paul would have a bullet in his head, not his shoulder. And Rico would have seen the whole thing instead of being whisked away to safety while I dealt with things.

We pull up in front of my sprawling home and Allie’s jaw drops. She cranes her neck to see out the window, looking up at the three-story-tall Victorian. I have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating it and restoring it to its natural beauty. Some men of my stature would be pleased to have the newest furnishings and most contemporary designs. I’m much more in tune with history and the aesthetic of class and sophistication, even when it comes at a cost.

“Woah, Sven. Your place is huge.” Rico clicks his tongue as he slides out of the car toting his bag on his shoulder. “Do you got any video games?” he asks, staring up at me with large eyes. I nod at him.

“I have just about any system you want in my gaming room. If you’d like, I can just have your bed put in there. It can be your bedroom.” I hold the door as Allie climbs out. Her jaw is still slack as she takes in her surroundings. The block my home sits on is one historic home after another, crammed together like sardines in a can, but mine stands out. I like it that way.

“I think that’s not a great idea,” she mumbles as she gets her bearings. Her eyes meet mine in a firm gaze and I see a stubborn side of her. I like it. She’ll be fun to break.

“Let’s get off the street.” I gesture at the front door and Rico races up the steps. When I let us into the foyer, the amazement continues. It’s refreshing to see someone so enamored of the hard work I’ve put into this place. I’ve gotten so used to it I pass by with hardly an ounce of attention paid.

“Where are the games?” Rico asks, turning abruptly to face me. I’m happy he is no longer throwing a fit. Allie glowers at him but I point up the steps.

“Second floor, third room on the right. You’ll probably meet Odin. He’s around somewhere.”

“Odin?” Allie asks, eyebrows high.

“German shepherd. He’s nice, don’t worry.”

“Oh cool, a dog too!” Rico celebrates, clapping his hands, and then races up the steps, leaving his bag sit on the ground next to the door. I will have to get used to having a child in the house. And I’ll have to let Marta know we have new occupants. She’ll have to cook more often and probably clean a lot more—at least with a young boy to watch after.

“Well, I’d say Rico will adjust just fine.” I turn to Allie who is glaring at me.

“We are not putting his bed in the game room. He is a child. He needs discipline and—”

“I’m not going to tell you how to parent your child.” I clear my throat and wait for her angry glare to resolve. “I have a game room for myself because I enjoy a good game now and then. He is welcome to use it when you please. I thought maybe he’d feel more comfortable this evening after the incident if he were surrounded by things to distract himself.”

Her expression softens further and she nods. “Thank you,” she said, and I get the feeling she is eating words she hasn’t yet spoken.

“I’m not a maniac, Allie.” I nod at the open door to our left and say, “My den…” I brush past her, walking into my den, and she follows. “You can leave your things sit by the door. Gerard will bring it to my room.”

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