Warnings and Wildfires

  “They forbid him from seeing me. They wanted it to stay a secret, so they didn’t go to the school or police. But he came unglued.” She meets my eyes. “He vandalized our house. That’s how I knew it was him this morning. That’s the same message he left on their front porch.”

  “Christ.”

  She hugs herself, rubbing her hands over her arms and stares down at the floor, her voice flat. “The situation exploded. My parents filed a complaint with the police. The school got dragged into it. This salacious story was everywhere. The news devoured it and labeled it a ‘sex scandal.’ A forbidden student-teacher romance.”

  I cough, uncomfortably familiar with how lies and half-truths can destroy a life.

  “His ‘we’re in love’ speech didn’t go over well with the police. They arrested him.”

  “About fucking time,” I grumble.

  “It just made everything worse. This was a small town. Once his name hit the news, students put it together. How he always doted on me and showed me favoritism. My name spread like wildfire.”

  “You were a kid, papers couldn’t print that.” Conviction hardens my voice.

  She snorts. “They didn’t have to. I went to private school. My father had a pretty successful financial planning firm. Lots of my classmates’ parents were clients of my dad’s firm. He started losing those people first. Then when the news crews showed up, he lost even more business.”

  “Too fucking bad.”

  She shakes her head. “He blamed me. They had to sell our vacation house in Connecticut and I think my mother was more upset about that than what was happening to me.”

  Some people don’t deserve to be parents.

  “I had to sit through endless, humiliating interrogations. In the end, my statements made it worse for him.” She straightens her spine. “After a few months, my parents stopped cooperating with the DA. They pulled me out of school and had me committed to a psychiatric facility.”

  Of all the shocking things she’s revealed, this hits me the hardest. I all but explode out of my seat. “He’s the one who needed to be committed.”

  “It swept all my parents’ problems away. I couldn’t be compelled to testify and embarrass them further. The DA plead the case down. The news coverage dried up.”

  Every fucking adult in her life failed her. “So everyone walked away unscathed but you?”

  She shrugs, but her eyes shine with unshed tears. “I brought it on myself.”

  “Aubrey. That’s not true.” I touch one finger under her chin, tipping her head back to see her face. “You were, what, three years older than Madison is now?” I swallow over the rage burning in the back of my throat. “Believe me, if some twenty-something asshole went after her that way, I’d kill him. Your parents should’ve protected you. Not blamed you.”

  She nods, but I don’t think my words hit home for her. “Celia filed for guardianship to get me out. But she was too young, and they denied her.” A brief smile flickers over her lips. “At least I knew someone cared about me.”

  “She’s a good sister.”

  She half-smiles. “Celia visited me as much as she could. Eventually, I started paying attention in the group therapy sessions. So many stories were similar to mine. The grooming behavior. The manipulation…the controlling and terrorizing. Needing to know where I was and who I was with every second of the day. The subtle put-downs that made me think no one would ever love me but him. So many behaviors I excused because they seemed romantic and meant he loved me. It was…devastating. To think I’d been so naïve.”

  I’m exhausted after dredging up so much emotional garbage.

  After expelling a long breath, I wrap up my story. “When I turned eighteen, the hospital had to let me go. My parents were done with me. My father had salvaged his business, but they’d shelled out a fortune. They told me in no uncertain terms I was on my own from then on. I wasn’t allowed to move back in.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Sully asks.

  “Celia took me in. She’d already cut ties with my parents years before.” I snort and shake my head. “And I always thought she was their favorite.”

  “It doesn’t sound like they were meant to be parents.”

  “No kidding. Celia and I say that all the time.” My lips twitch into a weak smile. “That’s why we both like your mom so much.”

  He squeezes me tighter. “Go on.”

  “I didn’t know what to do with myself.” A violent shiver works over me. “The thought of being a teacher after all that made me ill.”

  “That’s why you picked accounting? Something completely different from poetry?” Sully asks with gentleness and understanding.

  I never thought of it in those terms. “I guess so.”

  His unwavering stare doesn’t stray from my face. “For the record, you’d be a great teacher. You’re exactly the kind of person kids need, but I understand why it would bother you.”

  “I never imagined he’d be released so soon.” Bitter regret singes my voice. “And I never, ever thought he’d come looking for me right away.”

  “He’s a sick bastard.”

  I close my eyes and try to block the rising burn in my throat. “I should’ve warned you. He’d always get jealous when I talked to boys in class. He’d grill me for hours after school if he thought a guy even smiled at me. As soon as he came into Busy Beans the other night, I should’ve warned you.”

  Sully doesn’t accept that. As my pulse races and my throat seals shut, he pulls me against his chest.

  “I don’t blame you, Aubrey. It had to be a shock. To see him after all that time and with an adult’s perspective. And you said he used to grill you. He didn’t confront those boys?”

  “Well, he failed at least two that I know of.”

  “Wow, a coward and an asshole.”

  Heavy, unrelenting regret and shame spreads over my skin. “Sully, I was going to tell you. I just hadn’t figured out how. I wanted to tell you this morning after you shared so much with me.” I finally meet his eyes again. “It’s not an excuse, but Maddy called, and you seemed so happy talking to her, I didn’t want to ruin the moment. And we were running late…I’m not making excuses…I had no idea he’d—”

  “Hey, stop,” he murmurs, putting a halt to my crazy rambling.

  I rest my head against his chest, accepting the comfort he’s offering.

  “Aubrey,” he says after a few minutes of silence. “Have you…did you date anyone after him?”

  “A few times.” I sigh and shake my head. “One relationship turned serious.” Swallowing over the lump in my throat is almost impossible. “But when I told him, he acted like everyone else. That I’d been the slutty temptress who ruined some poor guy’s life.”

  “Is that why you were afraid to tell me?”

  I risk glancing up and find the full weight of his gaze on me. “Maybe a little.” My hands flap uselessly in the air while I try to come up with the right words. “Not that I think you’re like that, but—”

  He takes both my hands in his. “I understand.”

  “I believe you.” I hesitate, unsure of where to go from here. “What do we do now?”

  “I’m not letting you out of my sight until he’s back behind bars.”

  My pulse quickens at his stern voice, but the love in his eyes assures me he only wants to protect me.

  For the last few years, I’ve wandered aimlessly through life, feeling like a stranger inside my own skin. Lost and angry with my parents and Darren, but mostly angry at my own actions.

  These last few months, Sully’s shown me who I can be. Who I want to be. As if he’s handed me the keys to the door leading me back to myself.

  “Thank you for listening and not running away.”

  He pushes my hair out of my eyes. “I love you.”

  Those are the words I need the most. To know that after hearing what I allowed to happen, he doesn’t hate me.

  Tears threaten to fall, but I will them away. “I love y
ou too. Real, solid, glowing love, Sully. Where I’m weak, you’ve given me strength.”

  He touches his forehead to mine and speaks low heartfelt words. “You fit the missing piece in my life. You inspire me and make me believe anything is possible, Aubrey. I am never walking away from you.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Dearest Aubrey,

  I have to admit, I’m hurt and disappointed. I thought the letter your sister delivered to the parole board was something your family concocted to keep us apart again. After speaking with you, it’s clear you’ve been brainwashed. While I held onto our love during some of my darkest moments, you apparently moved on with your life. I guess now it’s time for me to do the same.

  I’ve requested and been granted permission to move out of the area. You won’t have to fear seeing me again.

  You used to be such a kind, beautiful soul and even though you’ve turned on me, as much as I want to hate you, I can’t.

  I hope that new man of yours never hurts you the way you’ve wounded me.

  Always,

  D.

  If I roll my eyes any harder, they’re going to fall out of my head.

  “For fuck’s sake,” Sully growls, snapping the letter out of my hands.

  We stopped by to pick up more of my things to bring to his house. Celia handed me the letter as soon as I walked in the door.

  While Sully reads the letter—muttering curses under his breath the entire time—I flip over the envelope and study the postmark. “It was mailed in Poughkeepsie on Monday.”

  “Setting up his alibi probably,” Celia mutters.

  “Hopefully that’s where he moved. It’s at least two hours away.”

  “Not far enough,” Celia and Sully both grumble at the same time.

  I shrug and take the letter from Sully, slipping it back into the envelope. I’ll drop it off at the Sheriff’s department later. Maybe the letter will help track Darren down. His parole officer claims Darren checked in on time. But no one’s questioned him about vandalizing Sully’s gym yet.

  “He’s a bigger dipshit than I thought if he thinks that letter will make us believe he didn’t trash Sully’s place.” Celia crosses her arms over her chest and shakes her head. “I wish he had delivered it in person so I could’ve kicked him in the balls.”

  Sully chuckles and pats her shoulder. “Thanks.”

  She reaches out, pulling me into a hug. “I hate him for doing this to you again,” she says.

  I heave out a breath. “Me too.” I turn and catch Sully’s eye. “I’m so sorry—”

  “No.” He holds up a hand, cutting off my apology. “This isn’t your fault. Besides, I have a few days off while the insurance company jerks me around and my mother has been more than happy to put me to work.”

  “See, I always told you momma’s boys make good boyfriends,” Celia says loud enough for Sully to hear and laugh.

  I laugh with them, but inside I feel awful. Even if he refuses to admit it, his main source of income is gone because of me.

  Sully’s hand touches my shoulder. “It’s only temporary, Aubrey. I can always pick up a few classes at Wrath’s gym or find a few workshops to teach.”

  I appreciate the effort to relieve my guilt.

  But as soon as we return to his house, I pull out my laptop.

  “What are you doing?” he asks.

  “It’s time to work on part two of my Business Communications project.”

  He narrows his eyes, but a teasing smile plays over his lips. “I don’t know if I’m in the mood for one of your video sessions.” He leans in and tickles his fingers over my ribs, making me laugh.

  Pushing him away, I nod to the screen. “I have plenty of footage. I need to edit it into useful content.”

  “Need help?”

  “Sure. You can help me come up with some compelling descriptions.”

  He takes a seat next to me and bumps my shoulder. “See, we’re a perfect team. I give you the boring fitness jargon and you punch it up into something interesting.”

  My nose stings. The simple compliment means so much to me. “Thank you.”

  We work together for most of the afternoon. Accomplishing so much helps alleviate some of my guilt.

  Our night is almost perfect.

  If only Darren wasn’t out there waiting to ruin everything.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  A week later, we’re finally given the all-clear to start repairing the gym. Aubrey’s ex had finally been questioned but swore he had no knowledge of what happened or even who I was. The letter Aubrey gave his parole officer didn’t seem to be enough to convince him. I’ve been told the Sheriff’s department is still looking into it, which gives me little comfort. Most importantly, he hasn’t tried to contact Aubrey again.

  Oh yeah, I was warned to stay far away from the guy. As if I’m the problem and not that lunatic.

  Today, I have more important things on my mind.

  After wrapping up some car shopping, I walk into Strike Back to find a team of people already hard at work.

  Wrath’s size makes him the first one I identify. “What’s going on?”

  He turns and flashes one of his scary-ass biker smiles. “Hammering up some drywall, bro.” Deep, rumbling laughter follows his words. “Where ya been?”

  Murphy ambles up next to him and nods at me. “Jake promised us food and alcohol in exchange for our labor.”

  “Bullshit,” Jake calls out. “You’re here because of your deep love and respect for me.”

  “Okay,” Murphy says, rolling his eyes. “Whatever you say.”

  My gaze darts between my brother and the two bikers in front of me. “What’s going on?”

  “You take a hit to the head when this went down?” Wrath asks. “We’re repairing the walls.” He speaks each word slow and deliberately as if I need the extra time to comprehend them. “Got two prospects coming over to paint on Thursday. So this needs to get done now.”

  “I can’t ask them to do that.”

  “You’re not. I am. They wanna patch in one day, they do what they’re told. They don’t want an ass-kickin’ they’ll make sure they do a good job.” He slaps Murphy’s shoulder. “Besides, my little ginger Road Captain’s gonna stick around to supervise.”

  Murphy’s eyes widen. “What now?” He scratches a hand over his beard. “I’m not a prospect. Why do I have to listen to you?”

  Wrath ignores him and focuses on me. “Don’t worry, Sullivan. I’ll give you a nice, legit bill for the insurance company when we’re done.”

  Great, probably a way to help the Lost Kings MC launder some money. Just what I need.

  But you know what? I don’t care. Every contractor I’ve contacted is booked out for months. I can’t afford to stay closed that long. Wrath’s in business with my brother. He doesn’t have to be here doing menial work to help my gym when he has his own to run. He’s doing it out of respect for Jake and I’m not about to turn down his help.

  “Thank you.” I hold out my hand and Wrath shakes it. “Appreciate it.”

  “Ruthless and Royal!” Jake shouts, drawing our attention to the front door.

  Remy and Griff stroll in. Remy shakes his head. “Damn, you weren’t kidding about the damage.” He lifts his chin in Jake’s direction. “Who’d you piss off now?”

  Jake shrugs off the question and I appreciate him not offering up Aubrey’s personal story for discussion.

  “Jesus Christ,” Remy says, squinting at Wrath. “You’re a fucking legend. Don’t suppose you’re willing to come out of retirement?”

  Wrath raises one blond eyebrow at me in a who-are-these-little-punks expression that actually makes me laugh.

  I gesture to the half-demolished gym around us. “We’re closed if you haven’t noticed.”

  “We’re here to help,” Griff says. “Got loads of experience fixing walls.” He jerks a thumb in Remy’s direction. “Redoing his grandmother’s house. Hideous wallpaper everywhere.”

&nb
sp; Remy’s hand shoots out, giving Griff a quick shove. “Don’t you insult my grandma.”

  “I’m not, asshole.”

  Jake slaps Remy and Griff on the shoulders and pushes them in Wrath’s direction, ending their bickering. “These are my little protégées I told you about.”

  Griff scowls at Jake. “There’s nothing little about either of us, old man.”

  Jake smacks him on the back of the head and nods Murphy’s way. “This is Murphy. He’s joining us full time at Furious.”

  “You fight?” Remy asks.

  Great, maybe all the underground fighters in the area can start using my gym to socialize.

  Shaking my head, I duck into my office. Jake follows me.

  “You’re not mad, are you?” he asks.

  “No. Thank you for arranging this.”

  He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Wrath likes it when you owe him a favor.”

  My mouth twists into a wry smile. “I’m sure.” My amusement fades as I flip through the stack of bills in my hand. I’ll deal with them tomorrow. “I have to pick Aubrey up from school. But I’ll be back later.”

  Outside my office, Wrath laughs. “I knew I was right about you and the little pixie.”

  “Shut up.” I chuckle and slap him on the back as I head out.

  Jake cocks his head toward the parking lot. “Are they delivering it today?”

  “Yup, should be within an hour or so.”

  He stops me with a hand on my chest. “You know I’ll look out for her too. Give her rides to school. Whatever you need, right?”

  “Yeah, I know.” I pull him in for a quick hug. “Thanks. I’ll be back later to help. Text me if I need to pick up any supplies.”

  Aubrey’s waiting in her usual spot, talking to her friend, Emily, and another girl I don’t recognize. I pull up to the curb and flip through the radio while I wait for her.

  The door creaks open and she peers in at me. “Why didn’t you honk or something?” she asks, passing me her backpack, which I set behind her seat.

  She climbs in and kisses me before I have a chance to answer and by the time we’re finished I forgot the question.