Micah
“Oh,shit.Youlivehere?”
After we picked up Stella’s bike, I drove us out to my house so I could talk with Talon and Gabby quickly. Pulling up to our compound, I watch as Stella leans forward in my SUV and gawks at the expansive property beyond the gates blocking out the rest of the world.
“Yeah,” I say.
I’ve never cared about what other people think about where I live. Most of the people I know live in multi-million-dollar homes, but for some reason, I feel guilty as I watch Stella stare at my home. She lives in a dump, and this must seem like an entirely different world.
“How rich are you?” she asks, but her voice is low and I wonder if I was meant to her the question.
I don’t bother to answer and continue up the steep drive. Parking, we get out of my SUV and I spot Talon and Gabby’s cars. I had texted them earlier to meet me here. I wanted to talk to them about Stella and have them get eyes on that loser, Lucas. Stella is in some deep shit and regardless if she likes it or not, I’m going to help her out with this issue.
“This is my dad’s money. I have to earn my way through life. Sort of like you,” I tell her.
“But you already have so much. Will you...” she stops, unsure of how to ask her question.
I used to get pissed when people would bring up my family and the mafia, but with Stella, it’s just different.
***
Stepping into the house, Stella’s eyes roam all over the foyer. She marvels at the artwork and family portraits lining the walls. Down the hall, I hear music and voices and know that Talon and Gabby are probably in the den where we have a pool table and bar. Taking Stella’s hand, I surprise both of us as I lead her down the hallway.
When we reach the doorway, I see Talon leaning over the pool table, about to take a shot of the blue 8 ball. Gabby smirks next to him, holding her pool stick at her side. When she sees me, she smiles and nods. Stella and I walk into the room and Talon stands, stiffening at our approach. Sometimes, I wish he would lighten up a little. Even Ason finally relaxed a little over the last year.
“You ready to talk?” Talon asks, placing his pool stick across the blue lining of the table.
“Yeah,” I say, releasing my hand from Stella’s.
I hate how my stomach drops when I release her hand. I can tell that she feels the same way, too, because there’s a sudden sadness that comes over her when I step back.
“Stella, stay in here with Gabby. I will be right back,” I tell her, offering a small smile.
“Where are you going?” she asks me nervously.
“I just need to talk to Talon for a minute. You will be fine, Gabby won’t bite,” I chuckle, though, I’m not sure how true those words really are.
“I only bite a little,” Gabby adds in, chomping her teeth.
Stella laughs a little, but I can tell that she is scared shitless. I nod to Talon, and we walk out of the den and down toward the dining room where I can close the French doors to hide our voices. Once inside the room, I spin around and start talking. I don’t want to leave Stella alone with Gabby for too long.
“I’ve got a problem and I need for you to help me take care of it,” I rush out.
Talon stands, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his designer jeans and a stern look across his features.
“What kind of shit did you get yourself in now?” he asks, giving me that disapproving look I have become so familiar with.
I tame down my anger and restrain from lashing out against him. Instead, I take a deep breath and focus.
“It’s not for me. Stella needs our help. Her landlord is giving her problems and she has no one to help her out. He’s harassing her and asking her to pay more than she can afford on her rent. I want to send a few guys to check him out and possibly scare him...” I let my words hang in the air.
Both Talon and I know that there is more hidden in what I’m saying. We don’t just calmly talk to people. We fuck them up. Threaten them. Make them disappear.
“Is she worth it? Getting us involved?” Talon asks me.
Is she worth it?
I have been fighting my feelings for Stella, but to me, she is worth it. I’ve been chasing highs and rushes all of my life. Though, nothing has ever given me the adrenaline rush that I get when I’m with Stella. Being around her makes me feel wild and protective. I get this strange inner strength and an insane urge to do right by her. I will do whatever I can to help her and make sure that she is safe and taken care of.