I turn toward the French doors to the pool area. Chevelle’s there. The tears in her eyes are enough to break even me. Brilliant, sparkly tears. So beautiful. So broken. If I weren’t in shock from her overhearing the conversation, I’d be floored by her response.
Chapter 57
Chevelle
If I weren’t dropdead tired, I’d imagine love reflecting in Leith’s eyes when he glances my way. But I have one certainty, that bitch Lady lied aboutevery last detail.
No preacher. No cheating. No obsessive love that ended in a murder-suicide. Just murder. Dogged determination flushes through my veins. I snap. “Not necessary, Leith, I already made up my mind. DeCastillo’s death has my name on it.”
“Nae.” His tone is low, not lethal like yesterday, though.
“Excuse me?” I square my shoulders. I’m ready for a fight today. Big Brody looks prepared to curse Leith’s existence, but my husband throws a palm on the island. Instead of going around the lengthy countertop, he goes over it.
He’s in front of me in a flash. His hands are a salve to my soul as they run along my cheeks. “Nae, hen. I’vefeckedup! Let me do this forye.”
Leith’s passion slams into me with the force of each word. In trepidation, my eyebrows pull together. All the dreams of Leith leaving me in the past paled compared to his actions yesterday.
“Let me do this, love.” He clasps me, enveloping me in arms that have kept me safe since I can remember. The first soothing touch since my father. The last soothing touch I’ll ever beg for before I die. Lifting my face, Leith gazes into my eyes. His breath teases across my cheeks. “I’ll ask yer forgiveness later, hen. I’ll give ye all the time ye were begging for, and I’ll not expect anything from ye in return.Let me. Please.”
“No. I can do this.”
Fury runs along Leith’s jaw. He contains it, bites his tongue, and says, “This isn’tyou, Chevelle.”
Last night, I couldn’t fully comprehend the story told to me. A blush of shame creeps over my face as I turn to Big Brody. After the shooting, I’d assumed Mia and I had gotten caught up in their mafia drama. I’d even said as much. I’d been wrong. This was my drama, andIhad brought it down onthemwith Erika paying the highest price, trying to save me. The muscles in my back become rigid as I box my shoulders and address Big Brody. “I truly appreciate your help. Please tell me everything you know about Fausto. Last night, I was in shock. Now, I’d like to know where he’s been. What’s he been up to? How did I spook him?”
“Ye’re welcome.” Big Brody settles onto a stool next to Camdyn.
The older man’s gaze connects with Leith. At first, I assume it’s a kind gesture of inclusion. Then I see the look of empathy I avoided in the past. Even Camdyn wears a similar mask.
“Ye sure?” Leith asks.
“Yes!” I give a flustered pant. “Nan will tell me if you won’t.”
“Eh, she has a point,” Camdyn says.
“Alright.” Leith’s father shrugs. “Fausto’s a car sales manager in Tarzana. He...”
* * *
An hour later,I’ve harassed Mia and softly manhandled her after her half-assed attempt to brush her teeth. I’m sighing while exiting the bathroom when Justice opens the door to Leith’s older brother’s bedroom.
Though hurting inside, I slide on the smile that has benefited me in a bartending capacity. “So, did Brody back up that big mouth of his with even bigger guns?”
She laughs while waving me off. “Girl, I’ll probably never know if he can lift a size eighteen on repeat. I . . . uh . . .”
“Just kidding.” I smile, noticing the elusive jaded flash across her face. Five years later, and Justice’s emotions go bonkers. That’s the way the mind works. Happy one second, contemplating someone you miss in the next. With a wave of my hand, I change the subject. “I kind of ditched you in New Mexico, didn’t I?”
“Yeah.” Justice nods. “However, it’s kind of a funny story.”
“What, I’ll beat—”
Chuckling, she shakes her head. “Gotcha! Brody was a gentleman during our long drive.”
“Oh, thank God. Leith and I have to handle a few things. Then we’re heading home.” I tell the tiny, white lie, determined not to spook Justice or worry her about our current lack of a home.
Shoving a hand through her braids, Justice casts her eyes downward. “Alright, girl, tell me to stay away from him. Tell me that the years I’ve spent lonely have made me susceptible to any old Tom, Dick, and Harry.”
“So, you’re asking me if I approve or not?”