I nodded toward the cupboard. Frank went over and grabbed the hammer as well as a few zip ties.
The threats continued, but they were muffled to my ears — everything was. All I could focus on was her, and the fact that I never, ever wanted to see her hurt again.
I’d kill for her.
I’d die for her.
I’d go to prison for her.
Hell, if she told me she wanted to go to the moon, I’d find a way to take her there. I would do it. I wouldn’t fail.
“You should close your eyes,” I whispered.
Trace nodded and leaned her cheek against my chest. It was wet with tears. My entire body shook with anger.
If Nixon didn’t kill Phoenix, I would.
And I’d enjoy every damn minute of it.
I rested my chin on her head and then, briefly, when everyone was focused on Phoenix’s bloody mess, my lips touched her forehead.
I made a vow then and there.
Never again would she suffer or be afraid. I was going to take care of her. I was going to be the one to catch her tears. Even if that meant watching her be with Nixon. Even if it meant being on the outside desperately wanting to get in.
Failure wasn’t an option.
Because — I protected those I loved.
And I loved her.
A sharp pain pierced my chest, and it’s funny because all I could think was…. so that’s what fear actually feels like.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Fixing the broken pieces
Nixon
“TRACE, LOOK AT ME.”
She moaned and shook her head.
“Trace!” My voice took on a frantic note.
Her eyes finally fluttered open. “Trace, I need to…” Panic rose in my chest. “…I need to know if anything happened if he—” I swore, biting down on my lips to keep the sob in. This shouldn’t have happened. I should have been there.
“No.” Her voice was scratchy. “You guys came just in time.” Her entire body started convulsing.
I snapped at Chase in Sicilian to let her go, that I was going to take over.
He shook his head no.
Frank stood next to me, speaking in the same language. “We shall take care of this now.”
“Trace, baby girl, I—” Frank’s eyes welled with tears. “I should have done better. I don’t know what I would have done if Nixon and Chase—” He swallowed. “I can’t lose you. Do you understand? I can’t, Trace. You’re my life.”
Her smile was brave, shaky, but brave. “I’m not going anywhere, Grandpa.”
He sighed in relief and stood. “Nixon, would you please stay with her?”
I couldn’t hide my shock. What happened to him wanting to kill me?
Frank glanced over at Phoenix. He’d passed out from pain. “I’ll have everything ready for your arrival… sir.”
He called me sir.
All it had taken was his reason for living — almost dying.
I tried to hide my shock.
“Family sticks together,” Frank said, shaking my hand.
“I’ll protect this family until I breathe my last breath, to that I swear.” My voice shook with meaning.
“I know that now.” Frank’s nostrils flared. “Tracey, I love you, sweet girl. Please listen to Nixon in my absence. I’ll be only a phone call away, but as you can imagine, I have something to take care of.”
Two men came into the room and lifted Phoenix into their arms.
“When you’re ready.” Frank slapped me on the back and walked off.
“Ready?” Trace asked, voice still hoarse from exertion.
I swallowed. “Ready to rub him out.” I gave a dark chuckle. “Kill him, when I’m ready to end his life, Trace.”
“Oh.” Her eyes narrowed, like she was unsure that was the best course of action, but I’d never been more sure of anything in my life.
Trace struggled to her feet. I caught her and motioned for Chase to leave.
He hesitated, damn him.
I tried to remain calm. “Chase, you can go.”
“But…” Chase licked his lips, his hands reaching for Trace.
Hell no.
Trace sighed and stepped into Chase’s arms. Confused, I could only watch as the girl I loved thanked Chase and said she loved him.
Said the actual words, “I love you.”
To my cousin.
My best friend.
With her back turned to me.
Unable to control my emotions, I closed my eyes, pulling from every ounce of strength I had.
“Love you too, Farm Girl.” He pulled away and held her chin in his hand. “You call me if you need me, okay?”
She nodded as he walked out of the room.
The minute the door closed, Trace wobbled on her feet.
I picked her up and carried her to the bathroom
“No, please, no I just—” She fought against me.
I gently sat her on one of the wooden benches used for decoration in the bathroom and cupped her face. “Trace, look at me.”