Day One

*Joseph*

When I woke up in the city house, I felt refreshed. I still felt a longing for home, but we needed to solve this Tommasso shit before I can take my family and go there. I am determined to get there before Thanksgiving dinner. I know Henry has already ordered an abundance of food for the meal. He gets so excited to baste a turkey. I smiled to myself while staring at the ceiling. I looked over to the beautiful woman beside me. I still don't know why she stays with me. She has adopted us as her family and I am completely amazed by it. She amazes me daily. I wanted to see her beautiful grey eyes before I got out of bed. I had flashes of the night before in my mind as I stared at her. She straddled me as I buried myself inside of her. Running her fingers over fresh scarring skin, erasing it all with her touch. Her breathing seemed to match mine, it was exhilarating. It is magical being inside of her. I ran my fingertips across her cheeks and kissed her forehead. She smiled before her eyes fluttered open. "I don't want to move yet boss. This is the most sleep I have gotten in a week." She looked at me through squinted eyes. "Oh you can sleep darling, I just want to see you before I go deal with everything else." She opened her eyes more and gave me a small smile. "I will be down soon." She sighed rolling towards me. I kissed her gently before forcing myself to get up. "You make it hard for a man to leave his bed." She blushed and blew me a kiss. I covered her up and headed for the shower. When the water got hot I stepped inside. I washed my chest covering those same tender scars with suds. Touching it still sent shivers down my spine. I closed my eyes and took a very deep breath in. I was still having nightmares from the shooting. It's dark and I hear yelling. All of a sudden I am on the floor and there is blood everywhere. I scream for Sandra, but I can't get to her. She fades into the darkness. I assume this is caused by some PTSD. The doctor told me I might have these issues, but they always say that. When I am injured and have some kind of battle wound, they tell me I might suffer from the trauma. I never have, not until this. The difference is Sandra. I was so afraid of leaving her, I was so afraid of losing her, that when I was shot I was terrified. I wasn't scared for myself, I was scared for her. This is why love makes you so vulnerable, it is dangerous. After the shower, I got dressed and walked to the bedroom again. I sat down on the bed to put on my dress shoes. Business days call for dress clothes. I looked back at her and took another deep breath. I would rather be traumatized and vulnerable than live one day without her. I won't.

I walked out of the room after watching her sleep for a while. She breathed in and out deeply as she slept. She didn't snore really, just took in deep long breaths. It was hypnotizing. I smiled while I poured myself a cup of hot coffee. The coffee at the country house was the same brand but seemed to have a better taste. It was the surroundings I am sure. I looked at my watch and headed to pick up my phone. It was still very early, but I knew Jay had beaten me to the office. Henry was probably starting on breakfast, and Jackson was eager to do something helpful. I smiled again. I couldn't stop smiling. With everything going on, I was still happy. Happy wasn't a word I used often when talking about my emotional state, but here I was noticing too many smiles for such an early morning. She was perfect, she MADE everything perfect, even during the war. I grabbed my comm, finally deciding to switch on "boss mode". Well, at least that's what Sandra called it. "Good morning Brothers, What are we planning for the day?" I said into the chatter I heard when I switched it on. "Good morning Smoke, Jay is training, he called in a personal trainer to help him bulk up for D-day." That was Jackson's voice. Why did he have a comm? Only the inner circle is usually used on this signal. "Oh, Jackson, have you settled in?" I asked as I walked out the door, making sure it was secured. Two guards stood by the door, and neither one spoke. I told them good morning as I walked back and headed for the office. When Henry saw me walk in, I pointed to my ear signaling him to turn off his comm as well. "Why does Jackson have a comm on our signal?" I asked sternly assuming Henry was the one who would give him one. "I don't know boss, I was surprised too." I shook my head. I am glad I hadn't used Sandra's name in it. I walked into my office, a bit frustrated by it. Zeus was still visiting the girls at the country house but Henry came home early this morning. He is nothing if not devoted. Zeus is devoted as well, but he needs the time. I gave it to him. I don't know how I would be if Sandra had decided to stay with them in the country. I walked towards the office door and looked around for Jay. He wasn't around so I turned my comm back on and asked for him. He responded and was walking towards me in minutes. Again I pointed to my ear. He smiled and nodded, pulling out his comm and shutting it off. When we got into the office I closed the door behind us.

"Did you give Jackson one of our comms?" When I asked the question, Jay looked at me strangely, but didn't answer. "Jay, we have a system for a reason. I use this comm signal strictly for our inner circle. What if someone said her name?" His eyes got wide. "I'm sorry boss, I didn't think about that. I wanted to include everyone that was going to help with the meet-up with Tommasso. I didn't think about the secrecy." Jay said shaking his head and looking at the floor. The man was huge, hulk-like, and tough. Even he was brought to his knees at the thought of something putting our queen in danger. "I will take them back." He said turning to walk away. "No," I said realizing he may be afraid of his meeting and need the support. "We will just be sure no one discloses anything through the comm," I said reaching out my hand to shake his. He nodded gripping mine tightly. He went immediately to inform the others the same. He had given a comm to not only Jackson, but a few guards, and the drone guy. I smiled and shook my head letting the tension release that I was feeling. "Is Sunshine awake yet, boss?" I heard in my ear which I am sure was a way to show me Henry had been told about the comms. "Not yet, Chef, I will go check on her shortly." I sent out a quick text to Zeus informing him of the comm sharing and headed to the kitchen. "What's for breakfast little brother?" I asked passing by, "Coconut-almond French Toast Casserole," Henry said smiling with pride. "That sounds delicious." I heard her voice and felt the hair rise on the back of my neck. "Don't speak, Sunshine, Just come when you are ready," I said trying to keep her from saying anything that didn't need to be heard. "Yes, boss, See you soon." She said, I could hear a bit of snip in her voice. I chuckled looking at Henry who also stifled a laugh. I went to the fridge and poured myself an orange juice before sitting at the table. I watched the door to the kitchen waiting for her to arrive. I could hear voices in my ear, Jackson, Jay, and a few I didn't recognize as much. Bothered me some, but I kept trying to let it go. Henry didn't look to pleased either, but he didn't say anything. When Sandra walked in she looked at me with her eyes widened. "Who?" She said and I quieted her. Pointing to my ear and turning off the comm. She sat down beside me at the table doing the same with her comm. Henry had his off as well, pointing to it on the counter. "Jay let some of the new guys have one of our comms. I think he is nervous about the meeting with Tommasso and he wants them in. Everyone is aware not to speak any inside things through the comms right now." I said turning on my comm and putting it back in my ear. "Breakfast is ready Jay," Sandra said loudly before I had a chance to. "The casserole smells amazing chef!" Jay said as he entered the kitchen. Jackson and another man behind him, I recognized as one of the guards from the country, Nine.

Jackson walked towards the table, smiling at Sandra as he took a seat beside her. "Good morning queen." He said smiling at her a little too long. "Hello, Jackson, How are you settling in here?" I said taking his focus off of what is mine. "It has been nice so far Sir, thank you for allowing me to come." I watched Sandra's eyes look from him back to me. "That's good. This is a huge house, I am sure you can find your home here." She said smiling. I could tell she was feeling my feelings about the way the man was looking at her. She smiled and reached for my hand. This man better not become a problem.