Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen
Kelley's words were laced with so much sadness that Milana couldn’t help but feel the emotion herself. What had happened to this man? She feared that his own story might even be worse than her own. She was so used to seeing the strong side of him, the one that took charge and led this family.
Everyone looked up to him, he made the final decisions on everything, even if they didn’t realize it, they all treated Kelley like a mafia family would treat their Don. She knew they had enemies, knew that people like Charles Alexander, Hanson Chadney and Lewis Hamilton posed threats to them all but she didn’t know what was going on inside Kelley’s mind and that scared her.
What exactly had he done in the past? How far was he willing to go to get what he wanted, what he called the ultimate revenge? She didn’t fear Kelley, she knew he’d never physically hurt her even if he did yell at times. She could live with yelling.
She knew he cared about everyone in their family. She knew he went to extremes, she just wanted to know what those extremes were, she wanted to be his confidante, share his worries and be his partner. Yes, she loved Kelley Alexander with her whole being. It was a thought that scared her because she hadn’t realized earlier just how much she did love this big man holding her against him.
“This is for life, remember. I’m not going anywhere, Kelley, I’m right here with you.”
Kelley didn’t answer her, he just kissed her neck again and tightened his hold around her. She fell asleep with a hundred questions milling around in her head. She woke up a few hours later looking into Kelley’s eyes where he sat next to her, fully clothed and freshly showered.
“What time is it?”
“Time to get up.”
Milana yawned and stretched. Kelley stood up from the bed and smiled at her, the kind of smile that melted her heart. “Breakfast will be ready soon, what do you feel like?”
Milana took the robe that Kelley offered and pulled it around her. “Bacon.” Kelley smiled again and nodded his head.
Milana showered and dressed, surprised to see everyone around the dining table when she walked in. The whole family was there, even Blaire, who rarely left the warehouse. Kelley stood up and pulled out her chair and left a kiss on the top of her head.
“This is a nice surprise … it’s been a while since we’ve all eaten together.”
“Yeah well … it’s probably going to be the last breakfast together for a while.” Kelley shot Marley a pointed look that Milana hadn’t missed.
“Let’s eat, shall we.”
Kitchen staff brought in covered dishes and soon the table grew quiet as everyone ate, making small talk in hushed voices and Milana couldn’t decipher the look on Kelley’s face. He looked stoic, steeled and dangerous. She didn’t like the look on his face.
The breakfast dishes were cleared and coffee poured. Mason didn’t look well at all, worry etched his features and Lee’s chair was eerily empty. He’d be in the hospital for a while, probably two weeks at least.
“Please don’t do this, Kelley.” Milana’s whisper was just loud enough for him to hear.
Kelley didn’t even turn to look at her. He seemed to have a silent conversation with Jesse, their gazes locked. Jesse nodded his head and stood up from the table. Marley turned to look at Jesse and also stood up.
“It’s time.”
Kelley stood up and Mason followed his lead. Connor appeared seemingly from nowhere and stood leaning against a wall as they all walked past him. Jeannie appeared from a side door and Connor’s gaze went to her. Milana looked at the suitcases now standing in the foyer and recognized her own.
“No,” she said walking backwards.
“Mila …”
“No!” Someone was behind her and Milana felt a pinprick in her arm.
“I’m sorry, baby … but it’s for the best.” Kelley’s face swam in front of her eyes and she realized that she’d been drugged. She felt light headed and then felt herself falling forward only to be caught by Kelley and picked up in his arms.
“I love you, Mila.” It was the last thing she heard before everything went black.
“Now that’s a sure way to a woman’s heart.”
“Shut up, Marley, it’s for her own good.” Kelley’s anger was evident and Marley rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything else.
Kelley walked to the first SUV and placed Milana on the backseat. Jesse and Marley climbed into the front seat and Kelley closed the door. Marley lowered her window and looked at her brother. “Stay safe, big brother, or I won’t invite you to the wedding.”
Kelley huffed out a laugh. “For that I’ll make sure to stay safe.”
“I’ve got her, Kelley, I won’t take my eyes off her until we’re in the safehouse.”
“Thank you, Jesse. Call me if anything happens.”
“You do the same. The island is safe and I can be back here in three hours.”
Kelley nodded his head, both of them knowing that Kelley wouldn’t call him. He’d never jeopardize his family’s safety by taking Jesse from the island. David and Cecile would join them at the airport and Blaire had moved into the warehouse, he wasn’t going anywhere.
Connor kissed Jeannie goodbye and stood next to Kelley as they watched the SUVs leave. Guilt flashed in Kelley’s eyes and Connor squeezed his shoulder. “She can hate me later, I’m the one that stuck the needle in her arm.”
“She’ll hate me, Connor, but it’s okay, as long as she’s alive.”
Connor regarded Kelley warily. The tone of his voice sounded so resigned that he wondered if anything else had happened that he wasn't aware of. Kelley always made the right decision, no matter how hard that decision was. He couldn't allow anything else to happen to anyone else. His family was all he had and he'd do whatever it took to keep them safe.
