Chapter-64

Tannin’s voice brought me out of my memories, as sitting beside me, her eyes filled with concern, she asked, "You okay?"

Nodding, I swiped at a tear that cruised its way down my cheek. "Yeah. Just haunted by some old memories."

Her hand found my shoulder and she gave it a gentle squeeze. "Here, lay back," she urged, fluffing the pillows behind me with her free one. "You need to rest."

With a sigh, I laid back on the pillows, allowing them to envelope me like a warm hug. "What if...." I began, then shook my head, allowing the words to trail off. Too many questions to voice. What if Torin really was alive? Why now? Why, after a year of absence, did he come back?

Tannin sat down on the edge of the bed, and taking my hand, she murmured, "For now, rest. You're in no kind of shape to figure any what-if's. Heal first, answers after, okay?"

I knew she was right, and that worrying myself over something I couldn't say wasn't a dream, was not doing myself any favors. But the possibility Torin was Alive, was an itch I couldn't scratch. And if he were alive? What then? I gave an inward groan, I didn't know. I just didn't know!

Suddenly my eyes felt weighted, my arms too heavy to move. Exhaustion stole over me, and as my eyes closed, I heard Tannin sooth, "Sleep. Rest. Heal. Tomorrow is another day."

~~

The next morning, the creaking of my bedroom door opening woke me, and cracking an eye open, I watched Rook quietly step into the room.

When he saw I was awake, he made his way over to the bed. Then, bumping a knee against the mattress with agitation, he muttered, "God, I'm sorry. I should have never let you get involved in any of this shit! I should have just stayed the fuck out of your life."

I sat up, my eyes searching his. "What are you talking about?"

He sighed heavily, "You know what I mean, Marlowe. This club business... You were out of this shit! And now, you're laying here with a fucking bulletthole in you! It's my fault. I did this to you!"

I reached out and took his hand, feeling the warmth of his calloused skin. "Rook, you didn't do anything. This is my choice, and I stand by it." I paused, looking into his tortured eyes, "You're not to blame for this."

He sat down heavily beside me, his shoulders slumping. "But I am, Marlowe. If it wasn't for me, you'd be living the life you deserve, not dodging bullets." His voice cracked, and I knew he was blaming himself for my involvement in the club.

"Rook, without you, I'd have never had this life," I said, trying to keep the anger from my voice. "You're my brother, and I love you. And as for Lucien..."

He nodded slowly, understanding my words.

Lucien still needed to be dealt with.

The room was silent except for the distant sound of the city outside, a constant reminder of the chaos that existed beyond these four walls. "We need to talk about what happened last night," I said, my voice steady.

Rook's grip on my hand tightened. "It's being dealt with," Rook stated firmly.

"How?" I asked, fearing his answer. Lucien was the Mob, and if Rook did anything stupid, like end the sorry SOB's life, then the whole freaking Dinelli Mafia family would be coming after him.

Rook's eyes met mine, "We've got a plan." His jaw was tight, and I knew he wasn't going to tell me everything. But the determination in his voice was clear. "We're going to get him, Marlowe. We're going to make him pay for what he did to you."

I took a deep breath, trying to still the tremors that threatened to overtake my body. "No. Lucien is my deal. I'm not having you commit suicide over me!"

Rook's expression softened. "You're not the only one who wants to see that piece of shit pay, Marlowe."

"Maybe not. But I'mnot risking you, or anyone else for something I briught onto myself," I insisted, my voice stronger than the fear that whispered through me. "I'll handle it."

Rook searched my face for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Alright. But I'll be damned if you're taking him on alone."

I nodded, just to quiet any further protests from Rook. Lucien was my problem, and I would be the one dealing with him...alone.