Indebted Page 13

  My mind is still stuck on the fact that Aaron might have “lasting damage” from this. I’m about to ask more questions when Aaron speaks up. “What do you mean, ‘lasting damage’?”

  Sighing, he answers, “Well, there could be some impairment to your peripheral vision or even some blindness. I don’t think that’s the case, though, since he didn’t use any weapon other than his fist. I want to check your responses again as a precaution.”

  Aaron looks nervous. “So you don’t think there is anything wrong, though? I’m not going to be blind in one eye, am I?”

  “There’s no way I can guarantee that. All I can tell you is, from my experience, there is a very small chance of that happening. It usually happens when a weapon is used.”

  Aaron relaxes then, but I’m not calm at all. I’m practically vibrating with the need to kill Adam. I want to get my hands on him right the fuck now.

  “Now, the best thing to do is take care of your young man. He will need long, hot baths to relax his muscles, along with plenty of rest. That’s about all we can do besides wait and see.”

  “Okay, Doc, I’ll do everything that needs doing.” I glance over at Aaron and he’s smiling at me.

  I’m shocked he can grin after everything that’s happened. I’m about to talk to him when a scuffling starts behind me. It’s Jeremy, pitching a fit, still being held by Luke and Tristan. I haven’t even paid attention to anything he’s been rattling on about, since my thoughts turned to Aaron’s care.

  Finally listening to what he has to say, I hear him rant, “You’re going to be sorry for this, you son of a bitch. You think you can treat me this way and get away with it? You’re not that great, Liam Sandoval. I’m done chasing after your ass—”

  Tristan breaks in, yelling, “Shut the fuck up! Your ride is here.” He pauses and looks at Luke. “Let’s go take the trash out.”

  Luke nods, and they escort Jeremy outside. I have other things on my mind. I need to get Aaron settled, and then it’s time to go after Adam. I can’t wait to beat that little fucker’s head in.

  Moving my attention back to Aaron, I ask him, “How are you feeling? Do you need anything? You hungry?”

  He starts laughing hard, then hisses and grabs his middle. Shit! I shouldn’t have made him laugh. Even though I’d not meant what I said to be funny, I still feel bad. Unsure what to do, I sit on the couch awkwardly and wait to make sure he’s okay. The doctor watches me with amusement in his eyes, having never seen me so concerned for someone.

  Aaron looks at me, suddenly serious “Oh, Lee, I’m sorry for laughing. You sounded so cute. Who knew you had a mother hen lurking under all that muscle? I’m fine, really. I ate breakfast not that long ago, and now I want to relax a little. That drama with Jeremy was a little crazy. Before you say anything, I’m glad you popped that asshole. I don’t like the way he looks at you. You’re mine now, and I don’t want him or anyone else thinking they have a chance.”

  My blood starts pumping faster at his words. I really like this possessive side of him. “Aaron, no one else stands a chance against you. We’re new to this relationship thing, but when I commit to something or someone, I mean it. I won’t be stepping out on you. If things aren’t working out, I will be honest with you before I ever try anything with anyone else.”

  He nods in agreement. “I feel the same way. We give this the best try we can and see where it goes. We have enough obstacles without cheating being a part of it.”

  My guys come in about that time. Tristan signals for me to come over to him. I show him I understand and turn back to Aaron.

  “I’m going to have to go in a few minutes and take care of some things. Luke will be staying with you as protection. He’ll get you anything you need, okay?”

  He appears like he wants to argue, but doesn’t. “Okay—remember what you promised me and be safe, you hear me?”

  “Of course.”

  I walk over to Tristan, and we start planning. Luke makes himself comfortable in the chair next to where Aaron is lying, and grabs a magazine from the coffee table.

  “So, Tristan, did you find out where Adam is? Oh, and what’s up with Jeremy coming with you guys?”

  Sighing heavily, he says, “That was an unfortunate circumstance. Luke was out on a job with him when I called. I told him it was urgent, so he didn’t take the time to drop him off and came straight here. As far as Adam’s location, yep, I know exactly where he’s at, and he’s alone.”

  “Perfect.” I smile evilly. “I understand Luke doesn’t really know how much I hate Jeremy, so I’m not blaming him, but I don’t ever want that asshole anywhere near Aaron again.”

  “I understand completely, man. I’ve never liked the guy, anyway.” Tristan pats my shoulder. “You ready to take out that bastard?”

  “Fuck yes! I can’t wait to make him feel some pain after what he did to Aaron. He really is one stupid fuckin’ asshole. Like I would let this go and ‘learn’ some sort of lesson. I think he’s the one who’s going to learn something.” I pause before adding, “Let me say good-bye and meet you in the car.”

  “Sure thing, man,” Tristan answers as he heads to the door.

  Going over to Aaron, I lean down and give him a kiss. “I’m gonna head out.” He looks nervous and nods, but I leave it alone and don’t say anything. If he’s going to be with me, he has to get used to the fact I’m always going to be in dangerous situations. “Luke, take care of him. Get him anything he needs, and of course, keep him safe.”

  Luke peers up from the article he’s reading and answers, “You know it, man. You can count on me.”

  We head out, and my adrenaline starts pumping the closer we get. Thinking of what Aaron got me to promise makes me nervous. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to keep Adam breathing. Everything inside screams at me to kill him for what he’s done. I want him to suffer, and I want him dead. Tristan’s eyes are on me. He’s sensing my anxiety. I’m usually calm and collected when heading into situations like this.

  I’m waiting for him to say something, and it doesn’t take him long. “Liam, care to share what has you twisted up? You’re pissed at Adam, but I can tell something else is running through that brain of yours. You need to tell me so you can have a clear head when we get there. You’re aware that preoccupation is dangerous for everyone involved.”

  He’s right; there’s no arguing that. “Aaron had me promise I wouldn’t kill Adam. I’m not sure I can keep my word. I want to, but I’m really driven to take him out. I’m torn. We just started this thing between us, and I don’t want to fuck it up.”

  My friend seems regretful, but there’s not much that’s going to make me feel better about this. “That’s a tough spot to be in. I know if it was my Addison who was attacked, whoever did it would be dead and she would understand my need to do that. Although, Addison has been a part of our world for years now, and Aaron is new to all this. The only thing you can do is try. If he can’t accept the outcome of tonight, it might be better to figure out now that he can’t handle things. You get what I mean?”

  “Yeah, I do. I want this to work, and I’m not sure how well I’m going to deal with it if things don’t. Once I commit myself to trying to make a relationship with him work, I’m invested. I’m not sure what the hell I’m thinking right now.” We both go silent after that, lost in our own thoughts, I guess.

  Finally, we pull up to Adam’s house. The little shit actually lives in a nicer part of town. Being a young, well-off boy searching for identity, he fell in with a gang in the hopes of understanding his heritage and to gain street cred. I’ve seen it too many times in my many years in this business. We check our guns and load new clips. Before we get out, we strategize on the best way to approach the house.

  We decide to keep suspicions down and go to the door as if we are welcome. This is not exactly the neighborhood where people look the other way. Trying the handle on the door, luck is on our side—it’s unlocked. Just more proof Adam has not an ounce of self-pre
servative instinct in his body. We slowly make our way through the house with guns drawn, working in a pattern to clear each room and cover each other, but we find the house empty.

  I’m disappointed until I notice the patio door is ajar. Glancing out the glass door, I see Adam getting out of the in-ground pool in an indoor glass enclosure and the sight of him enrages me. I lock eyes with Tristan, giving a pointed nod in the direction of the room. He nods in understanding and we quietly step out.

  It takes no time for Adam to notice our arrival so he stands up straight and freezes. Tristan is standing next to me, waiting for me to choose the next move. Now’s the time I’ve been longing for. My body is shaking with fury as all the bruises and cuts on Aaron flash through my mind, how scared he must’ve been, the pain he must be in even now.

  Adam’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts. “What do you want, Liam? I no longer have a beef with you.” Smirking, he adds, “I took care of that. How is your boy toy, anyway?”

  Suddenly, he reaches for something on the deck chair and I assume it’s a gun. Just like that, my last thread of restraint is gone. Growling, I take off at a run and slam my shoulder into his abdomen. He grunts and grips me around my back to try to keep his balance. I take the opportunity to punch him a few times. He uses his angle to the best advantage and slams his fists into my kidneys. It stuns me for a second, long enough for him to get the upper hand and knock me on my ass. Adam goes with me and manages to sock me a few times in the face. Needing to turn the momentum on my side, I knee him hard in the balls. He groans and falls on me. Turning him over, I nail him in the face repeatedly.

  “You son of a bitch! You think you can get away with beating up a person I care about? I don’t fuckin’ think so.” I punctuate each statement with a solid hit.

  He fights back and we start to roll around on the ground, both of us trying to get the upper hand. Being close to the edge of the pool, one last movement makes us fall into the water. We are disoriented as the coolness engulfs us. As we swiftly regain our bearings, the fight continues. It’s swirling around us as we move harshly, each of us landing blows. The weight of the water on our bodies slows our actions, but the hits are still solid.

  Snaking my arms around him, I jump up on his back, using my full weight to pull him under the water with me. The struggle goes on beneath as I try to keep him there. I beat his head into the inside wall of the pool, hoping to daze him. It works, and he slows some. Eventually, I have to come up for air, and he does as well. Adam tries to climb out, but I jab him a few times with my knee and he sinks back down. Both of us are gasping from the lack of air and exertion from the fight. He senses the proximity of my head and slams his own back, right into my face. I’m stupefied for a moment and he crawls out.

  My daze doesn’t last long, and I pull myself out fast enough to stop him from getting far. Tackling him on the pavement, I grasp his hair and use it to pound his face into the ground. He’s stopped fighting, and I give in to baser needs and let all my anger out on his face. All I can think of is him dying, and I can’t wait for the bastard to stop breathing. He won’t ever have the opportunity to hurt Aaron again. I barely notice the blood running down my face.

  Out of nowhere, Tristan is there pulling on my arm. I cease reluctantly while still holding on to Adam’s hair. I can’t understand what he’s stopping me for. “Liam, you need to stop. You made a promise and I know it’s important for you to keep it.”

  He’s right. Fuck, I am so close to breaking it. I let go of Adam’s head, and with a grunt, he falls flat. Tristan smirks at me with a gleam in his eye. He reaches down and yanks Adam up into a kneeling position.

  Taking out his gun with the silencer already on, he says, “I, however, made no such promise.”

  He pulls the trigger and shoots Adam in the head, and his lifeless body slumps to the ground. I’m stunned, though I shouldn’t be. Tristan is like a brother to me, but I’m so thankful for him taking on this burden for me. He’s solved my issue with one decision. Aaron is now safe from Adam, and I haven’t broken my promise.

  Panting, I get up and pat him on the back. “Thanks, man.”

  He laughs and says, “No thanks necessary. It was my pleasure to get rid of that garbage.”

  As I glance around, I notice there’s quite a mess. There’s brain matter and blood all over the ground. Some of it has even managed to get on me. We are going to have to call the cleaning crew and get this shit dealt with.

  Spitting out the gunk gathered in my mouth from bleeding, I suggest, “Fuck, Tristan, let’s get this shit done so we can go home. I’m wiped.” My body aches everywhere. My knuckles are stinging and fatigue is setting in fast.

  “Oh, and there is a man you can’t wait to see. That has nothing to do with it, right?”

  Chuckling, I blush a little. “Fuck you, man.”

  He smiles and shakes his head. We hurriedly get to work cleaning ourselves up, both of us eager to return to those who are waiting for us.

  Chapter 11

  AFTER LIAM leaves, I can’t settle.

  Between wondering what is going on wherever Lee is and this virtual stranger in my home, I’m going nuts. I struggle to get comfortable on my couch. Turning over with a huff yet again, I hit the pillows more in frustration than a need to soften them.

  Clearing his throat, Luke speaks up. “You okay, man? You need me to get you anything?”

  Luke has been quietly reading or checking his phone since the guys left. I am a little taken aback by him talking to me. Just great. What the fuck should I say to him? Um, hey, I’m great. How’s your day been?

  “No, Luke, I’m um… fine. I can’t get comfortable.”

  Suddenly, he laughs. “Dude, I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been in your shoes more times than I’m willing to admit. It fuckin’ sucks. The best advice I can give you is to not lie around too much. Once your body stiffens up, the pain gets worse.”

  I hadn’t thought about that. It makes sense, though. Sitting up, I can already tell I’m sorer than I was earlier. You should have known that. Why didn’t you know that, ex-med student? Good thing you left when you did, or else the poor bastards under your care would’ve been in trouble. Oh, nice. Now even my brain thinks I shouldn’t have gone to med school. Shut up—what do you know? You ran out on me at school. Why do you think I flunked out?

  Disgusted with myself for arguing with my own brain, I turn my thoughts to something more productive. I need to start something for dinner, since I skipped lunch, and I guess I should make more than usual. I have no idea when Lee will be back, but Luke is here and I’m sure he’s hungry too.

  “I’m getting ready to make myself some dinner, Luke. Can I make you anything?”

  Smiling, he shakes his head. “Are you trying to get me killed? If Liam finds out I had you cooking a meal for me, he would have my hide. I can throw something together, just show me where everything is.”

  He gets up and waits for me to lead the way. I have no clue what to say to his offer. It’s weird having a stranger not only in my home, but tinkering around in my cabinets. Aaron, let it go. Let him do what he feels is right. You don’t want Lee to get mad at the guy.

  Sighing, I make my way to the kitchen. Every move jostles me and hurts as I slowly walk to the room. I point out to him where everything is, and we decide on something simple. Leaving Luke to it, I go back into the living room, turn on the TV, and channel surf until I land on the movie Liar, Liar. I lean back and enjoy it. The humor of the movie feels normal, which is what I need.

  As it comes to one of my favorite parts, the doorbell rings. I’m starting to get up when Luke hurries in, his hand on his gun. “Don’t you even think of opening that door. I need to check it first, it could be anyone.”

  What have you gotten yourself into? I’ve made my decision, and he’s worth it. No second-guessing anything.

  The thought of some stranger wanting to do me more harm fills me with fear. My body starts shaking and my breathing picks up. I wrin
g my hands, at a loss as to what to do as Luke peers through the peephole, then pauses.

  Looking at me, he asks, “Do you know a small woman with dark hair?”

  Relief floods me. “Oh, thank God. That’s Chloe, my best friend. You can let her in.”

  He nods, opening the door, and Chloe steps in, taking a long look at me. Not even paying attention to the strange guy standing next to the entrance, she barrels directly at me.

  I can see the inquisition is going to start any second. “Oh my God! Aaron, what happened to you? Who did this to you? Was it that Liam person? I don’t care if he’s a murderer, I’ll kill him! I’ll—”

  Jumping into her barrage, I say, “Chloe! Calm down. I’m fine, really. I had a run-in with some gay bashers, it happened yesterday. Liam will never hurt me. Why won’t you listen to me?”

  She appears stricken and unsure of what to say. I’m a horrible person for yelling at her. She’s reacting naturally to seeing her best friend looking like he went through a meat grinder.

  Gathering her wits about her, she starts in again. “I’m sorry. I think it was the most logical assumption. I see you haven’t changed your mind on the subject of that asshole. Well, we’ll talk about that in a few minutes.”

  Luke moves then, catching her eye, and for the first time she realizes we are not alone. As she turns to give him a once-over, I notice her eyes linger a little longer than necessary. He smiles at her and winks.

  She blushes and clears her throat before glancing back at me. “Um, Aaron? Who’s your new friend?”

  Deciding that keeping it honest is the best way to go, I tell her. “This is Luke. Liam can’t be here right now, so he left his friend to protect me in case those assholes who followed me home last night decide to come back.”

  Luke nods to Chloe and heads back into the kitchen. Of all the things to pick up from that statement, Chloe asks, “Liam was here? I thought you weren’t seeing him anymore.”