Sons of Justice 11_If Love Was Real Read online

  “I don’t want to be rude. Whatever your friend likes to do to help him by allowing these kids here, I really don’t care. My mom and aunt are worried sick. Samson isn’t going to school, hasn’t come home and they don’t know if he’s dead or alive. He needs to go home. I work very hard Mr.…Press, and I need my rest. I don’t need to be running around Texas in the middle of the night going from one crap place to the next trying to find my brother because he’s trying to prove he’s cool. I’ve walked into drug houses, abandoned buildings, and a shit load of other crappy places in the middle of the night because someone thought they saw him at these places. It wasn’t pleasant, and finally tonight this tip paid off. Now, please, I just want to get him home to my mom where she can see he’s safe and alive, and then go home to sleep. It’s been a long day, never mind week, searching for him. Give me a break and just let me take him out of here.”

  He stared at her.

  “You shouldn’t be going into places like that alone,” he said, eying over her body in the dress she wore, and then staring into her eyes, making her feel uncomfortable. She got her attitude up. Her defense mechanism that shot into place as soon as she was intimidated and scared.

  “Well, I don’t have a bunch of thugs to do it for me.”

  He squinted at her and then seemed to process what he wanted to say next. “I can assure you there are no, thugs, around here. I understand your concerns, and what the situation is now, and I’m more than happy to help.”

  “I appreciate that, sir,” she said to him, and it seemed to affect him in some way, her calling him sir. Hopefully it didn’t insult him because he was older. Yikes, she really needed to get out of there. She rubbed her temple, the headache getting worse and worse.

  “It’s so late. I just want to take him home to my mom’s and then go home and try to get a couple of hours of rest before work.” She stood up and slid her hands down her dress, and he nodded his head.

  “I just want you to know that he’s safe here, and my associate makes sure of that.”

  She nodded. “I appreciate you telling me.”

  “Of course, Marianna. I understand your worries and fears as a guardian to Samson, and that’s why I will personally make sure he goes home with you tonight,” he said to her, and then took a sip of brandy and stared at her. He then looked at Mexa.

  “Go get him and make sure he knows to respect his sister and mother.” Mexa nodded and looked at Marianna as he walked past her to the door.

  “Are you sure I can’t interest you in a drink?” Press asked.

  “No thank you. I appreciate the offer.” She didn’t want to ask questions or he would ask her questions. She just wanted out of there, even though she wondered who this guy was, and who really owned the house. Why would anyone want a bunch of troublemaking, punk kids in their house? To keep them out of trouble? No, she was thinking to use them, but for what?

  The door opened and there was Samson with Mexa. Samson looked at Press and lowered his head.

  “I’m sorry, Marianna. I’ll go home and see Mom. I know she’s worried,” he said, and she was shocked at the change in attitude. She placed her arm over his shoulder.

  “We love you, Samson, and want you safe. I came here, risking any danger to get to you. That’s what family does,” she said to him, then gave that guy Press a dirty look.

  “It was a risk. One a beautiful, classy, young woman like you shouldn’t take again. Understand me?” Press asked her.

  She squinted at him. Was that a warning to never come here again, or a warning in general? “I don’t expect he’ll be coming here again. Thank you for your assistance and understanding. Sorry to have interrupted your celebrations. Have a good night,” she said, and walked with Samson out of the office and down the hallway. She then walked outside and to her car down the street.

  “You shouldn’t have come here. I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “Really? Because you’re acting pretty freaking immature,” she countered, and unlocked the door to her old convertible blue Volkswagen beetle.

  “I was safe there,” he said to her as she started the car and headed down the street.

  “So I was told. Who are those men, and who owns that house anyway?” she asked him.

  “Why are you interested?” he said to her and eyed her over.

  “How about I smack you upside your head for even saying that to me? I’m not one of your punk ass friends. I’m your sister and show me respect. I came here to help you.”

  “I don’t need help. I’m happy with my crew. You don’t understand because all you do is work.”

  “That’s what pays the bills. How long do you think it will be before this guy kicks you out? This isn’t a life or a future. You need to go to school.”

  “No, I don’t need school. I got money. I have ways of making money just fine.”

  She glanced at him, giving him a dirty look as she got onto the highway. He was twenty minutes from home, and they had all been worried sick.

  “I don’t know who owns that house or who those men were, but it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to know that they’re trouble. You wind up in jail and I’m personally going to beat your ass and make your life a living hell,” she said to him.

  “I won’t wind up in jail. It isn’t like that. Besides, Press and Mexa are big time businessmen. They’re just friends with the guy who owns that house, and he’s a relative of my friend. So that was family,” he said to her in a nasty tone, and as if his friends’ family was more important than his own family.

  “We can’t pick who our family is, Samson.”

  “No shit,” he stated, and then looked out the window. She knew life had been tough. Their dad was an alcoholic, abusive, and then turned up dead when he was screwing some whore and overdosed when he shot up with heroine. Bills were piling up and her mom was sick. Marianna worked several jobs, and even now, did private gigs playing the piano and singing for money. During the day she worked at the utility company doing billings in a cubicle near management. She had to dress professionally and made a decent salary, plus health benefits, but singing and playing piano at upscale private parties and venues really helped. They were few and far between, except for the one job she got last week. It was going to be consistent on Thursday evenings at an upscale club in Ausberry called Dom’s.

  “Well, whether you like it or not, we are your family. I think Mom has gone through enough the past two years, so why don’t you start being a little less self-centered and start helping out.”

  “That’s your job to work and pay the bills. Your life, never going anywhere out of Ausberry. I want more. I have a social life and I can get a job and do what I want.”

  She exhaled as she got closer to their house. “You better show respect to Mom and Aunt Delores, understand me? I don’t expect to get another call saying you disappeared again.”

  “I’ll do what I want to do. I’m a man. I got it covered.”

  She huffed. It was like talking to a rock.

  When they got home, she found her mom sitting in the living room. More than likely unable to sleep, but as she saw Samson her mom burst into tears and ran to him with open arms. He gave Marianna the dirtiest look, but he hugged their mom.

  “I’m fine, Mom. I’m a man and I can take care of myself. No need to send Marianna looking for me.”

  Their mom stepped back.

  “You’re not old enough to disappear like you did, to not go to school. You need school. An education will keep you off the streets.”

  He yanked his body free.

  “Stop nagging me. I know what I need and don’t need, and it isn’t a bunch of women hassling me.” He stepped away and Marianna saw the hurt in her mom’s eyes.

  “They’ll be some rules while you’re here, Samson. Abide by them, or else,” Marianna said and he shook his head, exhaled, and walked down the hallway to his bedroom.

  Her mom looked at her.

  Tears rolled down her mom’s cheeks and Marianna felt h
er own eyes well up, too. She walked to her and hugged her.

  “He’s home for now, but don’t get used to him being here, or changing him, Mom. He’s stubborn and thinks his friends are his family. Don’t get your hopes up.”

  “I can’t help it, Marianna. He’s my son, the baby, and I worry about him.”

  “I know, Mom. I know,” Marianna said as her mom cried and Marianna held her tight.

  Chapter One

  Flame Masterson walked into the living room and saw Talia sitting up and leaning against Basile. Her coloring looked better today. Spadaro accompanied him into the room. Flame had stopped in to talk to the men about Sons of Justice, and the coverage him and his team were doing while the men cared for their woman and helped her recover. Yani was with him and currently talking to Vacarro and Tat.

  “Hey, Flame, how’s it going?” Basile asked, and Talia smiled softly as she slowly pulled away from leaning against Basile.

  He walked closer and shook Basile’s hand and then squatted down next to the couch. He covered her hand with his.

  “How are you feeling Natalia?” Flame asked her.

  “Good,” she said, like usual, even though he knew she wasn’t feeling well at all. Her men were worried. The doctors were running more tests because of the headaches she was still having, and she was in a lot of pain with all the stitches in her shoulder, her fractured ankle that was in a soft cast, and the nightmares she suffered from.

  “It’s going to take time to recover. You’re strong but you need to take it easy and rest,” he said to her and smiled.

  “I know I’ll get better. I just want it to happen faster so these guys can get back to doing what they love and are responsible for,” she said and glanced at Basile. Basile caressed her leg.

  “Baby, we love taking care of you. Plus, we got pretty decent backup to cover our SOJ responsibilities with Flame and his team. I mean they’re pretty good and will do,” Basile teased.

  Flame stood up and chuckled.

  “I would watch it if I were you, been getting a lot of compliments on our techniques and even a few comparisons to you. I, of course, came out on top,” he teased.

  “Bullshit. That’s men kissing your ass so you take it easy on them,” Basile replied and Flame laughed.

  “There she is,” Yani said, joining the conversation. He went right over to Natalia and gave her a kiss hello. “Your coloring looks better and better each day.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, and Spadaro walked closer with Vacarro and Tat.

  “How are you and the team liking Repose?” Natalia asked, and leaned her head back against the couch. She cringed, more than likely from the stitches she still had on her back and shoulder.

  “It’s seems nice. We haven’t gone off the campground yet. Been busy cleaning up this mess of an operation your four men had going on.” Yani now teased.

  “You two are so full of shit,” Tat said, and they chuckled.

  “Hey, no bullshit. That’s why Slova and Cast are still out in the field. Not enough hours in the day to straighten things out and get them done right,” Yani added.

  “Aren’t you two just so funny,” Basile stated, and then the doorbell rang.

  “Oh, that’s probably Marianna,” Natalia said, and Flame looked at Yani. They met Marianna a couple of times at the hospital. The woman had gorgeous hazel green eyes and was friendly and outgoing. Seemed kind of tough, too.

  Tat went to answer the door, and then a few seconds later he walked into the room with Marianna and she looked incredible.

  The guys whistled.

  “Where are you going dressed like that?” Basile asked.

  “Another date?” Natalia asked.

  Marianna smiled and shyly looked down, then ran her hands along the very tight, slim-fitting, wine-colored gown. It had a slit up the side of her thigh, it accentuated her full breasts, and attached to a piece around her neck. The back had strands of material that led to the lower dip in the back of the dress and indicated that she wasn’t wearing a bra because the back was fully open. He saw the tattoo that peeked out slightly at her hip on the right side.

  She twirled around.

  “Unfortunately, it’s work related. I think I’m done with dates for some time.”

  “Work related? I thought you worked for the utility company.” Vacarro asked her, kissing her cheek hello.

  “I do have more than one job remember? It’s at a private party in some mansion in Cambridge. I figured I wouldn’t have time to run back home to Ausberry and change. I wanted to be sure to spend my full time visiting you,” she said to Natalia.

  “That will give them all enough time to talk work stuff,” Natalia said, and then exhaled as she leaned back.

  Flame noticed how Marianna looked upset seeing her friend in pain.

  “Oh, Marianna, you remember meeting Flame and Yani?” Spadaro asked her.

  “Of course. At the hospital a few times.” She reached her hand out to shake Yani’s since he was closer, and Flame couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was an attractive young woman even in jeans and a t-shirt, but damn was she sexy hot all dressed up. He reached for her hand next.

  “That’s a beautiful dress. Nice seeing you again, honey,” he said, and her smile changed and disappeared as she pulled back and turned away. He glanced at Yani who shrugged his shoulders, but then looked back at Marianna. “Can we get you something to drink?” Tat asked her.

  “I’m good, thanks,” Marianna said and walked to the couch. Basile moved out of the way.

  “Baby, do you need anything?” Basile asked Natalia.

  “I’m good. You go with them, too, to talk business. I’ll catch up with Marianna and about her date the other night,” Natalia said, and Flame didn’t know why he felt a little tinge of jealousy. He didn’t even know the woman, really, but damn did she pull his attention. It had been a long time since that happened. A long time.

  “Come on, we’ll go right in here to the kitchen,” Tat said, and as Flame and Yani walked he overheard Marianna.

  “No need to really discuss the date, he was part octopus,” she said.

  “Octopus?” Natalia asked.

  “Very, very handsy, kept trying to grope me under the table and before we even ordered appetizers.”

  “Oh man, and he was older, too, and good looking,” Natalia said.

  “A creep. I nearly punched him out before the end of the evening.”

  “How did things end?”

  “I paid for the dinner so the jerk wouldn’t dare say I owed him anything. That is the last date I’m going on for a while. Men are assholes.” Natalia chuckled.

  “Not all men are,” Natalia said, and then looked toward Flame, who lingered a little longer in the entryway and Natalia caught his gaze. She smiled and gave him a wink. He headed into the kitchen, worried that Natalia might think he was interested in Marianna. Was he?

  “Marianna looks incredible. I wonder why she doesn’t do any performing locally?” Vacarro asked Tat.

  “I think the private gigs pay more money and she can do that around her schedule. At least that’s what I recall Natalia saying,” Tat said.

  “She works a lot, huh?” Yani asked, and glanced back toward the living room.

  “Takes care of her mom, aunt, and brother I think,” Vacarro said.

  “Financially?” Flame asked, finding that pretty noble and commendable. It must be pretty stressful, as well, being the financial provider. If that was what she was to them. Why the hell was he even wondering?

  “So about work,” he said, changing the subject.

  Basile chuckled.

  “You are so screwed,” Basile said and Spadaro snorted.

  “What?” Flame asked.

  “Yeah, what?” Yani added.

  “Hits ya out of left field. Maybe you and the team should reconsider that land in Repose after all,” Tat said, and Basile, Tat, Vacarro, and even Spadaro chuckled.

  He knew what they were saying. They picked
up on his attraction to Marianna. It wasn’t anything more than that though. He and the team would be called away soon enough. This helping out with SOJ business was temporary. Besides that, the woman was like twenty-five years old, super gorgeous, showed no interest in him, more than likely because of the age difference. He wasn’t looking for any commitments, nor were his team, and definitely not looking to engage in the practices of committed relationships like their friends and what Repose required. Not happening. They were wild men, free in their missions and being able to take off at a moment’s notice. They were fine with that life for a while longer.

  “So about this job,” he said, and pushed to change the subject back to work and they did, but not without his buddies chuckling and watching him like a hawk.

  * * * *

  “So what do you think?” Talia asked her and smiled softly.

  “Think about what?”

  “About who?” Talia teased.

  Marianna looked toward the kitchen. Flame and Yani were good-looking men, seasoned, muscular, but older by a lot of years. They seemed hardcore, serious commanding types. Men who just had to eye a woman over and get her to spread their legs, or simply address a woman as honey and make them all giddy. She felt it when Flame called her honey, but then instantly thought of that guy Mexa from the other night and it aggravated her. She wasn’t a piece of meat, and after her annoying date that night to boot, she definitely was giving up on men for a while, especially cocky ones out for sex.

  She squinted at Talia. Talia chuckled.

  “Yani and Flame? Good looking, right?”

  “Seriously? Of course they are. What members of SOJ pretty much aren’t a woman’s fantasy?”

  “So you interested?”

  “No, not interested. I don’t need further headaches. I’m so tired of men just wanting sex, and expecting it instantly. I mean my dates, all three in the last four months, were nightmares.”

  “Maybe one man isn’t right for you, but multiple might work?” she teased and winked, but then cringed. Marianna chuckled, then sat down and exhaled.