Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 15

"Guys, meet Macy-Grace Palmer. You would know her as Miss Macy McCullen, owner of Macy's Corner Cafe." Paxton speaks as soft murmurs can be heard in the darkened room. "She is Mr. Palmer's younger sister. She was sold at age three to the McCullens." Paxton says as he looks up at the photo displayed on the projector screen.

"We believe that Mr. Hill Junior is posing a threat to Miss Palmer. They were in a relationship a while back, but broke up. Now, he's stalking her." Paxton says and the murmurs becomes louder. A curse here and there.

John's mouth goes dry. Mason's sister. She did say she has an older brother. Never in his wildest dreams did he think it would be Mason Palmer. As he looks at the photo, he starts to see the resemblance. The nose, mouth and eye shape is basically the same.

"Does Mrs. Palmer know, Boss?" Gunner ask. "Not yet. I'll tell her within the following week. I have to speak to Macy first." Mason says, looking in John direction. Bastard! He had this planned all the way. Now he doesn't have a choice. Mason has to speak to Macy, now. But in his presence. Not alone. Never alone.

"What are we going to do about the Hill boy?" Bullet asks. "We keep an eye on him and his minions. As long as they don't try something, we don't react. If they step over the line, we remind them why we are at the top." Mason says, looking each man in the eye. "I will not allow some punk a*s kid destroy my empire because he thinks he can. Nor will I allow anything to happen to my sister. She's been through enough. She's a Palmer and she will be treated as such. Can I rely on you to keep her safe?" He asks, getting a nod from each man. John and Peter included.

"When are we gonna meet Lil'Sis?" Shovel asks. "Soon. Let me just speak with her first." Mason says, earning him a mock pout from Shovel. He might be a big man, but he has a heart of gold. Same with Dig.

"All right. This meeting is over. I'll see you tomorrow. It's been a long day." Mason says as he gets up. John's phone vibrates. He looks at the caller and his eyes go wide. Macy. "Macy, what's wrong?" He asks, and the whole room goes silent. All eyes and ears are on him.

"John, there is someone in the house!" She whispers, fear lacing her voice. His heart sinks. "Where are you at the moment, Sweetheart?" He asks as he makes his way out of the room, followed by ten angry men. All out for blood and a good hunt.

"I'm hiding in the cupboard in the bathroom. I can hear them walking around in the house." Macy says, her voice cracking. "Stay there. I'm on my way." He says. "John!" Peter's voice catches his attention as he exits through the front door. Peter is already in his truck, waiting for John to get in.

Driving like a madman, they soon park in front of his house. The front door is kicked in. Splinters everywhere and the living room turned upside-down. The goons must've left when they didn't find her. "Macy!' John calls out, but not getting an answer, he runs to the bathroom.

He finds her in the cupboard. White as a sheet and shivering. He pulls her into an embrace, her arms going around his neck. She hides her face in the crook of his neck. Taking deep breaths, trying desperately to calm down. "It's okay. You're safe now." He whispers to her. Pulling her closer to him.

"John?" It's Doc, standing by the door. Looking worried. "May I take a look at her? Just to make sure she's alright." He states, and John loosens his grip on her. "It's okay. He's a doctor. Best in the field." He tells her as he guides Macy and Doc following, to the bedroom. She looks so unsure and vulnerable.

Making sure Macy is comfortable, John leaves the room to gather himself. Anger is floating to the surface once again. They came into his house and ransacked it. He'll tear them limb from limb. They're treading in his territory and that is not flying.

"How is she?" Mason asks from next to him. He was so consumed, he didn't notice him. "Scared as hell." John states. This is war. He will not tolerate this. Macy has the right to freedom. She is supposed to enjoy her life. The one she built for herself. She's not supposed to look over her shoulder every minute because of some dumb a*s who's pride was shaken by a breakup.

"John, tell me about my sister." Mason says beside him. John sighs. "Where do I start, Mason?" He states. "How about a coffee? Then we can talk and I'll tell you all I know. I just don't think tonight is the right time." John says and utters a shuddering sigh. Dragging a hand over his tense face. Mason nods and walks away, getting the guys together who were circling his house like bloodhounds, hunting for any clues.

As the last of the guys leave, John goes to work on his front door. Cursing all the way. Macy joins him with a cup of tea for each. "Thank you." She whispers as he takes the cup from her. "For what?" He asks, smiling down at her. Tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

Pulling her closer, he catches her lips with his. Soft and warm. He feels her longing. She allows him entrance to her mouth. He tastes her, savoring all of her. His arms snakes around her waist, their bodies molding together perfectly. The tea long forgotten on the table.

"I love you, Macy." He says as they pull apart. Her eyes go wide and a soft gasp escapes her lips. "I love you, too" She answers his calling, smiling at him as he presses his forehead against hers. Breathing her in.