Aftermath Book Two Crash Series

Chapter Thirty-Five

Aria

            “Aria, Grace is here.” Releasing the pie crust I was kneading I look over to Wyatt. He’s standing in the door to the kitchen much like he was yesterday only difference he didn’t have to look out the window to see her coming, Levi just told him through his earpiece.

            It only took seconds after hanging up with Leo to push my chair back with an urgent need to get to the kitchen where I promptly started working on pie crusts while my stomach gurgled with nerves. From our phone call and yesterday’s interaction I really don’t know what to expect when he gets here. Or even what to do next.

            Wyatt and I didn’t speak but he got the message in my eyes or I hope he did. I know he heard my sniffles before the phone call and saw the way the chair shock while I went through the emotions I kept bottled inside while at the dress shop. I would like to think he knows I’m doing none of this out of spite or with any sort of evil intent and when the time comes I hope, if Mason will listen to him, I hope he’ll put a good word in for me.

            Still, I know the position I’ve forced Wyatt into, Tara she’ll be okay, but Wyatt? When Mason finds out he’ll have Dibb on the phone in no time and it just might cost Wyatt his job. Forget that he’s still keeping me safe, he’s been hiding critical information from his employer and he’s direct boss on this mission, or job he’s working.

            He’s also allowing me to put myself in situations we both know would be a no-go if they had even an inkling of what we were doing. No matter the reasons we or I have. And along the way, I’ve drawn his girlfriend into the mix and forced Wyatt to single-handedly take on situations that are extremely dangerous. To all three of us, and here I am committed to keeping it a secret a while longer.

            Half of me knows how wrong it is, how wrong I am. The other half is working on suspicion, mistrust, guilt, and fear. And of course, fear wins out with my only reasoning resting in the hope that I can successfully pull this off. We're too deep in already, if we can just get a little more time, I know we can get enough to sweet-talk our way out of this whole mess.

            How can they tell us we’re stupid, or be really, really mad when we're all okay yet handing over everything they need to take down all the bad guys?

            Mason needs a hero, it’s evident now more than ever. He’s been mine, it’s time I step up to the plate. Prove to everyone including myself how resourceful and valuable I can be.

            And deep down when I open the vault and search around in the depths of my soul, I know I need some form of redemption. Some way to cleanse the life I took. Most nights I close my eyes to Brian’s corpse. In the darkest nightmares and my worst waking moments, he’s there, as real as he was before I took his life.

            I murdered a man and I can’t get over it. I need this to help, to take some of it away so I can sleep. So I can grow and heal. So I can finally be the woman Mason deserves standing by his side and I cant shake that or ignore it. So I cling on and hope with all my soul that I’m doing the right thing for everyone. I don’t know what I’ll do given the alternative.

            My chest rattles as I suck in a breath of cool air. The ovens are on, but they haven’t heated the room enough to cancel out the cool air that flows through the vents. Grace is here, the biggest lead I have so I pull myself together with Wyatt watching on, wondering if he can see the toll. Maybe that’s why he’s stuck with me through my risky plan because he’s seen what everyone else hasn’t, even Mason.

            Now he has too much pity and sympathy or maybe he has his own demons and he recognizes the war inside me as a warrior of his own rights. Whatever his reasoning I’ll be forever grateful to have a friend like him.

            I’m struck once more by how much my life has changed, even in the worst of it I’ve gained so much. Wyatt and Tara are a testament to that. Even having Alec back, not that I see him a whole lot but I’ve missed our friendship for years. Now I have a friend that’s willing to sacrifice his career for me. I need to start paying more attention or ask Tara what his favorite snack is so I can show him my appreciation the only way I know-how.

            Wiping my hands on my apron I smile wide as the door swings opened and Wyatt shifts out of the way. “Hey, Grace!” It takes considerable effort to make the words light and airy, the opposite of how I feel.

            “Hey, Aria! How are you?” She’s still bundled up in winter wear, it still hasn’t snowed more than some flakes here and there but the air is bitter and the wind has a bite. Her cheeks and the tip of her nose are red and her eyes are still watering as she works on removing her heavy jacket.

            “A little nervous for Sunday but also excited! How are you? Did Piper fall asleep before midnight?” Little Miss. Piper indulged in a lot of sugar yesterday none of us had high hopes she’d be easily settled even after leaving Shirley’s close to her bedtime.

            She chuckles and sighs. I can see the hope and relief in her eyes as she hangs her jacket on the hooks on the back corner wall. “It was as if she had no sugar at all she was asleep on the car ride home. She’s already asking when she can come back.”

            “She’s welcome anytime! She was a blast to have around. She has even managed to melt Cynthia. You’re doing a great job with her Grace.” I don’t know if anyone tells her that but she needs to hear it. I cant imagine what I would have done had I had a baby with Brian but I suspect I would have made similar decisions as Grace but I’m not sure I would have made a child quite as wonderful as Piper. She deserves a lot of credit for that, and to be reminded often.

            “Thanks.” I get back to working on the dough while she washes her hands and puts on her apron. Another round of nerves rattle me, Mason should be here by now, where is he?

            “What do you want me to do?” Grace asks sliding up to my side so she can get a good look at what I’m doing. I like that she isn’t shy about learning, she’s similar to Tara asking what needs to be done and taking control from there. The two of them will be running this place as well as me sooner than I might be ready to accept.

            “Want to peel and decore the apples please?” I point to the handy gadget I pulled out earlier.

            I don’t know how to approach her about Stasevich and what she knows. She went into this knowing we wanted answers but we’ve yet to scrape the surface and still, Wyatt has his doubts about her loyalty. Now isn’t the best time, Mason is on his way, and maybe Cynthia too but I need something to give me a little hope or encouragement.

            Earth, Wind, and Fire’s September play in the background, closing my eyes I focus on my hands kneading the dough and the upbeat beat coming from the speakers. I need to ground myself for a moment so I can clear my head.

            Eyes still closed I hum along to the song as my head and shoulders move along to the beat. The dough no longer sticky or clumpy, it’s time to roll it out. Peeling my eyes open I reach for the rolling pin as I clear my throat.

            “Grace?” I ask tentatively, I don’t want to make her uncomfortable or skittish.

            “Hmm?” She asks keeping her focus on the spinning apple as she twirls the handle on the de-corer.

            “Did Stasevich talk to you after we left the club?” I make out the rise of Wyatt's shoulders as he tenses, surely anticipating her answer as much as I am.

            Grace drops her head between her shoulder and pauses her movements before she turns to face me. She’s bold holding my eyes and nodding even through the fear I see there. I offer her a tense smile and a nod of understanding before I look down at the dough watching how beautifully it rolls out on my freshly floured table.

            “Did he hurt you?” Wyatt’s moving closer drawing her attention away from me.

            “No. He wanted to know about you and Tara.” Grabbing another ball of dough I start rolling that one after tossing the perfectly rolled out dough to the center of the table and out of my way.

            Wyatt’s standing tense at the end of the long counter. A barrier between the two of us like she’s going to pull a weapon right here and now. Grace glares at him in warning like a cadge and brutalized dog snapping in a warning.

            “Did you tell him?” I glare at Wyatt’s back but don’t bother reining him in, it won't work.

            “I told him yous we’re looking for some coke and E and must have been scared off when security came looking for them.” Jerking my gaze at her I smile big and let out a startled laugh. That’s actually perfect and might buy us some time. Yeah, Stasevich is a suspicious son of a b***h, I don’t doubt it’s prickling at him but enough to really search us out? When we really could have been looking to score.

            “That’s perfect.”

            “A little too perfect,” Wyatt hurries out keeping his intense glare on Grace, pissing me off.

            “You have no reason to look at her that way Wyatt. Even if she’s lying, which I don’t think she is, she’s here and she deserves our respect. Not our condemnation or judgment. If you can’t manage that then send Levi in and we’ll continue the conversation another time.”

            “You’ll have to anyways, Mason is here.”

            Grabbing the edge of the table I shut my eyes once more, hoping I have the strength to hold Mason up on already shaky legs. Releasing my tight grip I watch Wyatt walk back to his corner as Grace sends us curious looks. Grimacing in her direction I probably should have cleared a few things up. Simple things like Mason is a tad overprotective- rightly so, and would completely blow a gasket if he knew what we were doing.

            Too late now.

            Rubbing my hands on my apron I make my way past both of them and through the kitchen door. Levi holds the front door open for Mason with an easy-going Leo trailing behind him. Mason may have had a few drinks but he isn’t drunk, if anything he still has too much control.

            He walks in like he’s walking into his board room, his held high on stiff shoulders and purposeful steps. His crystal eyes are cold and hard with dark heavy bags underneath them. His thick lips are drawn tight, not quite a frown but not a smile either. He’s the poster boy for RBF, CEO version. Why he thinks he needs to walk in here prepared for battle I’m not sure but it slices my heart.

            Frowning I fasten my steps as I weave my way around the counter and then the tables all the while I take him in from head to toe. He’s wearing an all-black suit today, I don’t know what designer but there isn’t a thread out of place even after a fight. The thick suit jacket isn’t buttoned but hanging opened, giving us all a perfect view of his black dress shirt, buttoned tightly over perfectly molded muscles. His tie is missing so there’s nothing blocking my greedy eyes from taking in every movement. He’s must be working harder at the gym or maybe the bulky men constantly around him are making him self-conscious but he’s grown even thicker and it makes my bones weak.

            Shaking my head I refocus as I skid to a stop in front of him, there was a point why I was checking him out, and it wasn’t to get my panties in a twist or core heated and wishing for some privacy. Maybe it’s time we christen my office…

            Jeez Aria, get it together girl. You get him all the time, concentrate.

            Chewing on my lip I meet his eyes, not missing his smug smile and warming gaze. At least I can cheer him up a bit before I assault him. Grabbing the front of his shirt over his stomach I yank it out of his pants before he’s grabbing my wrists and chuckling in my ear.

            “It was one thing to undress me with your eyes, another to strip me in the middle of your bakery.” His eyes are twinkling now, his calloused hands tug on mine but I hold tight.

            “You were in a fight! I’m making sure you’re okay Mason!” I screech, my nerves are raw and my emotions wild. Twisting my wrist I pull out of his grip and start on his buttons as his smile grows bigger.

            “There was no fight.” Shaking his head he looks around. Walking a few steps back is enough to shake my hold on his now messy shirt, enough room for him to begin fixing it as he shots me a cocky glare.       

            “What are you f*****g shy Mason? This isn’t f*****g funny!” Stomping to him he steps to the side and around a table as he makes his way to the kitchen, all well buttoning the few buttons I managed to get lose and tucking his shirt back in. This man is testing me today.

            “I’m fine Crash best I’ve been all morning actually.” Growling at his back I shot Levi and Leo nasty glares as they watch on in amusement. Pivoting around and weaving back through the table I wonder why I ever thought Cynthia knew what she was doing as my irritation grows.

            “Stop with the bullshit! You broke your father's arm! What the f**k Mason!” I push through the still swinging door and crash into his back. Grabbing his sides I manage to steady myself before I feel back into the door which would have swung open and landed me flat on my back or ass.

            “Who’s this?” Mason turns to the side enough to swing his arm around my shoulders and pull me close.

            “This is Grace. I hired her while you were in London!” He narrows his eyes as he looks at me in question before meeting eyes with Wyatt, finally settling on Grace as he takes her in, assessing her threat level.

            Grace’s confusion is clear as she tries to read the tension building in the room. There are too many secrets unraveling before us just waiting for someone to piece them all together.

            “Vetting was done?” Mason asks Wyatt the question which reminds me to be irritated. Grabbing his wrist from over my shoulder I push it off and step forward as Wyatt answers.

            “I did a full background check.”

            “This is my business! I can hire who I want with or without any ‘vetting’.”

            “We agreed anyone that would be routinely around you would go through proper vetting.”

            “And she did, so ask me, Mason. Not Wyatt, one. Two, if I didn’t want to get a background check on one of my employees that’s for me to decide. I’m protected enough, I don’t need any of you talking for me or making any demands of my business or the people in it.”

            “Let’s go home and talk about this shit.” He rubs his hand down his face and runs before running through his hair a clear sign he’s getting overwhelmed.

            “I can’t go home, I have work to do here. I already spent the morning with your mother.” It’s the truth, I wasn’t kidding I have too much to do before Sunday to take the rest of the day off. Plus, I really want to get these pies made and delivered to the Soup kitchen, it’s pie season and I intend to get them as many different flavors as I can.

            “What? Why?” His eyes widen while he looks to me for answers while shrugging out of his suit jacket.

            “She came here yesterday and helped, with the condition that I’m her willing Barbie Bride to do with as she pleases. Today was dressing fitting.”

            “Better you than me.” He shrugs as he folds his jacket over his arm and closes the distance between us.

            “Oh, Michelle already has her scheduled in. I think your fitting is for Thursday.” I grin up at him as I pat him on his firm chest.

            “Fuck.” He groans and I grin bigger. I’m glad to share in the torture while still wondering how we’ll pull ourselves out of this fake engagement or if we're going to actually have a real wedding to please Cynthia.

            “And she’s probably going to be here any minute.” I close my hand around the back of his neck so he can't jerk away like he tries to.

            “f**k Aria. I was better off at the office.” Tenderly he weaves his finger in my hair, careful of the sore spot from yesterday’s fiasco on the stairs. He uses the leverage to line our faces up, our lips tickling each other with every breath.

            “I think that’s the only reason she isn’t here yet. Maybe she caught Jaxson?” The words pour out under my breath in a whisper filled with need. He has me where he wants me, he’s back in control, at least in one part of his life. I guess I can give him this much.

            “He left when we did.” I want to tilt my head and close the sliver of distance between our lips as I jump into his arms and demand he takes me to my office, we can pretend it’s his if he wants.

            “Edward?” I still need answers, including a thorough investigation of his body. I need to know he’s really okay physically so I can start figuring out what’s wrong mentally.

            “He was so sick he needed to go home.” The corners of his mouth lift up, we both know it’s a lie but for the benefit of Grace, he wants to stay consistent.

            He keeps me where he has me so he can close the distance himself, staying in control he finally presses his lips to mine. Like always they tingle where they touch, I cant help my sigh or my need to pull him tighter and take everything he’s offering.

            “Office.” I groan as his other hand pulls at my apron strings like he forgot we have an audience.  

            “Yes, Ma’am.” He doesn’t need to be told twice in two seconds he has me thrown over his shoulder as he carries me towards my office.

            “Wow, that was…something.” I hear Grace say to the guys as feet make their way behind us.

            “We should clear the office,” It’s Levi’s voice.

            “I got it,” Mason dismisses him and hurries along.

            “Duh, Levi he’s a badass, breaking arms and s**t. He can handle his own.” I shout back as I squeeze his ass just cus I can and I know it’ll annoy him.

            “Wrist, babe. I do appreciate you’re acknowledgment of my badassery.” He jokes and slaps a hand on my ass, so I pinch his.

            “Really I was pointing out your absurdity but take it however you need, Babe.” I can’t help but mock him as I’ll continue to do until I have all the answers I need.