Desperate Arrangement: Bouncing Back, Book IV

28

Finally, as Johanna finished speaking, Callum took a deep, stabilizing breath, centering his emotions. Glancing at Declan, he watched the man carefully assess the young woman before turning his azure gaze to the expansive grounds that served as their home. The perfectly manicured lawn, bordered by trees and a live electric fence, created a sense of security and order. The long entry road, with a circular spot near the main entrance of the Towers, stood as a testament to bygone days of grandeur and elegance.

The blond man closed his eyes, taking a sip from the mug in his hands as he mulled over the information provided. The aroma of the drink subtly filled the air, adding a touch of calmness to the otherwise tense atmosphere. The fact that Lukas didn't speak on behalf of Johanna, encouraging her instead to voice the truth herself, spoke volumes about his character. It showed that the young man was every bit the soldier he was raised to be—disciplined, honest, and respectful of others within their agency.

Opening his brown eyes as he released a calming breath, Callum directed his gaze toward the young woman perched on Lukas’s lap. His eyes, sharp yet compassionate, held an unspoken promise of protection and understanding. "Johanna, do you want to stay with Lukas? Do you feel safe enough with him to stay here? To live in the same apartment?"

She offered him a small, shy smile. "We’ve slept in the same bed already, but he stayed on top of the covers."

Smiling, Lukas tangled his fingers into her hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. "She's still completely untouched."

"We could write a book about my brother's life and call it The Virgin Diaries," Markus joked, his eyes twinkling with mischief as Jaxon returned to the room with a gift bag in his hands.

“No sleeping in the same bed under my f*****g roof, Lukas. I know I taught you better than to disregard our Good Lord’s teachings of chastity,” Trace snarled, his voice a mix of anger and disappointment.

Johanna bit down on her lip to avoid laughing at the determined words of her father-in-law, offering Jaxon a small wave as he approached. Turning to Callum, Johanna said, "Lukas has been kind to me from the time we met, so I am not worried. Is it really okay if I stay? You won't send me back to Germany?"

Callum's stern expression softened slightly as he looked at the young woman. "No one is going to force you to leave as long as you're here willingly," he answered, his voice carrying a reassuring warmth.

Johanna felt a wave of relief wash over her. The tension that had been building due to her uncertainty started to ease, and she was finally able to manage a more genuine smile. This place, despite its strict rules and powerful figures, was beginning to feel like a safe haven. She leaned back, resting her head against Lukas’s shoulder as she sighed.

“Jaxon and I already got the jump on her green card. I just need to walk her through the exam, and that’s done. All her original government-issued documentation from Germany is stored in the mainframe system for your soldiers and their families," Lukas explained efficiently, his tone professional. "She’s in desperate need of a shopping trip, so I’m babysitting Francis for the girls to take Anna out tomorrow. Thom, that means you get a bit of a break.”

Lukas’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he mentioned Francis, Kennedy and Memphis’s son, and Thomas’s grandson. The young boy was a lively bundle of energy, and his presence often brought a sense of warmth and joy to the otherwise serious environment.

Thomas let out a soft chuckle from his chair in the shadows, the spot giving him a vantage point of the entire room and its occupants. “Thanks a bunch, Kid. I’ll make sure to pack snacks for him before Ken drops the rascal off.”

Glaring at the men in the room, Ambrosia looked over at Lukas. Immediately switching to doctor mode, she seethed quietly as she approached her husband. "Steven got another threat today, and we’ve lost the advantage. Nix found out from Everett, and he’s gone to get Kennedy for a little ‘hunting’ trip. Trace, get them upstairs to eat and sleep. Lukas, no arguing. Kenni was right to let me know you looked like death warmed over twice."

"Honestly, Aunt Amber, I wouldn’t argue with you anyway. We both know I’d lose," Lukas grinned, a hint of playful defiance in his eyes.

"I cleaned your room, changed the sheets, and tidied your closet, too," Jaxon said as they got up to leave the room. Producing a bottle from the bag in his hand, he scowled at Lukas. "Is this it?"

"Yup. Enjoy the gift, David. You deserve it for dealing with my father while I was gone," Lukas called over as Jaxon handed David the bottle.

The brunet smirked at Trace, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm adopting your son. He knows his alcohol."

Johanna squeaked when one of the guards touched her arm. As steady as a rock, Lukas aimed his gun at the mans head. "Touch her again, and die, got me? Unless you ask her for permission, you keep your f*****g hands to yourself."

Ambrosia's voice broke through the haze of violence that clouded his vision. Her hand covered his, "Put the gun down, sweetie. Come back to us, Lukas. It's okay."

He blinked, grey gaze flicking between Amber and Johanna. "I.. I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..."

Callum shook his head, "Lukas, calm down. You're good to go, kiddo."

Watching the others leave the office, Callum shook his head at Declan, a mix of relief and contemplation on his face. It had all been a test, and Lukas had passed with flying colors. Trace walked up to the desk, placing his hands firmly on the wood before leaning over, his posture reflecting a blend of tension and curiosity. "And?"

"Declan, get a suitable female guard to watch Johanna and the girls tomorrow. David, go home, and stop preening. Thomas, go spend some time with your family, man. Trace, sit down." As everyone filed out of the room, Callum’s demeanor shifted from commanding to contemplative. He looked at his German friend and sighed deeply. "I spent five minutes in her presence, and I was tempted to shoot Patrick when he touched her. Was she really attacked on your mother's farm?"

Trace nodded, his expression darkening with the weight of the memories. "It’s worse than you think, man. Lukas ripped into her family and beat her father bloody for lying, disrespecting my mother, and locking her in a shed. Then, he beat the guy who attacked her to death with his bare hands before disposing of the body in the old well on the family property. Kris covered his ass, so he didn’t get into international trouble, at least."

“That’s a lot to have happened in only two weeks. Has he shown that kind of aggression before?” Ambrosia asked as she sat down, lazily running a hand through her auburn hair, the sunlight catching the coppery strands and casting a warm glow around her.

Trace leaned back, exhaling slowly. “Unless his brother pisses him off, I’ve never seen my youngest do anything that could remotely be considered aggressive. I do believe that, based on her history with authority figures, Johanna’s struggling to keep her head above water regarding her new surroundings. I’m really hoping Skylar doesn’t cause more damage than good with her tomorrow during their trip, but Kennedy and Andromeda will be there.”

Ross, who had been quietly observing from his seat, finally spoke up. His voice was calm and measured, reflecting his thoughtful nature. "She's been through a lot, but if anyone can help her, it's going to be Lukas."

“It almost feels like us older gens are fading out with the way the kids are. I mean, yes, we raised them, taught them all we could, and now they have the makings of their own families, but where does that leave us?” Trace asked, his question echoing the unspoken thoughts in the room. He leaned against the desk, the weight of years and experience evident in his posture. His brow furrowed, deep lines etched into his weathered face, reflecting the long years of wisdom and worry.

“Don’t be stupid,” Callum scoffed, his tone a mix of amusement and irritation. He pushed his golden waves out of his eyes with a swift motion, the strands catching the light and creating a halo effect around his head. Sitting back down, he resumed the task he was working on before the interruption, his movements deliberate and confident. “We’re still agile enough to take the kids in a fight in their current state. They still need us, even if it’s just to put our feet up their asses once in a while.”

Trace chuckled softly, the sound a mix of resignation and relief. “You’ve got a point there. They do still come running to us when things get tough, don’t they?”

Callum nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Exactly. And as long as they keep needing us, we’ll have a place. Whether it’s giving advice, laying down the law, or just being there to remind them where they came from.”

Ross, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, finally spoke up. “You know, they look up to us more than they let on. They may be building their own lives, but they’re still following the paths we set for them. It’s our legacy they’re carrying forward.”

Trace nodded, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten just a bit. “You’re right. We’re not done yet. We still have a lot to offer, even if it’s just a swift kick in the pants when needed.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence, each of them lost in their thoughts. The light from the setting sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the room, symbolizing the passage of time and the enduring strength of their bonds.