Blaze nodded, even though German watched the road. “My dad invites all his firehouse buddies to every event so he can avoid all of us. If you notice, I have one sister who is never at any event, and then Denise is always the reason family gatherings get moved around so many times. That’s because she’s trying her ass off to not come, because she’s a lesbian and won’t subject her wife, that no one knows about, to our brothers’ family’s bullshit. I knew they wouldn’t dare insult you. You’re too scary-looking, and—honestly—they're both pussies.”
German laughed. It was a soft, sexy sound that gave Blaze goosebumps. “A whole wife kept hidden. That’s wild.”
“It’s who we are. Dara and I are the black sheep because we don’t shrink ourselves to fit their mold. Drew moved herself all the way to Canada to go to the University of British Columbia and didn’t come back. Unfortunately, I have always tried my best to keep the peace, no matter what it cost me. Not anymore. Not with this. It’s not your fault. You didn’t do this. I should’ve stood my ground on a lot of things before now. I’m so fucking sorry I didn’t. Now my mom will be the typical mother-in-law, thinking the problem is you. I didn’t act like this before you came along, so you must’ve changed me. But I need you to recognize that’s not true at all, okay? No matter what she tries or says, it’s me who’s putting their foot down. You’re days away from being my husband.” Blaze had to put that out there. “We’re about to be atrue family. Ben and you come first to me. She can be the one to bend for once. It won’t kill her.”
Blaze glanced into the back seat and made sure Ben still slept soundly before continuing. “But it might kill Ben eventually if we don’t protect him. He’s not like any of us. Mom is so convinced she can make anyone into the person she expects them to be. I’m scared as hell of what that might eventually do to him. He already didn’t talk.” Blaze’s voice got harder as he spoke. He didn’t even realize how much rage poured from him until Ben woke up crying.
Blaze reached back and patted his leg. “It’s okay, baby. Go back to sleep.”
To Blaze’s shock, Ben didn’t shrink from his touch or cry harder. He closed his eyes. Yeah. Blaze was about to burn the world for this family.
Chapter Eleven
WithBlazehomewithGerman, Diesel was finally free to address the bottomless rage living inside him. He popped out of his car at nine in the morning, ready for battle. When Blaze had first mentioned a job in Washington, for whatever reason, he had thought DC. Surely there was no way Steel had a job opening in Washington the state and didn’t tell him. Not only was the Washington office run by someone else, but he thought Steel and he had an understanding. Unfortunately, it hadn’t taken much poking around to find out that, no, apparently, Steel had no plan to honor their deal. Diesel had spent the entire week working himself into a frothing rage. Now he was here, and he wasn’t calmer.
Diesel tore his way inside the building. As he headed for Steel’s office, the office manager called out, trying to stop him. Diesel couldn’t be slowed. He wouldn’t be talked down from this anger. Diesel was good at his job. In fact, he was Steel Security’shighest-requested guard. If this was the way Steel intended to repay him, maybe it was time for him to strike out on his own. He had the connections. If he put his ear to the ground, he didn’t doubt he could get any client he wanted. He didn’t have to stand for this shit.
Diesel threw open Steel’s door. He didn’t see anyone except Steel. His fury had him laser-focused on the man behind the desk. “You gave me your word.”
Steel didn’t look the least bit frazzled. That took Diesel’s anger to the next level. “You promised as soon as a job came available in Washington, you’d offer me the position first. You know how hard it is for me to be so far from my mom. I’m all she has. When I took this job, you really acted like it would be temporary. You said you had feelers out. But as soon as a position opened, you offered it to German. That’s…that’s…I don’t even know, but I’m pissed.”
Steel nodded along as if everyone yelled at him all day. “The position is with Maya Heartland.”
“Oh.” Like that, he deflated. He knew what that meant. Maya Heartland only lived in Washington three months a year while filming her many roles in various holiday movies. Once filming wrapped on what would be next year’s movie lineup, she would go home to Georgia, where Diesel had no desire to live. He was looking for a permanent position near his mom.
Steel studied him, as if ensuring Diesel had calmed before continuing. He motioned toward a man sitting feet from Diesel, whom he hadn’t even noticed in his tantrum.
“This is Krystof Svoboda. He is here requesting security.”
“Oh,” Diesel repeated. He didn’t care if anyone thought he was a mama’s boy. He was. When anyone hated, he told them he was sorry their mama didn’t love them. His did, so whatever.
“He lives in Seattle. I was just telling him about you.”
“Oh.” Diesel sat in the closest chair. Now he felt like an ass. His mom also lived in Seattle.
Krystof eyed him. He was likely a little older than Steel, but just as sturdy. His hair had a bit more gray than brown, but his blue eyes were every bit as light as Steel’s gray eyes. Diesel’s gaze moved between the two and had the oddest thought. They would make a gorgeous couple.
When Krystof spoke, Diesel was taken aback by his heavy accent. “It’s admirable that you wish to be closer to your family. I’ll admit I had hoped Steel would honor me by returning to guard my family. Since he seems to have a genuine excuse for not returning, you’ll do. I expect you to report to work as soon as you’re able. You’ll be guarding my son, Kuba. He is twenty and very hard-headed.”
A muscle jumped in Steel’s jaw, fascinating Diesel. “I was given the impression you needed a guard, not yourtwenty-year-oldson.”
Diesel’s eyes bounced between them. Steel looked furious. Krystof’s eyes danced with good humor. There was more going on, but Diesel had no clue what. He only knew that he felt the need to deescalate the situation.
“I’d be honored to help you. You’d be surprised how well I work with stubborn clients.”
Even though Steel still looked furious, he stayed on topic. “As I said earlier, Diesel is our most requested guard. I constantly receive calls praising him. He currently works for a high-profile client in the music industry, but he won’t be as needed after the next couple of weeks. We can easily wind things down with his current client and have Diesel in Seattle by the first of February, if not sooner.”
His gaze slid Diesel’s way. “I know you’re headed home for the holidays after our company party tonight. If you have a few extra minutes while you’re back home next week, maybe set up a time to meet Kuba.” He looked Krystof’s way. “It’s always best to conduct a small interview between guard and client, so they can equally decide if they can work with each other on the common goal of safety.”
Krystof nodded. His gaze never wavered from Steel. “I imagine they’ll be fine. Kuba is always more manageable when I’m not around.”
Steel’s eyebrows snapped together. “Do you not plan to be around?”
“No. It seems I have business to settle here in L.A.”
Something he couldn’t place clouded the room. Diesel got the feeling this entire meeting had less than nothing to do with him. He stood. “Thank you for your time and the opportunity. I have a lot to do to get ready to leave town.”
Neither man looked his way. Diesel slipped away, confused but elated. He was heading home. As much as he would miss Blaze, Diesel was ready to be back to the familiar. Whatever challenges Kuba presented, Diesel would handle them. He could handle anything.
