Page 64 of Rockland

I nod. Turn to go to the closet. I catch a glance at my face. There’s a wild look in my eyes, much like a feral, starving animal searching for a morsel of food. My cheeks are highly flushed. I look away, bury myself in the fabric of my closet, and try to find a dress to wear.

This is going to be a long night.

Rockland

There’s nothing quite like a long drive in a priceless automobile, having your lady ride beside you, squirming. Knowing her discomfort is caused purely from her desire for you to pleasure her body. That, and the little plug slipped into her ass and the fiery cream massaged into her aching pussy by your expert hands.

I sneak a side glance at her. She’s breathtaking—her red tresses tumble over her shoulders in soft waves, the milky skin of her face flushed with yearning. That little rosebud mouth crumpled in frustration.

She’s adorable. She catches me looking and shoots me a desperate look. I shake my head. She moans and shifts in her seat. Her hands wringing around one another. I tell her to sit there quietly and think about her actions. With the several hours’ drive it takes to get to the Hamlet, she’ll have plenty of time to think about her behavior.

As we drive, I allow my mind to drift over the upcoming changes in the Village. If I focus on the little sexy minx beside me, I’ll be in no better shape than her.

I’m the head of the Village, and by decree, that makes me the head of the entire family. The Village is our hub, where we conduct the majority of our business. Where our power players live and where our intricate web is knitted most closely with that of the outside world. I can barely wrap my mind around the sudden change of events. Most men in my position would be vying for the top. Dropping hints of their interest in being the next in line. Sidling up with Bronson, kissing his ass.

I’ve never been a fan of that.

And perhaps that why Bronson trusts me wholly.

He’s always known where I stand. What I think. What issues I won’t move on and that despite those few points, he’s got my total and complete loyalty.

He’s also always known how I felt about Tess. He was the first, the only I made my confession to. And when he saw the look of torture in my eyes, he never had a second of a doubt that my idea for the Parish was the right move. I’ve always been grateful to him for letting me make my escape, and in that fleeing, create a second world for our family. One where our business can be handled in total privacy.

So when Bronson came to me and told me of Paige’s pregnancy, asked me to take his place so they would be able to move to the Hamlet, despite my inner wavering, I accepted. Wished him nothing but the best in his new venture. Told him I would rule the Village with the same iron fist he had.

And I will.

That, and a bit more.

For though I was one to shy away from the limelight, I was never one to back down from a challenge. I’ll tighten up the reins on this ship and continue to sail her to safety and prosperity.

With Tess by my side.

Will she know of the Brotherhood’s secrets, or be put in harm’s way? Absolutely not. Will she be given access to our secret accounts, the ones she’s never set eyes on? Absolutely. The Brotherhood will seek her counsel on all matters financial. And if anyone has a problem with it, they can deal with me.

But they won’t because if there’s one thing the Brotherhood respects about my firecracker woman, it’s that she’s smarter than any of us could ever hope to be. Had she not had a neglectful mother and been raised in the worst public schools in the state, the woman would have had a full ride to Yale. Been a lawyer, a mathematician. Hell, any profession she wanted. Instead, she found her way to the Village.

And I thank the Gods, every day, that she did.

I’ll be living with her, working beside her. Every new day will be the best day of my life.

Dante was my right-hand man at the Parish, and so he shall be in the Village as well. He will come and under my strict orders, bring Adrianna with him. The fact that I’ll demand Dante escort her on the journey will infuriate her to no end. She’ll give me hell the moment she lands, then hug me. I can’t wait to have her here in the city. She’ll love the nightlife and though it will be a handful keeping up with her, I think she’ll thrive right along with the culture here. A few others from the Parish will join us, some of the younger, single brothers and a few of the childless married couples.

Bronson and Paige will be happy in the Hamlet. Bronson’s carried an enormous weight on his shoulders his entire life—being a bloodline Bachman and raised in the family. I think it’s time he enjoyed his love, his life, his family, and the slower pace that the suburbs thrive on.

Beside me, a quiet snore rises. I look over at Tess. Despite all her discomfort, she’s fallen asleep. Brett had always said she never was able to stay awake on long car rides.

Brett.

Thinking of him opens a wound in my heart. I miss him terribly. I try not to think what it would have been like, if things had worked out differently. Because the simple fact is, they’ve worked out the way they were always going to.

A few weeks ago, my brother came to me in a dream. He placed his big hand on my cheek. Looked at me with those smiling eyes and said, “She’s yours. She’s always been yours.” Then he floated off into the starry night. I woke with chills running down my arms, as I have now, just thinking of the dream.

We arrive at the Hamlet’s entrance. A narrow dirt path, only wide enough for one car, lined with huge oak trees. The low headlights peer ahead as I make my way down the bumpy road. We’ve gone at least a mile when the path widens, and a huge iron gate appears. There are guards on either side of the stone pillars holding the gates. Tess rouses beside me, sitting up.

“We’re here?” she asks sleepily. Then, “Oh!” as she shifts in her seat, remembering her predicament.

Chuckling, I roll down my window. Hold out my palm. The guard comes to me, flashes a UV light on my hand. Sees the emblem of the Brotherhood. Says, “Welcome, brother.” He nods at the other man to open the gate, allowing us entrance.