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Tucker pulls her into his arms, settling her on his lap. “Shh, beautiful,” Tucker soothes. “We will get her back.”
“This is my f-fault,” Ruby stammers out around her tears. “They were trying to get m-me and that p-p-poor girl.” Fresh, raw tears fall down her face. She buries her face in Tucker’s neck and weeps as all of the bad things that have likely happened to the girl run through her mind. Tucker does his best to comfort her as she cries.
“Ruby!” Hawk’s booming voice draws her attention. She turns her head to look at the man but stays folded in Tucker’s embrace. “Don’t take those asshole’s guilt on yourself. You did not cause any of this. Those men made the decision to do bad things. It has nothing to do with you. You got me?” Ruby nods as she takes his words to heart. Hawk is right. She didn’t ask to be born into the mob, nor did she want to be married off to a mob boss stranger. All of those things we out of her control. None of this is her fault, even if someone is injured as they try to free her from Russo.
“Hawk is right, Ruby,” Tucker says. “You can’t blame yourself for other people’s mistakes.” His arms around her are so comforting. She soaks up his love and attention.
“I know, Tucker.” Ruby looks up into his eyes, seeing his love and sincerity in them. “I just feel so bad for whomever has gotten caught up in this awful mess. I’m so tired of being afraid. I want it to be over so I can be free. Free to be with you.” His face softens even more as he leans close to kiss her.
“Youarewith me, beautiful,” Tucker declares. “I’m not letting you go, not now, not ever. You’re mine, remember?” Ruby grins at him. Oh yeah, she remembers. He said those very words to her the first day they met, and she knows he’d meant them. He’s done everything in his power to make those words come true over the last few months they’ve known each other.
“So we need to decide if we are going to let Amato in there go free,” Hawk continues. “Once that’s settled, I need to get this information up the chain of command. Tex thinks he has an idea where they’re keeping the missing girl. If we can get in there before they realize who they have isn’t who Russo wants, then we have a shot at getting her out alive.”
“What about the FBI agents?” Tucker asks. “Did Tex find out anything about who might be on the take? We need to know before Tony tries going to them. The last thing we want is for the FBI to tip off Russo and his men.”
“He did indeed find a mole in the FBI,” Hawk answers. His face is grim, disgust evident on his face. “Tex has some close friends high up in the bureau. Men who can be trusted. He’s sending them the information as we speak. It may take a couple of days for them to verify his information and issue warrants, but those turncoats will be punished. Now we need to go deal with Amato and his men.”
Hawk, Tank, Straw, and Ruby go back into the room where Tony and his men are being held. Ruby is still a bundle of nerves, seeing her brother after fearing him for so long. She’s still trying to process everything her brother has said about their father and the events leading up to her mother’s death. Does their father really want to be rid of the mob life for good? She hopes that’s the case, but it likely won’t change anything. Her father and brother will go into witness protection. Ruby will never see them again unless she goes with them, but she can’t leave Tucker. Not after all they’ve shared especially after last night. She shivers just remembering how good he made her feel, not just the physical pleasure, but he made her feel special, treasured, and loved. She never wants to be separated from him again.
Tony looks up as they enter. His eyes flick from Hawk to Tucker, to her and back. He’s trying to get a feel for whatever they’re going to tell him. His arms still stretched tight around the straight back chair, Ruby feels some measure of sympathy for him, knowing he must be terribly uncomfortable. She wants to ask Tucker to release him, but she knows Tucker and Hawk will do so when they see fit. Once they’re sure Tony and his men aren’t a threat to them any longer.
“So, Amato,” Hawk begins. “Your story checks out. My tech friend found information on a couple of moles in the FBI in the New York City office. He’s sending the information to people he can trust. People who will make sure those dirty agents are locked up. Once we know that’s been taken care of, you’ll be free to turn over your evidence.” Tony nods, seemingly relieved. “I’ll let you and your men go with the understanding you stay away from Ruby and any of the men you’ve seen here today. If you break my trust, it’ll be the worst mistake you’ve ever made, including agreeing to work for the “family” business.”
“No way,” Tony argues. “Mary Catherine is my sister. I can’t just turn my back on her.”
“You did before,” Tucker accuses. “You were going to let that asshole Russo marry her knowing what kind of man he is, the things he’s done.”
“I felt like I didn’t have a choice,” Tony replies, but he sounds defeated. “Father made all the decisions. We’d just lost Mom. Mary Catherine knew nothing about the family business, and I couldn’t tell her what really happened to Mom. I…I did the best I could. As soon as I heard they were planning to hurt her, I made it possible for her to get away. I’m sorry, Mary Catherine. I never wanted you to be hurt.”
“Tony, I can understand you were grieving over Mom, too,” Ruby begins. “I realize you were in a difficult position, but you knew how sheltered I was. If the marriage to Russo had happened…”– Tucker growls next to her at the mere mention of her marrying the asshole– “I would have been traumatized beyond belief, Tony. I wasn’t ready to be married to anyone, much less a ruthless mob boss. You and father should have done everything in your power to prevent that marriage. Even if it resulted in all our deaths. I would rather have died than been tied to Russo.” Tony flinches at my words. Guilt and shame wash over his expression. He hangs his head for a moment. When he looks up at me, I can see the pain and regret in his features.
“You’re right.” Tony’s voice is thick with emotion. He clears it before continuing, “I failed you just like I did Mom. That night when dad got the call that took us away from your performance early, I had a bad feeling about it. I should have listened to my instincts. I should have stayed with you and Mom. Maybe…maybe I could have kept her from being shot. I don’t know, and I’ll never know, because I blindly followed orders, not wanting to rock the boat. I was a coward, and I’m sorry. Sorry I didn’t do a better job of protecting you and Mom.” The anguish in Tony’s demeanor tears at Ruby’s heart. Despite everything that’s happened she still loves her brother and her father. She doesn’t want any harm to come to them, but as far as having them in her life, she isn’t sure she wants that either.
“I forgive you, Tony,” Ruby says softly. “You aren’t to blame for Mom’s death. The Russo’s and their hit men are to blame for her death. It’s like a wise man said to me, ‘Don’t take on someone else’s guilt’.” Hawk snorts at Ruby’s statement. She smiles over at him before she finishes saying her peace to her brother. “While I forgive you, I don’t think things can ever be what they once were, Tony. I’m not the girl who ran away six years ago. I’ve learned to take care of myself, by myself. I’ve survived on the streets one day at a time, but now I’ve found someone who loves me and respects me for who I am. I’m not willing to give him up to go into the witness protection program with you and dad. Please let dad know that I do love him, and I’ll always miss you both, but my life is here with Tucker.” Tony stares at Ruby as if making sure what she’s saying is true and that she’s not being forced into it by Tucker and his friends. Finally with his lips pinched together in a tight line, he nods his understanding.
Hawk and Straw move to untie Tony and the men. Once they’re free, Tony walks over to Ruby. He tentatively reaches for her, and she allows him to take her in his arms, hugging her tightly. Ruby hugs him back as tears stream down her face. Tears for the family they’d once been, even if it was all a lie. Tears for the brother she used to love so much who broke her heart when he pulled away from her and let her down in the end. When they pull apart, Ruby feels as if a weight has lifted. She’s nearly free to have everything she’s always wanted and been dreaming of more and more since she met Tucker.
“Goodbye, Mary Catherine.” Tony’s voice is strained. Ruby can see his eyes are moist, but Tony’s doing his best not to let any tears fall. He looks at Tucker long and hard before holding out his hand. “Take care of her. She deserves to have a happy life, free from the life we were born into.” Tucker shakes his hand.
“I will take care of her,” Tucker declares, confidence radiating in his voice. “She’ll be well loved and provided for; of that, you have my word.” Tony nods solemnly. Then he and his men allow Hawk to lead them out of the basement. “Are you okay, beautiful?” Tucker asks her when the room has emptied. He pulls her to him holding her close.
“Yes, Tucker.” Ruby smiles up at him. “I’m better than okay. I have you and that’s all I need.”
45
TANK
Tank’s heart stutters in his chest as he looks down at Ruby’s smiling face. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, and she’s all his. He’d known it the moment he met her, but now she’s accepting his love and attention. He knows she isn’t out of danger, but with the help of his team, he’s going to make her safe and build them a long, happy future.
The door opening draws Tank’s attention. Hawk strides across the room. His commanding presence seems to suck the air from the room. Tank can tell from Hawk’s posture and body language shit is about to get serious. Tank steps in front of Ruby as if to shelter her from what is to come, even though he knows he can’t. He isn’t trying to shelter her from Hawk. The man would never hurt a female. No, he wants to keep her from the mobster searching for her and what it’s going to take to make him stop.
“Tank, we need to talk,” Hawk says as he approaches. His gaze flicks to Ruby. “Brass has made a decision about our current mission and how to proceed.” Tank grits his teeth. He knew this was coming, but he’s just gotten past Ruby’s walls. He isn’t ready to be sent off to parts unknown, yet. Especially since the threat against her is still at large.
“I’ll leave you two to talk,” Ruby says quietly. She starts to walk around the men, but Tank isn’t ready to let her go. He reaches out to snake her hand as she passes.
“Wait.” Tank pinches his lips together. He isn’t sure what he’s going to say, but he doesn’t want her to go very far. Ruby looks up at him. “I won’t be long.” Tank glances at Hawk for confirmation, who gives him a quick nod, confirming his words. “Just wait out in the living area with Lisa?” He ends his request as a question. Ruby smiles up at him.
“Of course. I’ll be here when you’re finished,” Ruby leans in to place a quick kiss on his lips. “Don’t worry,” she whispers. “I’m not going anywhere, Tucker. I’m yours. I don’t want to be anywhere you aren’t.” A wave of love floods him. He pulls her flush to his body, burying his face in her neck, breathing in her scent. He doesn’t care Hawk is standing right here. He needs to let her know just how much her words mean to him.
