A Heart of Gang (The Centofanti Gang Book 1) Read online

  Paul watched with relief and concern as I made my way to the center, nodding to Leo’s bodyguard, Taylor, who handed me back my gun. I stopped next to Uncle Leo and smiled weakly as he gestured toward Ramsey, who actually looked scared for the first time since I met him. I pointed the gun directly at his heart as I stared him down, my eyes cold.

  "Paul is right, you do deserve to go to Hell for what you’ve done. You kidnapped an innocent four-year-old girl instead of confronting the man you have a problem with. Then you kidnapped me when I came to get my daughter back. You kept me locked in a dark and dirty room, where I couldn't escape because you had my wrists chained to the floor.”

  I took a deep breath to steady the burst of anxiety coursing through my veins as I tried to keep my composure under the glinting glare of the man kneeling in front of me.

  “You raped me repeatedly because you knew I couldn't fight back and then left me in pain, in the dark by myself. You destroyed everything good about me within a matter of a week?" I glanced at Uncle Leo, who was holding Paul back, for confirmation it had been a week since our rescue mission; he nodded grimly. “You’re a childish, twisted man who doesn’t deserve to see the light of day for another second. You don’t deserve to live so you can hurt another person the way you’ve hurt me.”

  "You won't shoot me," Ramsey said darkly. “You’re weak and softhearted. Which makes you foolish and a pushover, an easy target to break under the pressure of torture.”

  "You really think that? I have plenty of reason to pull this trigger right now and end your pathetic life."

  "Go ahead then, slut. Do your worst."

  “Really? That’s the best you can come up with, calling me a slut? Sheesh, that’s such a lame comeback.” I raised an eyebrow as Ramsey spat at my feet. Behind the hatred in his eyes, there was a sliver of regret and nervousness.

  I turned and looked at Uncle Leo, then to Paul before meeting the eyes of the rest of the gang. They were watching me with interest, patiently waiting to see what I would do. As each one acknowledged my gaze with a slight nod of respect, I realized they were family. My and Ava’s family. The words Paul quoted to me earlier came back in a flood of warmth, giving me the strength, I knew I needed.

  "As two wise men have told me recently," I smiled warmly at Uncle Leo and Paul before turning to glare at Ramsey, "There is only one rule the Carmichael family lives by. 'The gang is family. Do whatever it takes to keep them safe.' Whether it's blood or marriage that links us, they have been my family since the day Paul asked me out nearly seven years ago. It just took me a while to see that. With you alive, there’s a threat that continues to loom over my family. None of us are safe if you’re still around. After everything you put me through, this is karma coming around and biting you in the ass."

  I pulled the trigger and watched as the life began to fade from Ramsey's eyes. The gun fell out of my hands and I dropped to my knees. Arms wrapped around me and I sobbed as Paul held me to his chest, smoothing down my hair and whispering comfortingly in my ear. He scooped me into his arms and stood up.

  "Let's go home," Leo said, motioning the men to go ahead.

  I snuggled closer to Paul’s chest and fell asleep as we left the warehouse.

  CHAPTER 10: STRONGER

  When I woke up a little while later, my mind was in a disoriented state and my body ached everywhere, leading to a horrific panic growing in my chest as my eyes flew open. My heart began to pound loudly as I bolted upright, trying to place where I was. The room wasn't mine nor was it the small room I had been locked inside for the past week. Memories of the horror from last night overcame me like a freight train speeding down the tracks and I shivered violently, despite the warm blanket draped over my body. Paul stuck his head into the room as he knocked softly on the cracked door before walking in. He offered a small reassuring smile as he stood at the end of his bed.

  “You’re finally awake.”

  “How long have I been asleep?” I yawned, stretching out my body as I shifted to a more comfortable sitting position. I pulled the comforter over my lap as I sat up, my back against the pillows.

  "A little over fourteen hours. Mom was getting a little worried until Uncle Leo explained to her what happened. How are you feeling?" he asked, watching me with weary eyes.

  "I killed a man," I said quietly, looking down at the comforter.

  "You were protecting your family. Nobody is going to criticize you for that. Any one of us would have done the same. That’s what our rule means."

  "I know. I just… I feel empty. I don’t know how else to describe it, I guess I’m still processing the whole thing."

  "It's okay, baby. You did what you had to do. I'm proud of you. You were so brave and confident and strong, even after everything you went through. All of the guys were impressed with how you handled things. It’s also understandable how you’re feeling, and I hope you know I’m always here for you. So is Mom, Uncle Leo, Alpo, and the entire family." He smiled encouragingly at me and I felt a little better.

  "Everyone's waiting for you downstairs," he continued. "Mom sent up a new dress for you to wear tonight or you can go across the hall and pick out something to wear. You can use my shower, if you want, and get ready in here."

  "Okay. A shower does sound heavenly right now...” I admitted, biting my bottom lip anxiously. “Um, Paul?"

  "Yes?"

  "Be honest with me, please. How bad do I look?"

  "You have bruises all over your stomach, back, and upper thighs. Your wrists are also bruised from the chains being too tight, but they are not sprained or broken. Your bottom lip is almost healed, your cheek isn’t bruised anymore, and there weren't any broken bones," he sighed.

  "Oh. Um..." I hesitated. An amused expression appeared on his face.

  "Anything else, Jade?"

  "Uh, well, I'm still sore. So, could you, um, help me? With the shower?"

  "Sure, baby girl. Don't worry, I won't make a move or pressure you into anything until you're ready," he said in a light joking manner, trying to ease some tension from the room. I cringed as I got out of bed. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

  "No, I’m okay. It’s just that… Ramsey said it was too bad you didn't take advantage of me when you had the chance before he raped me," I said, careful not to look at him in case I started crying again.

  "Oh baby," he hugged me. "It's over. He can't hurt you anymore. Come on, let's get you into the shower."

  Paul lifted me into his arms and walked toward the bathroom. Setting me on my feet, he turned on the water and adjusted it so it wouldn't be too hot on my skin. I suddenly felt shy and stood there with my arms crossed over my stomach, trying not to look at Paul. He met my flitting gaze, his eyebrows raised and I nodded slightly, moving my arms out of the way. He slowly undressed me, careful not to hurt me, before discarding his own clothes. I stepped into the shower and closed my eyes as the warm water gushed over me. The drumming pattern was soothing as it massaged my skin and my body started to relax under the heat.

  Paul helped me wash my hair and body, carefully avoiding any rough movements. His touch was comforting as he covered every inch of me with soap. As the water rinsed the soap down the drain, I hugged Paul, resting my head against his chest. He kissed the top of my head and shut the water off. We got out and I dried myself off while Paul went to get the new dress from his room. It was a sleeveless pale-yellow sundress, perfect for an informal party. Paul waited outside the bathroom so I could get dressed in private. Purposefully avoiding the mirror, I hurriedly slipped the dress on and called out to Paul.

  "Will you zip me up?" I moved my hair out of the way when he answered.

  "Sure," he smiled at me in the steamy mirror. "There. You look beautiful... as always."

  "Thank you."

  "Are you ready to go see everyone?"

  "Just a minute," I wandered back to my room and found matching wedge sandals in my closet, slipping them on as I leaned on the wall for support. "Okay, now I’m ready."


  Paul weaved his fingers through mine and we headed downstairs to the backyard. Cheers erupted the moment I stepped out onto the patio, causing me to jump as my face flushed pink. All of the Carmichaels, my dad, and Sky were standing around the backyard, applauding as Paul led me to the middle of the circle. Clara beamed at me while Uncle Leo raised a glass to me. Everyone went silent as soon as he cleared his throat and began talking.

  "In the last week alone, a lot has happened to you, Jade. The past collided with the present and you had to overcome some of your biggest fears." He smiled knowingly and I blushed. "You have proven you are a strong woman by taking care of your daughter alone for the first four years of her life. By coming to us for help to rescue your daughter and by protecting your family in ways I'm sure scared you at the time. I admire your courage, determination, and most of all, your heart. You are truly a Carmichael. Welcome home."

  "Thank you, Uncle Leo."

  "Mommy!!"

  Ava ran from behind Sky and launched herself into my arms, nearly toppling us over into the grass. I hugged her tightly, crying in relief. She clung to me as I fussed over her, covering her in kisses and checking her over to make sure she wasn’t injured.

  "Ava! I missed you, baby girl... Are you okay?"

  "Yeah, I'm okay. Where's Daddy?"

  "Right here, baby girl," Paul said, wrapping his arms around us both.

  "Daddy, are you going to stay with us?" Ava looked him in the eye, her expression serious.

  "See this?" Paul held up my left hand so Ava could see the ring and she nodded. "This is my promise that we will be a family forever and always. I'm not going anywhere."

  "I told you I'd find Daddy for you," I smiled at Paul as I handed Ava to him.

  "I know, Mommy," Ava said before yawning loudly.

  "Come on, princess. Let's get you to bed."

  "Okay, Daddy."

  Paul headed toward the house with Ava peering at me over his shoulder, waving her little hand at us. I watched them disappear into the house, my heart bursting with joy at the sight. Clara tapped me on the shoulder and hugged me when I turned around. Tears were swelling in her eyes when she finally released me, letting out a relieved sigh.

  "You have given us the greatest gift of all. A beautiful, smart daughter for Paul and a wonderful woman to become his wife. Of course, it took nearly five years for the two of you to come to your senses, but better late than never," she winked at me.

  "Wait, you really did know about us dating? For how long?" I gaped at her.

  "Of course, I knew about you two being a couple, my dear. I knew the whole time," she laughed. "It was obvious the night of your dance, when Paul came home and couldn’t stop grinning like a fool… of course, it didn’t make sense until a few days later when you kids were hanging out and Paul kept sneaking glances at you when he thought nobody was looking.”

  Clara became quiet for a moment as she recalled the memory, a sad smile shadowing her face as she continued.

  “I've known your mom and dad since high school, we were in the same grade together. It was your mom who put two and two together that night when you came home at three o’clock in the morning and started packing. She called me and we wondered how long it would take before you two found each other again. Maybe it would have been sooner, if Paul hadn't tried to keep you a secret. I wanted to tell him I knew, but I didn't know how to bring the topic up."

  "I never knew you knew my parents. They really were that sneaky." We laughed freely.

  "Your mom was a good woman. Always knew how to light up a room, just like you do. I know if she were here today, she would be proud of you. But enough of the sappy stuff for tonight. Now, let's talk about the wedding. Have you thought of a theme?"

  "Mom, we haven't discussed anything yet," Paul said as he rejoined us, shooting her a look.

  "I know. I was just going to give Jade some ideas," Clara smiled innocently at her son, patting his cheek. "There's always tomorrow, I guess."

  I giggled as Clara abruptly walked away toward Leo and my dad, leaving Paul speechless. He shook his head in amusement as he watched her leave.

  “That woman knows how to get under my skin,” he chuckled under his breath. "Come on, baby. Let's go have some fun."

  Paul grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor, spinning me in a circle. I laughed and began to relax as Paul and Alpo started to have an intense dance competition against each other. Skylar handed me a drink as she and Lola joined us, both swaying their hips to the beat of the music. As the delicious taste of sour green apple flowed into my body, I forgot about my worries and danced the night away surrounded by my favorite people.

  Several hours later, I slid my wedge sandals off and flopped down onto the bed, staring at the ceiling with a grin on my face. Clara really did know how to throw a party and I was grateful for her skills. I couldn’t remember the last time I danced like that, at least since my mother had passed away. My feet were already starting to ache from toe to heel and I was sure my body was going to be even more sore in the morning. I groaned inwardly as Paul walked into the room, laughing at my bedraggled state. He switched on a lamp on one of the nightstands and I threw an arm over my eyes, causing him to chuckle.

  "Did someone have a little too much fun?" He teased gently as he squeezed my knee.

  "I don’t know what you’re talking about... Okay, maybe just a little bit," I admitted, mumbling as I lectured myself internally. He chuckled again.

  "Maybe I'll have to get you drunk again if you have that much fun. You were quite entertaining. What were you drinking anyways?"

  "Apple pucker and Sprite, and Malibu coconut rum mixed with Sprite and pineapple juice," I said, peeking at him from under my arm.

  "I'll keep that in mind for the next time there’s alcohol," he beamed mischievously.

  "Ugh, don't mention a next time right now."

  I groaned before rolling toward the edge of the bed. I made sure my feet were planted firmly on the ground before standing up. I must have started to sway because Paul gently grabbed my shoulders and guided me to the bathroom. He probably sensed I was going to throw up because he flipped open the toilet lid and had my hair pulled back into his hand before I fell to my knees.

  Paul rubbed my back with one hand and held my hair in the other as I heaved into the cold porcelain bowl. Once I was sure I was done emptying the contents of my stomach, I sat back against the tub as Paul went to get me a pair of pajamas. He helped me clean myself up and changed before guiding me to bed. Making sure I was comfortable, Paul turned to his dresser and changed into pajama pants. He climbed into bed next to me and I snuggled up to his chest as he made sure I was covered with the comforter.

  "I love you, Paul." I whispered into the pitch-black room.

  Then I passed out, the darkness quickly overtaking me.

  CHAPTER 11: STARTING OVER

  Sunlight peeking through the curtains woke me up the next morning, along with a pounding headache. I groaned and reached for Paul only to grasp air. Opening an eye, I briefly wondered where he was when I noticed a glass of orange juice and a bottle of aspirin on the nightstand. I smiled and grabbed the bottle, slowly sitting up so I could take a couple. Of course, he had thought of this beforehand. Or Clara did, I thought to myself. I knew she was going to treat me like her own daughter after that first night.

  It was good for her to have a girl to spoil, since she only had Paul and his two brothers. It also felt nice to have a mother figure in my life again; of course, nobody could ever replace my mom, but it made me feel better knowing I had someone to go to when I needed to vent or some motherly advice. As I sipped the orange juice, the smell of bacon wafting into the bedroom got my attention.

  Slowly, I got out of bed and pulled on my fuzzy pink robe before heading downstairs. Paul was helping Ava with her food at the table while Clara stood at the stove, frying bacon in one pan and scrambling eggs in another. They smiled brightly when I walked in.

  "Good morning, my d
ear," Clara said as she handed me a plate. "How are you feeling?"

  "Better than I deserve," I laughed. "Thank you for breakfast."

  "It's the least I can do," she said before walking toward the doorway leading to the front room. "Leo, breakfast's ready!"

  I kissed the top of Ava's head before sitting down next to Paul. He leaned over and kissed me softly, smiling as he helped Ava scoop eggs in a pile.

  "Good morning, beautiful. Did you take some aspirin?"

  "Yes, I did. Thank you for that. My headache is already going away."

  "Good," he said. Just then, Alpo came stumbling into the kitchen. He clung to the doorway for support, looking much worse than I felt.

  “Dude, what happened to you?” Sky asked as she walked in behind him, shaking her head. Paul laughed at his friend, who winced at the sound and flipped him off.

  “I don’t remember much about last night. What happened?”

  “You really don’t remember? You thought you had a superpower that let you talk to animals.” Paul told him, sending Sky and I into a fit of giggles while Clara rolled her eyes.

  “I’m kind of glad I don’t remember that.”

  “Don’t worry, bro. I have it all on video. Especially when you tried talking to a squirrel.”

  Alpo’s face turned bright red as he took a coffee mug from Clara and walked back out of the kitchen. Sky poured a glass of orange juice and excused herself to go outside. I watched her as she made her way over to the porch swing at the end of the patio. Paul squeezed my shoulder comfortingly before sitting down next to me.

  It became comfortably silent as I focused on eating. Leo walked into the kitchen and grabbed a coffee mug from the cupboard. Clara handed him a plate and they both sat down at the table with us.

  "Got any plans today?" Leo asked, looking from Paul to me, then back again before reaching for the newspaper.

  "Not that I know of," I said, glancing at Paul.