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 NINES’S TIME
DEVIL’S RIOT MC TENNESSEE
BOOK TWO
E.C. LAND
 CO N T E N T S

Acknowledgments
Trigger Warning
Playlist
Devil’s Riot MC Members
Time Stands Still

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Epilogue

Author’s Note
Also by E.C. Land
Cyprus’s Truth
Brass’s Surrender
Scythe’s Grasp
Brake’s Intent
Social Media
N INES ’ S TIME

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination and are not to be
construed as real. Any resemblances to persons, organizations, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Nines’s Time. Copyright © 2023 by E.C. Land. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations used in articles or reviews. For information,
contact E.C. Land.
Published by: Dark & Damaged Romance Publishing
Cover Design by: Charli Childs
Editing by: Jackie Ziegler
Formatting by: E.C. Land
Proofreading by: Rebecca Vazquez
 To both my big brothers.
I don’t know what life would have been like without you in it.
You taught me more than you’ll ever know.
 ACKN OWL E D G ME N T S

So many people to acknowledge, but first and foremost, my family. They always have my back and
support me. My husband and kids are my biggest cheering team, and I couldn’t ask for better.
Next, I’d have to shout out to all my readers for sticking with me and enjoying the world I’ve
created.
Then there’s my team, everyone who works alongside me to ensure that each book I release is
ready to go when the time comes. I couldn’t ask for better.
 T R I G G E R WAR N I N G

This content is intended for mature audiences only. It contains material that may be viewed as
offensive to some readers, including graphic language, dangerous and sexual situations, murder, rape,
and extreme violence.
Proceed with caution. This book does entail several scenes that may very well be a trigger to some.
Also, tissues are a must with other scenes.
Not for the faint at heart.
If you don’t like violence and cannot handle certain subjects, then this is not a book you’ll want to
read.
 Check out Nines’s Time’s playlist.

Did Me Wrong – Atlus, GAWNE, & Lexnour

Bourbon Scars – Seth Anthony
Bad Guy – Bryan Andrews
Silent Running – Hidden Citizens
Never Gonna Take My Soul – Joe Nester
Hold Her – Joe Nester
Shotgun – Sarah Ross
Aint No Fool – OverTime
Creature – Jelly Roll
Breathe – Hosier
D E V I L’ S R I O T MC ME MB E R S
 O – OL’ L ADY, C – CHILD

Devil’s Riot MC Franklin Charter

Twister – Prez – Izzy – O
Leanna Mercy– C
Lark – C
Callum – C
Horse – VP – Kenny – O
Jason Cole (JC) – C
Kayla – C
Caden – C
Thorn – Sergeant at Arms – Lynsdey – O
William Michael (Bud) – C
Anna-leigh Cleo – C
Rage – Road Captain – Cleo – O
Reagan – C (deceased)
Rosaline – C
Devin – C
Dragon – Medic – Connors – O
Gadget – Tech – Connors – O
Logan – C
Kagan – C
Keegan – C
Hades – Enforcer – Emerson – O
Alec – C
Burner – Treasurer – Ally – O
Lincoln –C
Badger – Member – Jordan – O
Nico – C
K-9 – Secretary – Anabelle – O
Derick – C
Red – Member
Striker – Member
Brass – Member
Wolf – Member
 Sabor – Member
Mace – Member
Chaz – Member – Bethany – O
Melody – C
Tanner – Member – Alexis – O
Lex – Member – Mackenzie – O
Hunter – Member – Annaleigh – O
Huntson – C
Mac – Prospect (Deceased)

Devil’s Riot MC Originals Charter

O – Ol’ Lady, C – Child
Stoney – Prez – Rachel – O
Horse (Scotty) – Stoney’s C
Luca – C
Corinne – C
Sebastian – C
Talon – C
Tracker – VP – Victoria – O
Jamie – C
Jason – C (adopted)
Blaze – Sergeant at Arms – Raven – O
Matthew – C
Mark – C
Coyote – Road Captain – Tinsley – O
Cody – C
Chase – C
Bear – Former Road Captain – Momma B – O (deceased)
Rage (Travis) – C
Jane – C (deceased)
Nerd – Tech – Cara – O
Shadow – Enforcer – Luna – O
Daniel – C
Ranger – Medic – Harlow – O
Venom – Secretary – Amaya – O
Lincoln – C
Whip – Chaplain — Harper – O
Viper – Treasurer — Jade – O
Neo – Member – Harley – O
Cane – Member – Parker – O
Piper – C
Cyprus – Member
Kevlar – Member
Aries – Member
Devil’s Riot MC Southeast Charter
O – Ol’ Lady, C – Child
Hammer – Prez – Avery – O
Tate – C
Malice – VP – Willow – O
Gates – C
Gavin – C
Gemini – C
Axe – Sergeant at Arms – CJ – O
Savage – Road Captain
Gunner – Enforcer
Delilah – C
Cy – Tech
Bruiser – Treasurer
Dagger – Medic
Rogue – Secretary – Rebel – C
Brass – Chaplain
Glock – Member
Ruger – Member
Blade – Member
Colt – Member
Carbine – Member

Devil’s Riot MC Tennessee Charter

O – Ol’ Lady, C – Child
Blow – Prez — Storm – O
(C — Griffon, Talon, Phoenix)
Nines –VP — Meadow — O
Keys – Tech
Lucky – Sergeant at Arms
Shiner – Enforcer
Griz – Road Captain
Surge – Treasurer
Scorn – Chaplain
Sniper – Member – Rain – O
Nerd (Nick) – C
Storm – C
Flash – Member
Switchblade – Member
Torch – Member
Fireball – Member (Deceased)

Devil’s Riot MC Colorado Charter

Grinder – Prez
 Blue – VP
Driver – Sergeant at Arms
Flicker – Road Captain
Wrecker – Enforcer
Tic – Tech
Beast – Treasurer
Rock – Chaplain
 Time Stands Still

The clock chimes

Another minute passes
A second goes by
Following the hour
The clock ticks by
My heart beats with it
Life passes through time
Without either
We have nothing
Take a breath
Listen to the chimes
Stand and hear the ring
The stillness that comes after
Question is what comes next
Time stands still
Only when the chimes have passed

~ E.C. Land
PROLOGUE
NINE S
Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was follow in my father’s footsteps. To be the man he raised me
to be. I don’t know who my mother is. From what he told me, she took off after I was born and never
came back. I didn’t question him. He was all I needed when it came to parental figures.
Then, he died.
I’d been heartbroken when he’d died. In my grief I was a dick, and I took it out on those around
me. I even hurt the ones closest to me with the way I acted. I was spiraling out of control. I even lost
my seat as VP for six months. The club voted I needed to go Nomad for a while, and I did. I’d always
thought I’d be the President of the Devil’s Riot MC Tennessee charter growing up, but when Blow
took the seat, I was pissed.
However, while I was out on the road, I realized why he got the title and I didn’t. It’s what my
father wanted on his deathbed. He’d told Sniper, and a few of the other older members agreed with
him, so they voted Blow in as Prez and me as the VP.
Looking back, I get the reason for this, and I wasn’t the only one to be raised the same way and
not follow in my father’s footsteps. Stoney’s son, Horse, is a VP and doesn’t hold it against Twister
for taking what I figured should have been his. But that situation was different since they were starting
a whole new charter.
Foolish is what I guess you could say I was, but now, I understand.
I also know that Blow, being my best friend, didn’t want to take the position from me, but in my
grief-stricken mind, I didn’t see it that way. During my time on the road, though, I cleared my mind
and found I was blinded, and because of that, I was doing dumb shit.
I took my time to get my head together, and in doing so, I went to places my dad told me about
growing up. The different places that he’d gone to when he was younger. I even found out about the
woman who gave birth to me and why she gave me up. Her name was Renee, and according to the old
man who knew my parents, she was a wild child and did what was best by leaving me to my dad to
raise. Said she wouldn’t have been a good mom not when she wasn’t able to take care of her own self
without help.
By the time I got back to the clubhouse, I’d been from the west coast and back to the east coast. I
spent a few weeks in North Carolina, in Buxton, staying in a motel right on the beach. It was peaceful
and I’d given into the grief and moved on. I know I’ll always miss the man who raised me, and he’d
be disappointed to learn I let him down the way I did, but I’m back now, and I intend to do my job
without making any more waves.
Or at least I wasn’t intending on making any more.
However, life has a way of always fucking with us when we least expect it.

“What the fuck? Seriously? Cat shit? Fuck,” Lucky yells, dropping the diaper he’d had in his hand.
“She got you again.” I chuckle, grinning at my brother, knowing Chelsea was at it again. Glancing
in her direction, I find her beaming mischievously. If it wasn’t for Rain demanding all of us taking
part in the games she planned, none of us would be caught dead playing baby shower games. But it’s
for Storm and Blow, so we all put up with it since Storm isn’t just the ol’ lady to the Prez, she’s a club
princess.
“I’m out of here,” Lucky grumbles and mutters under his breath that he is going to make Chelsea
pay for her stunt.
I shake my head and move away from the table, not getting anywhere near the diaper game
Chelsea put together for Rain. It’s a good thing I knew she’d been helping otherwise I might have
fallen victim to her pranks. I swear the woman is hysterical when it comes to this type of shit. When
she first got to the clubhouse, she’d fucked with a clubwhore—or, as the ol’ ladies have dubbed them,
a ‘fallen harlot’—who Lucky was with at the time. I think she’d done something with honey and bees,
and I believe she released her snake in the woman’s room.
A few minutes later, Lucky rushes back inside, his face contoured with fury. “Brace, cops pulling
up. A shit ton of them,” he yells and looks straight to Blow, who rushes over to where Storm’s sitting
on the couch. “Raid.”
“Motherfucker,” I growl, right before officers wearing tactical gear rush into the clubhouse, guns
pointed out in front of them as they order us to get on the ground.
Thankfully, the clubhouse is clean, we don’t keep anything here on the off chance something like
this were to happen. Calmly, I do as told, my brothers following suit. I keep my head facing the
officers not wanting to be surprised by anything on the off chance something was to happen.
The front doors open again, and two other men come in dressed in suits that look to have seen
better days, a badge clipped to their belts, a hand on the guns holstered at their sides. If I was in a
position to make jokes, I’d say they’re trying too hard to mimic one another or some shit like that. One
of them speaks to one of the officers while the other scans over us until he locks eyes with mine and
points in my direction as he speaks quietly to his partner.
They seem to agree about something and nod in unison. The one who I’m guessing thinks he’s got
the bigger dick steps toward me. “Brick Tucker. Stand up and put your hands behind your back.”
Not wanting to cause problems when there doesn’t need to be any, I do as I’m told, though I make
a point to show them I’m none too happy about it as I demand to know what’s going on. “What the
fuck is going on?”
“You’re under arrest on a count of sexually assaulting a minor,” the other one declares.
Hold the fuck on. This shit ain’t right. “I didn’t fuckin’ touch some minor. You’ve got it all
wrong,” I protest, not liking this shit one bit.
“Right, well, we’ll see what you say down at the station.” The one who moves behind me and
slaps the cuffs on my wrist scoffs as the other starts reading my rights.
I look at Blow and see the murderous glint in his eyes as he meets mine. He knows me and knows
I wouldn’t have done anything that they’ve claimed I’ve done. There’s no way I’d ever touch a minor
anyway, and I sure as hell wouldn’t have assaulted one. This has to be a setup, and I’m sure I can
guess who’s behind it, but it’ll take a fuck load of time to prove it if given the chance.
I allow the officers to drag me out of the clubhouse and put me in the back of a squad car. I’m not
going to fight them. I do that, I screw myself, and I’m not a stupid man, not by a long shot. My dad
didn’t raise me to be a fool. I’ll bide my time until I get to the station and my brothers are able to get
Markus there. Then I’ll find out what they have and get this shit dealt with.
CHAP T E R O N E
NINE S
Pacing the length of my cell, I release a frustrated breath. I can’t believe this shit. After getting to the
station, I’d been processed and taken straight to a cell. No one has spoken to me since.
I want to demand they tell me what grounds they have for thinking I’d done something like assault
a minor and when I had time to do that shit. I mean fuck, I’ve got enough going on that I don’t need this
to top the cake.
I’m sure my brothers are out there waiting to find out what’s happening. This is total bullshit. I
know it, and whoever the hell is behind this also knows it.
“Tucker.”
I spin around at my name being called and glare at the man making his way toward me. “Adams,”
I glower, keeping eye contact with the other man.
“Markus is here. I’m taking you to an interrogation room,” he announces, and steps close to the
bars of the cell. “Sorry about this. I wish I could’ve stopped this all from happening.”
“What from happening?” I demand, keeping my voice low.
“You being arrested.”
“I didn’t do it.”
The door to my cell is unlocked, and Adams motions for me to turn around. I do as he says, not
fighting him while he slaps the cuffs to my wrists. “I know you didn’t. It’s a setup, and a few of us are
trying to figure out who’s behind it. But there’s a rumor that someone’s none too happy with the club,
and they intend to make you all hurt before it’s all said and done with.”
“Fuck,” I grumble under my breath but am surprised by the information Adams shares with me.
“Come on, let me get you to the interrogation room. Detective Hanson has been chomping at the
bit to speak with you but couldn’t ‘cause Markus called ahead of our arrival, stating no one was to
speak to his client before he got here.”
“And yet, you’re speaking to me,” I snort, shaking my head.
“Yeah,” Adam chuckles quietly, “but only to give you a bit of information you need, so you know
what you’re fucking dealing with.”
We fall silent as he takes my arms and guides me from the cell.
In no time at all, I’m in a small room with a mirrored window. Adams uncuffs my hands from
behind my back only to re-cuff them in front.
“Go ahead and sit.,” he says, motioning to one of the chairs facing the mirrored window. “Markus
will be here soon.”
“Already here, Adams,” Markus announces his entrance as he stalks into the door. “You aren’t
already starting the party without me, are you, officer?”
I chuckle at the man’s demeanor.
Adams turns away from the mirror and smirks to Markus. “Just updating your client on things I’m
sure he’ll fill you in on. I will suggest getting him out of here as soon as you can and not taking any
pleas they may try to get him to agree to.”
“Right,” Markus mutters, his lips barely moving with the one word. “Tell whoever is to come in
here that I would like a few moments alone with my client before they interrogate him.”
“Will do.” With that, Adams leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
Markus turns toward me and sighs. “This isn’t what I want to be doing right now,” he grumbles,
coming to sit next to me. “I was in the middle of something highly important when I got the call. Better
be happy I dropped what I was doing and hauled ass here.”
“Let me guess, you were getting your dick sucked and got interrupted?” I quirk a brow, knowing
the man far too well. I also know he goes out of town to get his pleasures taken care of, not wanting to
deal with anyone locally. Markus tries to keep his private life away from those who could attempt to
use it against him.
“Of course, I was,” he scoffs. “The bitch was trying to treat my cock like a Tootsie Pop and
wanted to get to the center of it. Damn, the woman was good at it too. Just as I was about to blow . . .”
He grins as I chuckle.
“Well excuse me for being arrested while you’re out getting your rocks off. Next time do tell me
and I’ll make sure to be a good boy until you finish,” I snark sarcastically.
“You do that.” Markus smirks before his expression changes altogether, and he asks me to tell him
what Adams said along with what happened.
I tell him everything that happened at the clubhouse and what Adams said. Markus’s brows snap
together, and I note the way his jaw clenches.
Shortly after, the door opens and I know whatever we’re about to hear them claim is going to
seriously piss me off, and unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it. At least for the time being.
However, when I get this shit taken care of, I’m going to find who’s behind it and make them pay in
the worse way possible. I just need to clear my name first.
CHAP T E R T WO
M E A DOW

One Month Later . . .

I smile as I glance around me. After all the hard work I’ve put in, I can officially say I am finally the
owner of a chic boutique. One day, I want it so that I only carry clothing designs that I create, but for
now, I have other designers set out. I do have several of my own on display as well.
Growing up all I ever wanted to do was be a fashion designer. I dreamed of going to New York
and getting my name out there. But that dream deflated with each year I got older. If my dad had it his
way, I’d be nothing . . . a nobody. See, when I was seven, my mom up and left me with my dad after
one of their fights. They always fought, and she said she was done. I wish she’d taken me with her, but
it seems I didn’t matter to her, considering I haven’t heard from her in years. Not a birthday card,
Christmas, Easter, nada. She couldn’t care less about me.
By this time in my life, I’d learned to stay clear of my dad as much as possible, but it didn’t stop
what was to come. When I turned ten, he took it upon himself to put his hands on me. If I didn’t let him
touch me, however he wanted, then he’d beat me. I figured the touching wasn’t as bad as the beatings.
I shudder to think about the times he would put his hands on me. I wouldn’t bring my friends over
out of fear of him doing something to them. He was strict and I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere unless
he said I could. As I got older, he gave me a part-time job at the hardware store he owned. I didn’t
want to work there and dreaded every day I had to be there because it meant he touched me.
I lucked out that he never took it further than his hands on my body and inserting his fingers inside
me. When I started at the hardware store, he’d force me to do things I didn’t want, like touching him,
stroking him, and worse, he had me put my mouth on him.
By that point, I was wishing my life was different in every way you can imagine.
It all changed when I was seventeen. I met Johnny. We started dating and I wasn’t around my dad
as much. I guess I should’ve known then that it was by his doing that I ended up with Johnny because
it all came to a head on my eighteenth birthday when Johnny raped me in front of my dad who got to
enjoy the show.
After that night, I ran away from home and hid as much as I could. I didn’t need Johnny or my dad
to find me. Not when they both swore ownership of me like I’m property instead of a person. My dad
said I would never escape either of them, but I did.
I ran.
I ran as far as I could. I’d been saving every dollar given to me. I took my money and used it to get
away from them all. I signed up for online courses to take my college classes while I worked under
the table at a pool hall. I thought it a miracle the day I walked in and met Gavril. At first, he didn’t
want to give me a job, but he must have seen something in my eyes because he gave it to me anyway.
Gavril had only two rules for me. They were if I saw something I shouldn’t I was to keep my
mouth shut, and if my problems ever caught up to me, to tell him immediately.
I learned in the time I worked for Gavril what he meant about keeping my mouth shut. There were
a lot of shady things that happened in the pool hall. I also found out that Gavril was a part of the
Romanian mafia. Evidently, he took care of business in this area. I never asked him about it, either.
Over the years, he became a father figure to me, protecting me in every way I could have imagined a
father being. One night I ended up telling him about my dad and ex-boyfriend and ended up pleading
with Gavril not to go and do anything. I didn’t want to take any chances. Though Gavril reluctantly
gave in, I knew if given the chance, he’d kill them.
When I finally had enough money saved and finished my courses, I moved here to Bullsgap,
Tennessee. I’d told Gavril my reason for picking this town and he made me promise that I would keep
in contact with him as much as possible. He even said he’d be visiting.
Now, here I am, a business owner, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m in a town where I’m as safe as I
could ever be because I know my dad would never look for me in this place. I remember the stories
of how he was never going to come back to this place, calling it a hellhole.
I shake off the thoughts that I best left sealed in the past. I’m safe where I am, and nothing will
happen to me again.
CHAP T E R T H R E E
M E A DOW
Since opening my doors a month ago, I’ve already gotten quite a bit of business. I didn’t expect to
take off so well at first and I couldn’t be happier.
During the day, I try to work on some of my new designs while open to the public. At night, I
finish what I’ve started. Some of my customers who buy my clothes have even put in a request for
things they want. I have a couple of gowns to make that will cost a mint. I mean thousands of dollars.
I find it crazy how everything is working out for me, and I’m just thrilled to be working.
I’m sitting in front of one of my mannequins working on the seams of one of the skirts I’d designed
when the bell rings over the door announcing someone’s arrival. I peek up over one of the racks and
smile at my visitors.
“Hey, Storm, Chelsea,” I greet them.
“How’s it going, Meadow?” This coming from Storm.
“Hey yourself, chick-a-dee,” Chelsea says at the same time.
The two of them were my very first customers and they’d bought several pieces each.
“What brings y’all in here this afternoon?” I ask and look down to what I’m doing to make sure
I’m at a stop where I can drop the material without messing it up.
“Nothing much.” Chelsea shrugs and starts looking through the racks. “Did you get any more of
those off-the-shoulder tops in?”
“No, but I am in the middle of making a few myself.”
“Sweet.” She beams me with a radiant smile. “Your clothes rock.”
“Thank you.” I return her smile with one of my own and look to Storm to see her also smiling.
“We wanted to come by and invite you to a cookout at the clubhouse,” Storm announces.
“Clubhouse?” I furrow, not understanding what she’s talking about.
“The Devil’s Riot MC clubhouse,” she clarifies.
“Ahh, oh, okay.” I nod, now understanding. I forgot that she’d said her man was in an MC. I
swallow not thinking it a good idea. I’m really not wanting to be around large crowds, especially
men.
Sure, working at the pool hall, I had to deal with men, but I had Gavril with me, and he protected
me. He’s not here to do that now, and I’m not sure I could handle something happening.
I also don’t want to seem rude by declining.
“Um, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it. When are you talking about having the cookout?” I ask.
“It’s Saturday. You just come over whenever you can. It’ll be going well into the night, though I
must say the earlier, the better,” Storm answers.
Chelsea, on the other hand, snorts. “Yeah, ‘cause the skanks come out after dark. Which reminds
me, I need to pick up some mousetraps.”
I cock a brow at her random reminder. “Why do you need mousetraps?”
Storm giggles as Chelsea grins as big as the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
“I have to have my fun when I can, and I heard a certain harlot is thinking of screwing with us, so I
intend to make sure she regrets that decision.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “And you’re going to do it with mousetraps?”
“Babe, it’s gonna be more than those. That’s just part of it.” She waggles her brow.
“Oh lord, do I even want to know what else you’re intending to do?”
 “I wouldn’t ask if I were you,” Storm suggests. “I say come and see what happens.”
“I don’t know.” I nibble my bottom lip, wondering how to get out of this without being rude. I like
Storm and Chelsea. I haven’t had friends in a long time. My phone chirps on the counter and I excuse
myself to check to see who it is. I’m expecting a message from one of the ladies who wanted a gown
to confirm an appointment I’d sent to schedule with her.
I pick up the phone and see it’s a message from Gavril telling me to expect him this weekend.
I sigh in relief to have a reason to miss the cookout.
“Sorry,” I mutter, turning back to Storm and Chelsea, waving my phone, “I just found out I have a
visitor coming in this weekend.”
“That’s okay. Bring ‘em along if you want,” Chelsea says.
“I’ll see, but I’ll let you know one way or the other,” I say, hoping that will appease them both.
“Okay.” Storm nods and smiles. “Text me if you’re able to make it,” she says and checks the time
on her watch. “I’ve got to get back to the clubhouse myself, Blow will be wondering where I am, and
the triplets need to be fed.”
I smile as they turn to leave. I can’t believe Storm has triplets and looks the way she does. She’s
beautiful with her stark raven-colored hair full of wild curls. I kind of wish that in some ways I was
just as beautiful, but I’m nowhere compared in looks.
Growing up I was always this bright blonde-haired girl who was on the short end of the stick
when it came to people picking on me and calling me a dumb blonde. I’ve heard every dumb blonde
joke there is. The older I got, my hair went from nearly white-blonde to a darker dirty blonde. So
many times, I’ve thought of just dying it, but then I rethink it and change my mind.
Needing to finish what I’m working on, I get back to work and push thoughts of anything else out
of my mind. For now, it’s just me and the clothes that I’m working on and that’s all I need. The rest
can wait.

“So, what do you want to do today?” I ask Gavril as I lift my coffee mug to my lips. He’d come in last
night and taken me out to dinner.
I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he got here. He reminds me of one of my favorite
actors, Ryan Hurst, but I wouldn’t let him know that. He’d scoff at the idea. Still, he has the graying
beard and all. I don’t understand why he’s never been married or ever has a woman with him, though
that’s not to say I haven’t seen women leaving his office when working at the bar.
“We’re going out this afternoon,” he declares, eyes leveling a knowing look on me.
“Where?” I cock a brow in curiosity.
“I have business to attend to and will be meeting my cousin, Dorin Dragomir, at the Devil’s Riot
MC clubhouse. I’ve been invited to stay for the cookout to spend time with him and his family. I
would like for you to join me as well.”
At his announcement, I spew my coffee back into the mug, thankfully not spitting it all over the
table, and stare at him with wide eyes. “You want me to what?”
“You’ll join me at this cookout,” he says, furrowing his brow.
“But I never go with you to attend business.” I set my mug down and sit back in my seat unsure if I
should drink more out of fear of possibly choking.
Gavril sits forward, sets his own mug down, and reaches out to cup the side of my face. “You’ve
been through a lot, fiică mea frumoasa.”
What does that mean?” I blurt out. It’s not the first time he’s said it over the years.
Smiling, Gavril drops his hand. “It means ‘my beautiful daughter’. I’ve seen you as such from the
moment you gave me those eyes asking for a job. Since then, I’ve taken it upon myself to treat you as
one.”
My heart stutters a beat, then another, before regaining composure, but it doesn’t stop the tears
from welling up in my eyes. “I wish you were my father as well,” I inform him, my breath hitching.
“So, say you will come and meet the rest of your family then,” he declares.
“I have a confession to make,” I say shyly.
“And that is?”
“I was already invited to this cookout.”
“By whom?” he demands, slightly stiffening.
“Two women that I’ve become friends with. They wanted me to come and hang out with them.”
“Then you’ll be able to spend time with them then.” He grins and taps the table.
I nod, not saying anything further. I guess it looks like I’ll be going to this cookout. Suppose I
could make a couple of desserts or something. I used to make them all the time and take them to the
pool hall. It got to the point that Gavril demanded I sell them if I was going to make them.
I haven’t done any baking since being here. I could whip up some cupcakes or brownies, maybe
even a pie or two.
CHAP T E R F O U R
NINE S
“We still don’t know who we’re dealing with,” Lucky says, releasing a harsh breath. “I’ve been
working with Keys around the clock to figure out what the hell is going on.”
“Everything we’ve found so far leads us back to Storm’s biological father,” Keys adds.
I grind my teeth together and ball my hands into fists. I’d like nothing more than to beat the hell out
of something . . . anything. Since being released out on bond, I feel like I’m walking on a tightrope
unable to do anything without my every move being watched. Hell, I’m damn lucky to even be out
right now. From what the police have it definitely looks as if I’d done it, but I’m being set up and we
all damn well know it, including the detectives doing the investigating.
“We need a fuckin’ break in this. First, the damn sleazy lawyer ends up in the ditch with my
woman’s name carved into him and then the sperm donor shows up dead outside our gates. And to top
it all off, Nines is arrested for a crime we all know he didn’t fuckin’ commit,” Blow growls, sounding
close to as if he’s about to blow his lid.
“We also have Rain’s father and brothers coming in today to meet with us,” Sniper reminds us.
I’d forgotten the Dragomirs were coming. I knew my father was cousins with Dorin, but he’d kept
a lot of information about the family a secret. I only learned most of it when he’d been diagnosed with
lung cancer. He didn’t want me to be blindsided and said that it was imperative that I not speak with
anyone other than those who know the truth.
“I know,” Blow grunts. “Dorin spoke with me yesterday of his cousin joining us with information
that might help us in figuring all of this out.”
“Do we know anything more about this group called the Crimson Bloods?” I ask looking to Keys.
“No just that Douglas Mann was a part of it along with his brother, but no name for him is
mentioned. We’re in the dark about who he is,” Keys answers, grimacing. None of us like the fact we
don’t know what’s going on, and it’s not easy to deal with being in the dark.
“Keys, keep looking, maybe talk with Nerd, he might be able to help give insight,” Blow states,
bringing the gavel down on the table. “Let’s get out there and see what’s happening.”
Meaning the man wants to check on Storm and the triplets. I still can’t believe they had triplets.
Three boys at that. They’re just over a month now, and Blow is as protective over them as he is over
his woman. Not that I blame him. If I had a kid, I’d be the same way.
Filing out of the room, Blow and I are two of the last to leave.
“You talk to Markus today?” he asks.
“Yeah, he’s meeting with Adams and another guy Monday about what’s going on,” I inform him
and release a harsh breath. I don’t like to think about the bullshit I’m in right now. But more often than
not, I find myself doing just that. Who wouldn’t, though? I’m being charged for a crime I didn’t
commit. I’m being set up. I don’t like any of it and it straight up pisses me off that I can’t do anything
about the charges right now.
On top of that, no matter my alibi which is airtight since they have me on video footage. The cops
handling the case wouldn’t listen to either Markus or myself. They claim to have my DNA from the
scene, but that can’t be possible ‘cause I don’t even know who the hell the girl is they’ve got saying I
raped her. One of the detectives showed me her picture and I about puked in my mouth at the sight of
her. She’s not only a minor but looks like a little kid, but evidently, she’s seventeen. There’s no way
I’d have touched that.
 “That’s good. We’ll get this taken care of and prove you didn’t do shit.”
“Just wish this shit didn’t happen in the first place.” I shake my head slightly as the main door
catches my eye as it opens.
Stepping inside, I’m caught off guard as not only do Dorin and his son walk in, behind them is
another man and woman. The woman is absolutely beautiful with her blonde hair falling over her
shoulders. She’s dressed in jeans and open flannel shirt over a black tank top. And strangely enough
she’s carrying a tray in her hands.
“Blow,” Dorin calls, getting my attention.
“Dorin,” Blow greets the other man.
“Where’s my granddaughter and great-grandsons?” Dorin demands, cocking a brow.
“Tată,” Rain yells from across the room causing Dorin to spin to face her. Behind her stands
Sniper, his eyes glued to his woman as she makes fast work of closing the distance between her and
her father.
Dorin was supposed to have visited before now, but business kept him from being able to do so.
This is the first time he’s seen her in years, I suppose.
“Fiică.”
If I could leave, I’d suggest we give them a moment of privacy, but there’s no time for that. Dorin
and his son are here for a reason. To provide us with information that he has on the Crimson Bloods.
“I better go get my woman and the boys,” Blow mutters. “Stay here and find out who the hell the
other man and woman are.”
“You got it,” I grunt.
Not exactly what I want to do, but I’ll do it regardless. We don’t need any more surprises.
Before I have the chance to do as Blow asks, Storm and Chelsea step out of the kitchen. Chelsea
stops dead while Storm smiles, their gazes on the new people that have come in.
Chelsea shocks me though when she calls out, “Meadow.”
The woman who came in behind Dorin and his son blinks and smiles brightly.
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to come,” Storm adds. “Where’s your visitor, did you
leave them at home?”
“Oh, um, I . . . no,” Meadow says meekly and glances at the man next to her. “This is Gavril.”
“Ladies,” Gavril states, looking at them briefly before pressing a hand to Meadow’s lower back
and saying something only she can hear.
Meadow nods and bites her lower lip before stepping toward Storm and Chelsea holding out the
containers she’s carrying. “I brought goodies,” she announces shyly.
I don’t know what it is about her, but she catches my attention. Too bad this isn’t the time.
Especially not knowing who she is to this Gavril and what he’s doing here in the first place.
CHAP T E R F I V E
M E A DOW
Tension, like any other, takes over my body. I swear if I could, I’d run home quicker than a person can
say ‘Cracker Jack’. Unfortunately, Gavril drove, and there’s no way he’ll be leaving anytime soon,
considering we just got here. He hasn’t spoken to anyone as we stand a few feet behind the other two
men we’d come inside with.
But the moment Storm and Chelsea spot me, some of the tension eases from within me. Mainly
because Gavril said I was safe here and safer than anywhere else I could think of being. I didn’t
understand what he meant by that, but I trust Gavril more than anyone.
“I brought goodies.” I smile and hold the containers up for Chelsea and Storm to see.
“Awesome,” Chelsea remarks.
“You didn’t have to bring anything,” Storm says, smiling. “Though goodies are never turned away.
Come on, we’ll put them in the kitchen for the time being until we’re ready to set everything up
outside. The guys will be grilling in just a bit.”
“Oh, am I too early?” I glance from the two women whom I call friends to look around the room,
mainly seeing all men and only one other woman who’s standing in the embrace of what I can only
assume is her father.
“Nope,” Chelsea says, taking the containers from me. “Now, let’s go see what you brought for
us.”
I love the way she seems to ignore the others in the room like they’re not even there. I follow her
as Storm states she’ll join us in a few minutes.
“So, you’re a Dragomir?” Chelsea asks.
“What?” I frown at the sudden question.
“You were standing with Storm’s grandfather and his men. One of them spoke directly to you.”
“You mean Gavril?”
Chelsea lifts a brow in curiosity and cocks her head slightly. “If that’s his name, then yeah.”
“I’m not related to him. He’s, um . . . a friend.” I don’t want to get into my past right now.
“Right.”
Storm joins us before Chelsea has a chance to question me further and with her is the other
woman whom I’m guessing is Storm’s mom, and I’m right when Storm introduces me. “Meadow, this
is my mom, Rain.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smile and stick my hand out for her to shake.
“Same.” Rain smiles.
I don’t know what it is, but being around her makes me nervous. Especially when a man comes
into the kitchen and wraps his arms around her. But what makes my nerves spike is how familiar he
looks and the reason for the similarities. It can’t be possible. God knows, I hope not.

I spend the next couple of hours talking with Chelsea and Storm. The amazing part is meeting Storm’s
three baby boys. I noticed right off that Storm’s man stuck close to her if not directly next to her the
entire time.
The way he seemed to always keep an eye on Storm and help her if she needed it with the babies,
I have to say is sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a man do that. Though when would I, considering
what my life’s been like?
Gavril finally introduced me, after he met with the rest of the men, to the two we walked in with,
Dorin and his son, Caturix. I thought it strange that his daughter was named Rain while his son is
named after a god. When I blurted this out, I got a grin from all three men.
“I made a deal with my wife that for a son, I’ll name him, and she was allowed to name our
daughter,” Dorin explains and lowers his voice. “However, I would appreciate you not speaking
outside those who know about Rain.”
I nod, understanding his meaning, and end up rambling, “I know how to keep quiet. You can ask
Gavril. I see but speak nothing of what’s before me, so I won’t do that to you. I mean, I like Rain and
your granddaughter. Storm’s become a friend since I moved here.”
Gavril tucks me into his side and chuckles. “Calm down, little one,” he murmurs.
“Right.” I nod and swallow nervously before excusing myself.
A short while later is when I really feel myself on the verge of a panic attack. This is due to the
man who looks familiar. I learn he’s Rain’s husband, and he sits across from me at a picnic table.
“Can I help you?” I ask, unsure of what else to say.
“Just curious as to where you’re from,” he says, keeping his eyes on me.
I divert my eyes and lick my lips drily while looking for Gavril. When I don’t see him anywhere,
my panic starts to increase further.
“Um.” This is all I manage to get out. I don’t know what else to say. I’m scared of this man, and I
don’t mean to be.
I can’t take it anymore and bolt out of my seat. Without making an excuse for leaving, I rush out of
there, only to plow right into a wall. Well, not a wall but a well-built man.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out, looking up at the face of the man I’d just run into.
“What’s the hurry?” the guy asks, giving me a lopsided grin that I swear makes him even more
gorgeous than he already is. I’d noticed him before while he was walking around.
I can’t help but think about how beautiful of a man he is. I’ve always been a sucker for a guy
wearing a hat and muscles, though I’d never been one to take action on that. I’m damaged beyond
repair, and there’s no way this sexy man would even really be looking at me if I hadn’t run into him.
“Oh, um, it’s just getting late, and I’ve got to go,” I blather and step away.
“You’re Meadow, right?”
“Ugh, yeah.” I nod and bite my lower lip doing my best to keep my panic down.
“I’m Nines,” he introduces himself, holding a hand out for me to take.
I tentatively but quickly do so and step away, ready to bolt. “Nice to meet you,” I say and drop his
hand. “But I’m just leaving so . . . I’ll, um, I’ll see you later.”
Before he can get another word in, I walk away, all but running.
From what I don’t know.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the day with people who are nice, and I haven’t had that in a long
time. Gavril was right, I felt safe here, but my panic kept me from relaxing.
Or maybe I’m running from the man who reminds me so much of the pain and anguish I’ve felt my
entire life.
Though it could also now be due to the man who introduced himself to me.
Regardless, I’m out of here, even if I have to walk. I can’t stay anymore. Otherwise, I’ll
embarrass myself more than I ever thought was possible in front of people who have been nothing but
kind to me.
CHAP T E R S I X
NINE S
I start to go after Meadow, a sense of unease building in my gut. I didn’t like the look in her eyes as
she rushed out of here. I even turn to go after her, but a hand on my shoulder stops me.
“Let her go,” Gavril commands.
During our meeting earlier, after the women left the room, I learned Gavril’s Dorin’s cousin,
making him family to me as well since he would have been my father’s cousin. Though I didn’t know
any of this until Dorin explained it. I swear the whole Dragomir family tree is a mind fuck to
understand because of all their secrets.
Evidently, Gavril handles business for the Dragomir family where he lives. Blow asked him about
the woman who came in with them that the girls seemed to know. Gavril explained that she was a
woman under his protection and was like a daughter to him. He informed us that she’d decided to
move here and open a boutique after finishing school and saving enough money to do so.
“Wanna explain what her deal is?” I demand, sensing the trouble that surrounds the woman. I
watched her throughout the afternoon, thinking she was beautiful. I also saw how nervous she was
around everyone, especially when Sniper sat across from her. From the way she bolted away from
him, you’d have thought her ass was on fire. Then she ran directly into me.
“Only when the time is right will I reveal her secrets,” he answers evasively.
I furrow my brows at the discrete way he spoke, barely noticing Sniper and a few others joining
us. “What does that mean?
“Is she who I think she is?” Sniper growls. His gaze directly on Gavril before the other man can
answer me.
“Who might that be?” Gavril asks in return.
“A damn ghost from my fuckin’ past,” Sniper says, surprising the hell out of me.
“And who might that ghost be?”
Dorin steps between Sniper and Gavril keeping my brother from lunging at Gavril.
“Gavril, you can tell them and trust them,” Dorin remarks passively.
I cock my head slightly, watching Gavril closely as he nods, but Sniper speaks up before he can.
“Tell me that isn’t Libby’s daughter,” Sniper rasps, his voice grated with emotion.
Libby?
As in Nerd’s aunt?
That can’t be right.
Can it?
I was a kid when she’d been around with Nerd’s mom. The two of them seemed tight, and then
both were gone. Nerd’s mom was found, but we’d found out that she just didn’t want to be a mom. At
least that’s what I remember Nerd telling me.
“Are you talking about—” Blow starts, but Gavril interrupts him, breaking through my thoughts.
“Yes, and that’s the only answer you’re going to get from me. I made a promise to that girl, and I
won’t break it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make sure Meadow is okay.” Gavril doesn’t
wait for a response from anyone as he walks in the direction in which Meadow has gone.
But I don’t watch which way he goes, instead, I focus on Sniper and the grave look on his face
that takes over his features.
“Sniper, Libby was your—”
 “Yeah.” Sniper doesn’t let Blow finish. “She was Nerd’s mother’s sister who disappeared years
ago, and none of us could find her.”
“But you found Nerd’s mom when she disappeared around the same time,” I mutter finding myself
confused by this whole mess.
“Yeah, found that bitch,” Sniper sneers. “She didn’t want to be a mom to Nerd. Said she wanted to
live free and be wherever the wind took her. Stupid move on her part. Found out she died three years
after finding her.” He lets out a breath and shakes his head. “Libby, on the other hand, there was no
reason for her to want to up and leave, and there have not been any signs of her anywhere. She all but
vanished into thin air.”
“Fuck,” Blow mutters
“This means this girl is family,” I state the obvious. “We telling Nerd about her?”
“If it’s true, which I fuckin’ believe it is, then yeah, she’s family, and Nerd deserves to know he’s
got a cousin.” Sniper nods and reaches up to rake a hand through his hair in frustration. “However, I
don’t know what happened to that girl. What I do know, though, is she’s not only the spitting image of
her mother, but she’s also got a ghost in those eyes haunting her. Damn girl couldn’t even stand to be
around me without nearly jumping out of her skin.”
“I want Keys to look into her,” Blow says and looks to Dorin. “Do you know anything else about
this girl?”
“I only know what Gavril has told me over the years,” he answers, his nostrils flaring. “And I
agree with him. She is under the protection of the Dragomir family.”
“Right,” Blow grumbles, shaking his head and looks to me. “You talk to Keys. We’ve got enough
going on with the cops and your shit. We don’t need more drama if we can keep that from happening.”
“I’ll talk to him. And hopefully, Markus will be able to get me out of this shit sometime soon,” I
say, curling my lip upward in disgust at the thought of the shitshow I’m dealing with. “Chelsea’s been
reading through those journals Douglas had, and I’m going with my gut that all of this connects to
what’s in those journals.”
“I agree with you,” Sniper adds. “I read them myself, and Douglas seemed to be scared in the last
entries about his brother. It’s why he put everything in Storm’s name. He knew she didn’t want
anything to do with the companies. When he came to the clubhouse, it was a front. I think his brother
and the Crimson Blood Clan are behind this.”
“Exactly my thoughts. We have to watch our backs and hope like hell this shit blows over and we
get Nines out of trouble and keep them from causing more,” Blow grinds out. “I’ve got a woman and
three newborns, I don’t need to be dealing with these bastards as well.”
“You worry about those babies and Storm,” I state firmly. “I’ll handle the rest. It’s not like you
haven’t handled things for me when I needed you to.”
“Appreciate it, but we’ll work on it together.” Blow nods, meeting my gaze.
I nod, understanding him. He’s got my back just as I’ve got his. But it makes me wonder about
Meadow. Who has hers besides Gavril?
CHAP T E R S E V E N
M E A DOW
Gavril left this morning to go back home after making sure that I was going to be okay. He assured me
that if anything happens, he’s only a phone call away. The man also told me that if I need anything and
I couldn’t get him, then I was to go to the Devil’s Riot MC.
I promised him that I would, but I know there’s no way in hell I can do that. I all but embarrassed
myself in front of them when I ran away as I did. I could barely look at Sniper without being reminded
. . . I shake my head, shoving that thought back as far as I can. I don’t need anyone to help me. I can
take care of myself.
I decided after Gavril left to take a day to simply do nothing. Normally, I would be working on
one of my designs or at the boutique. Today I’m not doing any of that. I spend time binging on Netflix,
watching NCIS. I absolutely love Gibbs and Tony. Oh, and of course, Abby, she’s smart and brazen to
dress however she wants and the tattoos. If I could, I’d be just like her, but I couldn’t do it. Not really.
After a while, I give myself a pedicure and open my Kindle app on my phone. I opened one of the
new books I’d downloaded and started reading. As I get to one of the sex scenes, I find myself
envisioning Nines doing what the couple in the book are doing to me. I clench my thighs together
trying to add pressure between my legs where I need it most. I put the eReader down and close my
eyes as I lean back against the cushions of my couch.
In my mind, it’s as if he’s standing right in front of me, giving me that sexy smirk. I run my hands
down my body tweaking my nipples, leaving one hand to toy with them while I slip the other under the
band of my shorts and panties. I gasp at how wet I am. I stroke a finger through my folds, enjoying the
feel of them as I envision them being Nines’s. I lift my hips slightly off the couch, moaning as I dip a
finger inside my entrance. But in my mind, it’s not mine. It’s Nines’s and he’s toying with me. Slow
and easy. Teasing me until I’m begging for him to give me more. I add a second finger and wish I had
a vibrator. Something thicker than my nimble fingers.
The orgasm that washes over me doesn’t take away the need for something else, but it helps
marginally.
Pulling my fingers from under the band of my shorts, I get up and go into the kitchen to wash my
hands. I’m surprised I allowed myself to do something so daring. I’ve never done anything like
daydream about a man I don’t even know while touching myself. It’s not who I am, but I can’t say I
didn’t enjoy it. Maybe I’ll do it again. Or better, I could order at least a bullet or something to make it
even better.
Though I should probably not touch myself again thinking of a complete stranger. No matter how
sexy he is.
I mean, technically, I can’t even call him a stranger because I know his name and that he’s a part
of a club that I was told I could trust to protect me if I need them. As quickly as the thought pops into
my head, I shake it away. I don’t need anyone to do anything for me. And I definitely don’t want my
problems put on anyone else.
Drying my hands, I grab a snack and head back to the couch to binge more NCIS until I pass out.
Tomorrow, I go back to work and, hopefully, I can forget about Nines and how good he looks. This
shouldn’t be hard considering I most likely won’t see him again.
At the sound of the bell over the door ringing, I glance up from the seam of a dress I’m working on to
see who’s entered my shop. My heart skips slightly at the sight of who my customers are. Well, I’m
sure they’re not here as customers. That is I know one of them isn’t, and I don’t think the other would
like anything I sell here. Then again, who knows. But I didn’t think Rain or Sniper are here to shop,
not with the way Sniper is looking at me.
I drop the hem of the dress and stand, straightening the front of the chic top I put on this morning.
“Can I help you?” I find myself asking as I swallow back my nerves not wanting to seem weak as I’m
sure I did when I all but ran from this man in particular.
“Morning, Meadow,” Rain greets me with a warm smile. “The girls have told me so much about
this shop, I decided I needed to see it for myself,” she says, glancing around. “Did you make most of
these yourself?”
“Um, ugh, no,” I mumble and point toward the racks that contain my pieces. “These are the ones
I’ve done myself. If there’s a certain one you’d be interested in and don’t see your size, I can always
adjust or put an order in to make one for you. I try not to carry too many of the same things in my
designs. I like to be unique in each of my pieces.”
“That’s fantastic.” Rain beams, grabbing hold of Sniper’s bicep, getting his attention. “I’m going
to take a look.”
“Okay, sweetheart,” Sniper says, smiling and bringing his gaze back to mine as Rain moves away
to look at the clothes.
“If you need anything, just let me know,” I state, intending to go back to working on the dress, but
Sniper’s voice stops me from moving.
“Your mom’s name is Libby, isn’t it?”
Ice flows through my veins at the name. A name I haven’t heard in a long time. A very, very long
time. “I don’t know who that is,” I whisper quietly, lying through my teeth.
“You look just like her,” Sniper says, cocking a brow. “From the way you froze at her name, I’m
sure you do know who I’m talking about.”
“Don’t push,” Rain mutters, rejoining her man and placing her hand on his arm. “Remember, I told
you to be gentle and calm about this.”
“Did . . . did you know Libby?” I find myself asking before I can stop myself.
Both Rain and Sniper are looking at me now and I feel as if I’m under the microscope.
“Libby was a friend and my son’s aunt. I was with her sister, Linda, when they both disappeared
around the same time.”
At the mention of Linda, I feel myself paling. I met her a few times and I know she was nothing
more than a whore. My father’s favorite toy to play with when he wasn’t hurting me. I try to shake the
memory, but it’s not easy. Not when this man stands in front of me seeming determined to bring up the
past I’ve tried to forget about by running away.
“I don’t know what you want from me,” I admit, licking my bottom lip and nervously clenching
and unclenching my hands at my sides.
“I just want to know what happened to Libby,” he says gruffly.
“She died,” I answered without thinking. “A long time ago.” I turn away from him and close my
eyes as visions of the past make themselves known in my head. The strangled screams of Libby crying
out in agonizing pain. The images of her laying there, eyes staring sightlessly up at the ceiling, as my
father yelled and threw things because she wasn’t strong enough to do what he wanted. I shake my
head at the utter defeat that I feel.
“You’re her daughter?”
 “Yes,” I breathe, lying to give him the answer he’s looking for. Though in truth it’s me I’m
deceiving. I’ve told myself for years that Libby wasn’t my mother. That the woman who had me ran
away when I was seven and didn’t ever come back. But in truth, that’s when she died.
Sniper doesn’t need to know all of this; it’s why I keep it simple with a one-word answer and not
go into detail about the past. It’s not like he doesn’t know for himself. There’s no hiding the fact I’m
Libby’s daughter and I should have known it would be a bad idea to come to this town. Then again, I
thought no one would have remembered the woman who gave birth to me or the vile man who
impregnated her.
“Fuck,” Sniper rasps gruffly, shaking his head before walking out the door, having gotten the
answer he was looking for.
Rain comes forward and places a hand on either side of my arms. “Don’t worry child, you’re
within family now.”
“No, I’m not,” I whisper giving her a look of denial. “Families are known only to hurt those
they’re supposed to cherish and protect. I’ll never be within a family again. I have only me and that’s
all I need.”
“The thought you think that you don’t need anyone, Meadow, makes my heart ache for you,” Rain
says gingerly, reaching up to place the palm of her hand against my cheek. “No one should be without
having those around who care for them. And I’ll tell you now, if my Sniper knew you’d existed, then
he would have made sure to be a part of your life. To make sure you knew Nerd, his son. I’ll give you
a heads-up, though, he’s most likely on the phone with Nerd now, so be prepared for your cousin to be
coming to meet you.”
Before I can protest, Rain spins on her heels and rushes after Sniper, leaving me with her words
ringing in my head.
CHAP T E R E I G HT
S NIPE R
This is bullshit.
Complete and utter bullshit.
“Sniper,” Rain calls out, but I don’t have it in me to look back to my woman.
Never in my life have I loved a woman as much as I do her. I’d do anything for her, including
dying. She’s my damn world, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care for another. Not in the sense that I do
for Rain. Nowhere near it, but I cared for Libby. She was my son’s aunt, and you could tell she
adored my son. I want to think sometimes she loved Nerd more than even myself.
Libby and Nerd’s mom, Linda, were close, and we’d all grown up together. The two of them and
several others, including a few members of the club. My family was somewhat dysfunctional, but
mainly that had to do with my cousins, Adam, David, and Johnathan. They were a little out there, but
still, they were a part of the group of friends we’d all been back then.
Of course, we all ended up going our separate ways for the most part. I’d been with Linda, and
we ended up having Nerd. A few years later, Linda up and left and when she did Libby disappeared.
No one knew where she’d gone. I was a part of the club, but I’d reached out to my cousins to ask if
they’d heard anything about her.
Eventually, I gave up the search, figuring it was pointless. But now, I know the truth. She’s dead
and something horrible had to have happened to her beforehand. There’s no other way to put it.
“Sniper, honey,” Rain murmurs soothingly.
Taking a deep breath, I glance down to the woman who holds my heart in her hands. “Rain,” I
murmur, turning to pull her in my arms, feeling things for the girl who’s just entered all our lives.
She’s scared out of her mind, that’s surely something anyone can see with their own two eyes. But
more than that, the way she seems to be haunted by demons of her own makes it even harder. I don’t
know what Meadow has been through. I don’t think anyone will until she decides to let someone into
that part of her life and trust them unconditionally with the truth of what’s happened to her in the past.
“She’ll be okay.” Rain leans her head against my chest and holds me to her.
If not for this woman, I don’t know what I’d do without her.
“Yeah, she will be.” I nod, agreeing with my woman. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“She’s scared.”
“I know,” I rasp, closing my eyes. I’d heard what Meadow said to Rain as I walked away. She
thinks she doesn’t need anyone, but she’ll find out soon enough what having a family really means.
She’ll learn the difference between what she said when she gets to know the rest of us.
Meadow might not be my niece by blood, but I cared for her mother, and I’ll make sure she knows
she has nothing to fear here.
“I think you need to have Keys and Nerd look into her past and see what they can find out.”
“Keys is already on it,” I grumble. “He’s coming up blank so far, but I’m sure he’ll have
something for me soon.”
Nodding, Rain leans back and meets my gaze. “Then let’s go home and see if I can’t help you
relax some,” she says, giving me a suggestive look. I grin, liking the way she thinks.
If there’s one thing about my woman, she’s always got a way of making me get my mind off the
troubles causing turmoil in my head, and those ways always include her and her sweet body.
Hours later, I’m waiting on Nerd to get to the clubhouse. I’d called him and broke the news as only I
could. Knowing my son the way I do, his ass hung up on me after saying he was on the way. I’m sure
Cara, his ol’ lady, will be with him. One thing about Nerd is he doesn’t let that woman out of his sight
if he can help it. I don’t blame him, considering the bullshit they’ve been through in the past.
Sitting at the bar, nursing a beer I had one of the prospects get for me, I keep thinking about the
past. Rain left earlier to go with Storm and Chelsea to get some things for Storm and Blow’s house.
To my surprise Blow even let them go, taking the babies with them. The damn man has become even
more protective of Storm lately. I wasn’t all that thrilled when he got with my girl, but only because
she’s my little girl. Maybe not by blood, but I raised Storm alongside Nerd, and she’ll always be my
daughter no matter what. It doesn’t take DNA to make a family.
“Yo, Sniper.”
I jerk my chin upward as I glance at Keys as he joins me. “What’s up?” I ask, hoping he might
have something for me.
“Was able to track down a little bit of information on Meadow,” he informs me and motions to the
prospect to bring him a drink.
“What did you find?” I clench the bottle in my hand and wait for Keys to answer me. From the
look on his face, I’m not sure I want to know, but I need to, all the same.
“It wasn’t much. Was born in a small hospital. Birth certificate confirms Libby as her mom.”
“Does it say who the father is?”
“Yep, name on it is Johnathan Branch.”
I feel my blood freeze in my veins at the mention of the name. “Come again?”
“You heard me. Johnathan Branch.”
Well, fuck me. This just got more damn fucked up. No wonder Meadow is so damn nervous
around me. She’s Johnathan’s daughter, and he and I look damn near identical. Whatever her issues
are, they stem from him. But when I saw Johnathan last, he didn’t have a kid. At least not that I knew
of. Granted, that was years ago. After everything with Libby disappearing, everyone else pretty much
parted ways altogether. Well, those not within the club.
Fuck.
“You have anything else on Meadow?”
“Not much other than she went to school. Made good grades and worked for her dad until she
herself disappeared.” He shrugs and takes the beer the prospect sets in front of him. “I’ll keep
looking, but I’ve got to focus on this shit with the Crimson Blood Clan and Nines.”
“Yeah.” I nod and finish my beer. “Don’t worry about it. Nerd’s coming, and he’ll help with both
sides of things. We’ll get this dealt with and hopefully put a stop to the bastards.”
Nines doesn’t need this shit on him. He’s a good VP. He might have had his faults, but after he got
his head back right, he’s not done a damn thing wrong where this club is concerned. One thing about
the man is he always puts others before himself.
For a brief moment, I think about the way he looked at Meadow . . . nope, not my business. I’m not
getting involved, and I sure as hell ain’t pushing a brother on the girl who, for all intents and
purposes, is technically my niece.
Then again, Nines being with Meadow would ensure she’s safe no matter what.
I swear my woman is rubbing off on me the older I get, and it’s not a damn good thing. Not one
bit.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
Ymmärsin rikokseni ja vannoin vihaavani häntä, joka oli opettanut
minut tuntemaan vereni villin voiman. Seuraavana päivänä tulit sinä.
Sinä teit minut vahvaksi."

Mercatale sanoi poiskäännetyin kasvoin:

"Olisit ollut voimakkaampi, Giovanna, jos olisit seurannut veresi

ääntä. Muistatko, että sanoin, etten halunnut kättäsi, ellei sydämesi
sitä seurannut?"

"Mutta minä, Niccolò, seurasin vain tarvettani rakastaa

miehuullisuutta, voimaa, pelotonta avomielisyyttä. Tahdoin voittaa
oman heikkouteni. Ja minä rakastin jokaista sinun sanaasi, minkä
minulle lausuit, tahtosi puhtautta, ajatustesi viisasta, selvää ja
kiinteätä juoksua. Sinä puhuit kuin oma ylpeyden ja voiman
unelmani, kuin oma isäni. Siksi valitsin sinut enkä — Gentile
Cavalcantia."

"Miksi mainitset hänen nimensä?" kysyi Mercatale, ja kaikki rypyt

hänen kasvoissaan värisivät. "Rakastatko häntä vielä?"

"En", sanoi Giovanna lujasti ja itki kauan. "En. Vaikka hän saisi
kivet puhumaan, ei hän koskaan saa minua uskomaan, että hän
todella on minua rakastanut."

"Ja kuitenkin tietää koko Firenze", sanoi Mercatale, "että hän

rakastaa sinua".

"Mutta sinä, Niccolò, tiedät, etten ole suonut hänelle katsetta enkä
ajatustakaan, sittenkuin annoin lakaista kynnykseltäni hänen
punaiset kukkansa."
 "Mitä minä tiedän sinun ajatuksistasi, Giovanna?" sanoi Mercatale
katkerasti. "Ja mitä sinä itse tiedät? Katso lastasi. Mitä se auttaa,
ettet ole suonut hänelle ajatusta, kun kohtusi on lahjoittanut hänelle
pojan."

"Kohtuni on kätkenyt häpeäni", valitti Giovanna. "Ja minä olen

synnyttänyt unohdetun rikokseni maailmaan. Kunpa olisin kuollut!
Jospa antaisit minulle kuoleman, Mercatale."

"Kuolema on huono lohdutus, Giovanna. Katso, minä jään eloon,

vaikka olen vailla perillistä. Ja minä rakastan yhä, vaikka olen vailla
toivoa. Giovanna, Giovanna, kun vanha mies rakastaa, niin hänen
satonsa tähkät ovat tyhjiä, ja hän on sen ansainnut."

*****

Giovanna paadutti mielensä. Hän ei enää tahtonut panna lasta

rinnalleen eikä nähdä sitä. Sille täytyi hankkia imettäjä. Päiviä ja öitä
hän makasi taistellen äidinkaipuutansa vastaan. Maito kuohui
kiinteässä rinnassa, kuin se olisi ääneti huutanut lapsen suuta. Mutta
Giovanna ei tahtonut. — "En nouse vuoteestani, Niccolo, ennenkuin
täytät tahtoni", sanoi hän.

Vihdoin Mercatale noudatti hänen tahtoaan ja antoi viedä lapsen

Cavalcantin palatsille. Hän antoi imettäjän jäädä sen kanssa
porttiholvin suojaan ja meni itse talon herraa kohti, jonka hän näki
kiertävän pylväspihan suihkukaivoa. Kun Mercatale lähestyi,
pysähtyi Gentile sen paasien märälle lumelle, ei vastannut hänen
tervehdykseensä, vaan katseli lumihiutaleita, jotka sulivat altaan
tummaan veteen.

Mercatale meni hänen luokseen ja sanoi puoliääneen:

 "Gentile Cavalcanti, minä tuon teille vaimoltani jotakin, joka on
teidän omaisuuttanne."

"Mitä?" kysyi Gentile myrkyllisesti ja katkerasti. "Ehkäpä oman

sydämeni vadissa?"

"Ainakin omaa lihaanne ja vertanne tuossa noilla käsivarsilla",

sanoi
Mercatale hiljaa, omituisesti hymyillen.

Gentile punastui ja kouraisi kädellään kaivon hienoa vesisuihkua.

"Omaa lihaani ja vertani, messer Mercatale?"

"Poikanne", sanoi Mercatale ja osoitti porttia kohti.

Gentile ei liikahtanut. Mutta Mercatale veti häntä viitasta ja

kuiskasi kalseasti ja tiukasti:

"Vaimoni on synnyttänyt pojan, jonka hän väittää olevan teidän.

Hän lähettää lapsen teille ja sanoo minun kauttani: Niinkuin hän
lähettää teille tämän lapsen, niin hän pyyhkii elämästään
viimeisenkin muiston teistä."

"Messer Mercatale", sanoi Gentile raskain hengenvedoin, jotka

kumahtelivat kuin veren painosta. "Vastatkaa vaimollenne, että jos
hän tahtoo antaa minulle pojan, tulkoon ensin itse minun luokseni.
Muista kuin hänen käsistään en ota sitä vastaan."

"Te unohdatte kuka vaimoni on. Siveämpää naista ei ole

Firenzessä eikä koko maailmassa."

"Mitä on siveys, messer Mercatale?"

 "Siveys, Gentile Cavalcanti? Siveys on ylpeyttä."

"Sanokaa monna Giovannalle minun puolestani, että hänen

siveytensä on pelkuruutta."

"Ja sanotteko sitä pelkuruudeksi, että äiti lähettää vastasyntyneen

lapsensa luotansa, että hän vapaasta tahdostaan, ollakseen puhdas
vilpistä, sanoo miehelleen: Tämä ei ole poikasi. Ja mitä te tiedätte
rakkaudesta, kun ette lankea polvillenne lapsen eteen, joka on omaa
lihaanne ja vertanne?"

"Rakkaus, messer Mercatale", sanoi Gentile hiljaa ja pudistaen

päätään, "merkitsee teille suvun jatkamista ja isän-onnea ja hyveen
kaunistamaa vaimoa. Oi, minä rakastan rakkauden itsensä vuoksi."

"Tosiaan", sanoi Mercatale ja meni nopeasti porttia kohden, "silloin

ei tämä lapsi ole teidän. Se tulkoon minun lapsekseni. Se kantakoon
minun nimeäni ja olkoon minun perilliseni."

"Se onkin aivan oikein", huusi Gentile hänen jälkeensä.

"Mitä sanotte?" kysyi Mercatale. Hän kääntyi takaisin ja tarttui

Gentilen molempiin käsiin. "Miksi hymyilette tuolla tavalla?"

"Eipä vielä milloinkaan suudelma ole siittänyt lasta, messer

Mercatale. Mutta lapsivuoteen tuskissa voi myöskin tulla sanotuksi
totuuksia. Ja nyt on vaimonne sanonut minulle, että hän rakastaa
minua. Eikö minulla ole syytä olla iloinen?"

"Mitä teidän ilonne on minun ilooni verrattuna?" nauroi Mercatale

ja meni ilosta loistaen pois poikansa kanssa.
 XIII. HAUKKA. [Tämän luvun aihe on saatu eräästä Boccaccion
novellista.]

Gentile Cavalcanti ratsasti Firenzestä köyhänä kuin haukka, joka

vuorotellen istui satulankaarella ja hänen vasemmalla kädellään.
Kun se hyppeli, kilisi kulkunen sen keltaisissa jaloissa. Sen ääni ei
houkutellut poikasta eikä palvelijaa häntä seuraamaan. Jos hän otti
silmikon sen päästä, vaani se saalista kahden miehen nälällä. Se oli
hänen menneiden rikkauksiensa viimeinen jäännös, se oli hänen
elättäjänsä.

Kymmenen vuotta elämästään hän oli käyttänyt todistaakseen

sydämensä naiselle, että hän rakasti häntä. Ei viittaustakaan hän
ollut saanut kiitokseksi palveluksestaan. Kymmenenä vuotena hän
oli kuluttanut kaiken omaisuutensa piirtääkseen hänen nimensä
juhliin. Säkenet olivat sataneet jäljettöminä maahan. Kaikki hänen
päivänsä olivat loiskuneet kuin aallot palatsin ohi, jossa lemmitty
asui. Ei kukkaakaan Giovannan kädestä ollut pudonnut niiden
virtaan. Sotaleikeissä ja turnauksissa hän oli kantanut hänen
nimeään ja värejään. Puun ja raudan läpi olivat hänen keihäänsä
tunkeneet. Mutta jokainen nuoli oli kirvonnut takaisin naisen jäisestä
katseesta. Hänen dukaattinsa olivat muuttuneet runoiksi Giovannan
kunniaksi. Hänen kultaansa oli puhallettu torventörähdyksiin ja
haihtunut tomuksi hänen ylistyksekseen. Kaikki Firenzen nuoret
elostelijat olivat juoneet maljoja Giovannan kauneudelle hänen
kukkarollaan. Kaikki kaupungin asukkaat olivat kuulleet laulut hänen
kunniakseen. Vain hän yksin piti kunnianaan olla niitä kuulematta.
Kaikki olivat nähneet Gentile Cavalcantin juhlasaattueet, jotka
kulkivat Trinità-torin poikki Arnon rantaa alas kukkaslaaksoihin tai
ylös raikkaille vuorenkukkuloille, toisinaan Rooman keisareina,
toisinaan taas Konstantionopolin keisariseurueina kultakukkaisissa
kaavuissa, keihäin ja kilisevin soittimin, kimaltelevia kiviä hevosten
rinnoissa, koiria ja kotkia ja haukkoja, Gentilellä itsellään täplikäs
pantteri hevosensa selässä. Koko kaupungin tervehtiminä he
kulkivat jahtiin ja turnauksiin. Mutta hän, jonka nimeä heidän ainoa
lippunsa kantoi, istui levollisena ikkunansa ääressä eikä nostanut
katsettaan, kun kulkue meni ohi ja kukkia ja eläköönhuutoja sinkosi
hänen muureihinsa. Kaikki tunsivat hänen kuvansa Domenico
Bigordin freskoissa. Hän yksin ei etsinyt sitä kirkonseinältä.

Jos Venus itse olisi asunut Firenzessä, ei hänellä olisi ollut

juhlallisempaa temppelivartiota. Jos hän meni messuun, asettui se
kahteen pitkään riviin paksuin, palavin vahakynttilöin. Mutta oi, hän
antoi palvelijansa kulkea edellään ja sammuttaa kynttilät joka
askeleella. Niin oli hän sammuttanut kaikki liekit, jotka Gentile oli
sytyttänyt hänen tielleen, eikä milloinkaan hänen rukoustensa
taivuttamana ollut suonut hänelle katsetta eikä hymyilyä. Gentilen
rikkaus oli haihtunut suitsutussavuna jumalattaren kuvan edessä.
Eikä hän lakannut palvomisestaan, ennenkuin viimeinen savupilvi oli
haihtunut ilmaan. Hymnit olivat vaienneet, Venus-vartio oli
hajaantunut, ystävät hävisivät, ja Gentile seisoi köyhänä ja yksinään
palatsin edustalla, jonka muurit eivät olleet tunteettomampia kuin ne
kasvot, joita hän kymmenen vuotta oli tähystänyt nähdäkseen.

Gentile ratsasti Firenzestä yhtä köyhänä kuin haukkansa. Se oli

hänelle uskollisempi kuin kaikki ystävät. Yksi näistä oli tehdäkseen
hänelle palveluksen tarjonnut siitä tuhat scudia. Mutta Gentile olisi
ennemmin myynyt oman sielunsa.

Hän ratsasti pienelle maatilalleen Poggibonsiin. Vuodet eivät olleet

sitä parantaneet. Maa oli hoitamaton. Viini oli villiintynyt. Tiet ja polut
hukkuivat rikkaruohoon. Kalkin sijaan muureille oli kasvanut
sammalta. Portaat sortuivat vanhuuttansa. Mutta Gentile sai katon
päänsä päälle ja eli siellä äärimmäisen yksinkertaisesti vanhan
talonpojan ja hänen vaimonsa kanssa, jotka hankkivat maasta juuri
sen verran, että elämän voi ylläpitää, yrttejä ja vihanneksia ja
hapanta viiniä. Jos hän tarvitsi lihaa, täytyi haukan hankkia sitä. Hän
metsästi autiolla maallaan jäniksiä, peltopyitä ja kurkia.

Yksinäisyys soi hänelle lohtua. Hän nautti unohdetun ja hyljätyn

tunteesta. Hän söi vain kun nälkä pakotti häntä siihen. Mitä
yksinkertaisin ruoka maistui. Jos kaipaus ja pettymykset jäytivät
hänen mieltään, käveli hän, kunnes väsyi ja kyllästyi. Hän kulki,
kunnes ei enää jaksanut ajatella. Kun hän istui puoleksi sortuneen
uuninsa ääressä ja käänteli varrasta tulella, imivät hänen silmänsä
hehkua lämpöisestä liekistä. Hän pääsi niin pitkälle, että hän hymyili
itselleen, joka niin monta vuotta oli kääntänyt omaa sydäntään
vartaassa kylmillä liekeillä. Sadeilmalla hän meni oven ulkopuolelle
ja näki pisaroiden särkyvän maahan kuin lasihelmet. Niin särkyi
kaikki mainen onni. Tuli nauttia tämän pirstautumisen
valovälkkeestä. Liikkumattomana hän istui autiossa huoneessaan ja
näki kosteuden leviävän kalkkipintojen yli ja muodostavan omituisia
kuvioita. Hän erotti niissä kasvoja, rivittäin päitä, niiden näköisiä,
jotka olivat syöneet hänen pöydässään. Hän tunsi hymyilyn erään
suun ympärillä, käden, joka heilautti maljaa ilmassa, syleilevän parin.
Tai rajuja, kuohuvia virtoja, jyrkkiä vuoria, puita, jotka seisoivat kuin
vauhtia ottaen äkkijyrkänteiden partaalla, suuria, tummia järviä. Hän
erotti Giovannan profiilin, hänen silmänsä tuijotti ylhäältä eräästä
nurkasta, silmä, joka katosi, kun hän katsoi suoraan sinne ylös. Tai
hän näki hänen jalkansa jäljen, kuin se olisi painunut pehmeään
suomaahan.
 Kaikkein vallattomimmin hän uneksi, kuri hän istui niityllä keväällä
ja kuuli puron lirisevän. Se laverteli siitä onnesta, jota hän oli ajanut
takaa. Koko hänen rakkautensa muuttui laverteluksi. Jossakin
kaukana istui Giovanna ja nauroi itsensä sairaaksi kaikesta tästä
rakkauden kerjuusta. Hänen naurunsa suhisi ruohikon yli kuin itse
tuo pieni puro, joka solisi Gentilen vieressä ja sanoi hänen
äänellään: "Tässähän minä olen, suuri, tuhma ja onneton poika!
Naura toki! Naura!"

Haukka temmelsi kulkusineen ruohikolla. Se oli saanut saaliin.

Gentile oli leikannut sisukset linnusta ja heittänyt sille. Se tanssi
ilman silmikkoa höyryävän saaliinsa ympärillä. Puoleksi levitetyin
siivin se sähisi vapauttaan ja nälkäänsä. Gentile heittäytyi selälleen
ja katseli suoraan ylös taivaaseen. Hän oli oppinut tarkkaamaan
pilvien muuttumista. Niiden mielikuvitusleikki oli ikuista ja
selittämätöntä. Ne rakensivat ja kasasivat torneja valkeaan lumeen,
joka särkyi ja suli. Ne pyörivät ukkospilvinä karjuvan jumalan
kasvojen ympärillä, joka puri hammasta, niin että salamoi, ja murisi
kuin leijona häkissään. Ne parveilivat ja paisuivat
jättiläislohikäärmeiksi, harja pystyssä. Hetkisen jälkeen ne olivat vain
helmenvalkeita suomuja sirotettuina siniseen veteen, kuin zefyrin
siivistä pudonneen ruusun lehtiä. Ne liukuivat laivoina paisuvin
purjein maan rataa pitkin ja vaipuivat pohjaan ja hävisivät ilman
haaksirikkoa.

"Katso haukkaasi, herra!" huusi äkkiä heleä ääni. Haukka sähisi ja

kulkunen kilisi. Gentile näki hoikan, puolikasvuisen pojan, kokonaan
mustaan silkkiin puettuna, juoksevan haukan jäljessä sen punainen
silmikko kädessään. Hän tahtoi panna silmikon sen päähän, mutta
haukka iski uhkaavasti hänen kättään joka kerta kun hän koetti
tarttua sitä kaulaan. Innossaan hän ei huomannut, että ajoi sen yhä
loitommalle.

"Kutsu sitä, herra, muuten se lentää pois!"

Gentile vihelsi, ja haukka tuli liitäen läheltä maata ja laskeutui

hänen olkapäälleen. Poika seurasi sitä ihastunein silmin ja taputti
ihaillen käsiään: "Saanko minä panna silmikon sen päähän, herra?"

"Koeta, jos voit", sanoi Gentile hymyillen. Joka kerta kun poika
läheni silmikko kädessään, iski haukka. Veri valui hänen sormistaan,
mutta hän jatkoi.

"Annahan kun minä!" sanoi Gentile. Haukka räpytti silmiään,

kumartui ja ummisti luomensa jo ennenkuin hän painoi silmikon sen
päähän.

Nyt vasta Gentile katsoi oikein tuota kaunista, hoikkaa poikaa,

jonka kasvot paloivat ja silmät loistivat. Hän oli pudottanut lakin
pitkiltä mustilta hiuksiltaan, joiden kiharat liehuivat hänen poskillaan.

"Saanko minä kantaa sitä, herra?" pyysi hän.

Gentile pani haukan hänen ojennetulle kädelleen. Hän viipotti sitä

joustavasti edestakaisin, silitti sitä hyväillen siiville ja suuteli sen
pehmeätä, valkoista rintaa.

"Minä rakastan haukkaasi yli kaiken maailmassa, herra. Saanko

tulla sinun kanssasi metsästämään?"

Gentile ilostui hänen ilostaan ja otti hänet mukaansa. Poika kantoi

haukkaa kuin se olisi ollut pyhä ehtoollisastia. Hän vihelsi koirille,
jotka tulivat lönkyttäen kaislikosta. Hän hyppeli niiden edessä ja
osoitti haukkaa ja jätti lakkinsa siihen ja hyökkäsi yht'äkkiä tiehensä.

Gentile opetti häntä metsästämään. Hän innostui enemmän kuin

vuosikausiin. Hän palautteli uudestaan muistiinsa kaikki taiteen
säännöt ja salaisuudet. Hän etsi harvinaisia lintuja. Koirat peloittivat
ne lentoon, ja haukka nousi ilmaan niiden jälkeen.

Gentile ei kysynyt pojan nimeä eikä syntyperää. Hän ei välittänyt

muistaa ihmisiä eikä olosuhteita. Hän ei tahtonut mitään tietää
seudusta tai sen asukkaista. Kaikki oli hänelle yhdentekevää kuin
ruoho, jota hän polki. Poika tuli itsestään hänen luokseen joka päivä
samaan paikkaan. Hän toi mukanaan kyyhkysiä ja yllytti haukan
niiden kimppuun. Nuo kesyt linnut tekivät vähäistä vastarintaa. Ne
putosivat raskaasti ja kömpelösti ilmassa ja jäivät makaamaan
ruohikkoon. Ei Gentile eikä poika välittänyt niistä, sittenkuin haukan
kynnet olivat päästäneet ne irti.

Eräänä päivänä poika toi kuumeen mukanaan kotiinsa laajoilta

niityiltä. Jalat horjuivat hänen allaan. Hän pyysi juomaa, tyhjensi
vesiastian ja oli yhtä janoinen. Hän ei tahtonut vuoteeseen, vaan
ulos jälleen. Kun hän lakkasi nojaamasta pöytään, kaatui hän
maahan ja vietiin vuoteeseen.

Niccolò Mercatalen nuori leski, monna Giovanna, istui pitäen

poikansa kuumeista kättä omissaan. Hän kuivasi hänen märkää
otsaansa, kostutti sienellä hänen polttavan kuumia huuliaan ja
kuunteli hänen sykkivää sydäntään. Poika makasi päiväkausia eikä
tahtonut syödä eikä juoda. Giovanna istui ja kuiski suuteloita ja
hyväilyjä ja lohdutusta hänelle ja koetti saada elämän heräämään
hänessä lupaamalla hänelle kaikkea mitä hän toivoi.
 Kerran poika aukaisi kiiltävät silmänsä ja sanoi: "Äiti, jos hankitte
minulle Gentile Cavalcantin haukan, niin luulen heti tulevani
terveeksi." — Sitten hän vaipui jälleen horrokseen, ja monna
Giovanna istui ja mietti mielessään hänen toivomustaan. Tietämättä,
mitä sanoi, hän kuiskasi hänen silmiensä ja korviensa lähellä: "Kyllä
— kyllä — kyllä." Tuntikausia hän lupasi sitä pojalle, ja kun hän
jälleen katsoi häntä, riemuitsi hän: "Niin, poikani, sydänkäpyni,
lohduttaudu ja tule pian terveeksi, minä lupaan sen sinulle!"

"Onko se totta, äiti?"

"On, on, huomenna varhain lähetän sanan, huomenna varhain

menen itse noutamaan sen sinulle."

Poika hymyili ja vaipui uneen. Monna Giovanna mietti keinoa. Hän

kokosi kaikki korunsa ja käteiset rahansa ja lähetti luotettavan lähetin
Gentilen luo. Mies ei saanut sanoa, kuka haukan ostaisi, hänen tuli
vain tarjota kalleudet ja rahat. Niitä oli yli viisituhatta scudia. Lähetti
tuli takaisin: messer Gentile Cavalcanti, joka asui kerjäläisen tavoin
luhistuneessa talorähjässä, ei ollut luonut koruihin katsettakaan,
vaan oli sanonut, ettei kymmenkertaisellakaan hinnalla hänen
haukkansa ollut myytävänä.

Monna Giovanna ei saanut unta silmiinsä sinä yönä. Aikaisin

aamulla poika heräsi ja pyysi haukkaa. Giovanna hillitsi äkkiä
kyyneleensä, pakottautui hymyilemään ja kuiskasi: "Ei vielä, poikani.
Katso, aurinko ei vielä ole noussut, enkä voi mennä messer Gentilen
luo, ennenkuin hän itse on noussut."

Sen jälkeen joka kerta poika tullessaan tajuihinsa kysyi samaa

asiaa. Hän ei enää uskaltanut kohdata pojan katsetta. Hän kuunteli
ovella ja kuuli Beritolan vastauksen hänen kysymykseensä: "Nyt on
äitisi heti täällä, ja hän tuo Cavalcantin haukan. — Odota vielä
hetkinen, matka on niin pitkä. — Ole rauhassa ja odota vähän, pikku
herra."

Giovanna ei koskaan ollut tehnyt raskaampaa vaellusta. Giovanna

tunsi, kuin tuska olisi kantanut häntä. Hänen jalkansa olivat kuin
lyijyä. Hän lensi kuin lintu, joka laahaa kumpaankin siipeen sidottua
kiveä. Hän tuli yhtä pian Gentilen kartanolle kuin palvelija, jonka piti
ilmoittaa hänen tulonsa. "Poikani kuolee!" ajatteli hän joka
askeleella. "Kyyneleeni puhuvat. Minun ei tarvitse mitään sanoa.
Kyyneleeni rukoilevat puolestani." Mutta kun hän näki Gentilen
tulevan talon ovelle, oli itku hänen silmistään ja ajatus pojan
kuolinvuoteesta poissa samassa hetkessä. Siinä hän tuli joustavin,
pehmein askelinsa. Giovanna ei ollut nähnyt häntä moneen, moneen
vuoteen. Ruskea vaate hänen kauniilla hartioillaan oli muuttunut
vihreäksi kuin vuosien sammalesta. Hän karahti punaisemmaksi kuin
villit unikot, jotka kasvoivat talon seinustalla. Hän hehkui ilosta
uskaltaessaan vihdoin tervehtiä. Ja hän tervehti. Hän kumarsi ja jäi
seisomaan Giovannan eteen samaan asentoon kuin ensimmäistä
kertaa häntä tervehtiessään, käsi sydämellään.

"Terve, Gentile", sanoi Giovanna ja jatkoi: "Jumala suokoon, että

voisin korvata sinulle ne vahingot, joita olet minun vuokseni kärsinyt.
Olet rakastanut minua enemmän kuin olen ansainnut. Tahdotko —
tahdotko sallia minun syödä tänään pöydässäsi?"

"Madonna", vastasi Gentile nöyrästi, "ei koskaan ole minulla ollut

tappioita teidän vuoksenne, mutta sitävastoin niin paljon hyvää, että
jos milloinkaan olen jotakin voinut, on se tapahtunut teidän avullanne
ja rakkauden kautta, jota olen teitä kohtaan tuntenut. Ja tämä teidän
käyntinne tekee minut paljon rikkaammaksi kuin jos uudelleen minun
sallittaisiin kuluttaa kaikki, mitä jo olen kuluttanut. Sillä nyt tulette
köyhän isännän luokse."

Hän vei hänet kohteliaasti rappeutuneen talonsa läpi pieneen

yrttitarhaansa, jossa vanha talonpoika oli puutarhurina. Hän pyysi
häntä tyytymään tähän halpaan seuraan, sillä aikaa kuin hän itse
meni katsomaan, että pöytä katettaisiin.

Hän kiiruhti köyhien huoneittensa läpi ja käski talonpoikaisvaimon

ottaa esille pöytäliinan. Se oli häikäisevän valkoinen. Mutta kuinka
suuri hänen köyhyytensä oli, ymmärsi hän vasta tällä hetkellä, kun ei
pöydälle ollut panna muuta kuin leipää ja juustoa ja vanhaa
sakkaista viiniä. Hän lähetti vaimon puutarhaan leikkaamaan
salaattia ja kaivamaan purjosipulia. Itse hän juoksi poissa
suunniltaan ja etsi kaikki vanhat, puoleksi unohdetut kätköt,
ikäänkuin ruokavaroja yht’äkkiä voisi löytyä kuin sieniä pimeimmistä
nurkista. Hän ajatteli vain ruokaa ja ruokaa. Hän näki edessään
kaikki ne kukkuraiset pöydät, joiden ääressä hän rikkautensa päivinä
oli kestinnyt ystäviänsä sen naisen kunniaksi, jolle hänellä ei nyt ollut
tarjota ruokaa edes niin paljon kuin linnulle. Hän ajatteli kyyhkysiä,
jotka he olivat jättäneet makaamaan niitylle, sittenkuin haukka…

Haukka! Hän kiiti läpi huoneen ja sysäsi varrasta, jolla se istui, niin
että kulkunen kilahti. Haukka! Se istui orrellansa ja nukkui ilman
silmikkoa. Hän tarttui siihen, tunnusteli sitä, oliko se lihava, ajatteli,
että se olisi sellaisen naisen arvoista ruokaa, ja väänsi enemmittä
ajatuksitta kaulan siltä poikki. Kun vaimo samassa tuli sisälle
puutarhasta syli täynnä salaattia, heitti hän linnun hänelle ja käski
hänen nopeasti höyhentää sen ja paistaa sen huolellisesti vartaassa.

Kun Gentile vei vieraansa pöytään, levitti hän viittansa kivipenkille,

jossa Giovanna istuisi. Hän seisoi hänen vieressään ja tarjosi
hänelle ensiksi. Hän ei ajatellut muuta kuin palvella häntä. Giovanna
oli nälissään ja jatkoi syöntiä viivyttääkseen pyyntöään. Mutta
vihdoin hän sanoi:

"Gentile, ei sen rakkauden tähden, jota olet tuntenut minua

kohtaan, vaan jalon mielenlaatusi vuoksi rukoilen sinulta elämää
pojalleni. Sillä ilman sinun apuasi hänen täytyy kuolla."

"Teidän poikanne, Giovanna?" sanoi Gentile, ja hänen sydämensä

löi.
"Voinko minä antaa elämän teidän pojallenne?"

"Voit, Gentile."

He katsoivat toisiaan ja punastuivat niin, että posket melkein

tihkuivat verta.

"Minä pyydän äitinä ainoan poikani puolesta, Gentile. Sinä

ymmärtäisit minua, jos sinä itse…"

"Mitä voin minä tehdä poikanne puolesta, Giovanna?"

"Hän on sairas, Gentile. Hän ei elä, jollet sinä auta häntä."

"Millä, madonna?"

"Anna hänelle haukkasi."

Kyyneleet syöksähtivät Gentilen silmistä, niin että Giovanna kuuli

niiden tippuvan liinalle. "Niin katkerasti hän suree sen menettämistä",
ajatteli Giovanna.

Mutta Gentile vastasi:

 "Sittenkuin minä Jumalan tahdosta aloin rakastaa teitä, madonna,
olen usein surrut raskasta ja kovaa kohtaloani, mutta kaikki oli aivan
mitätöntä sen rinnalla, mikä nyt minua kohtaa, kun te olette tullut
köyhään talooni. Te, joka ette koskaan tahtonut katsoa puoleeni, kun
olin rikas, pyydätte minulta nyt niin halpa-arvoista lahjaa, että minun
täytyy itkeä, kun en sitäkään voi teille antaa."

Hän nousi, meni hetkiseksi ulos, tuli takaisin ja pani haukan nokan
ja keltaiset jalat hänen lautaselleen. Sitten hän polvistui hänen
eteensä ja pudisti päätään.

Silloin Giovanna itki katkerammin kuin istuessaan poikansa

vuoteen ääressä. Ei edes silloin, kun Beritola ilmestyi ovelle ja hiljaa
nyyhkyttäen kertoi pojan kuolleen, hän itkenyt kuumempia kyyneliä.

Hän painoi Gentilen päätä sydäntänsä vastaan.

"Onko paratiisi sinun sydämesi alla? Mistä sinä tulet, Giovanna?"

"Gentile", kuiskasi hän, "minä olen vain kauniiden tornien

kaupungista".
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GIOVANNA ***

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