my seat, bouncing my legs anxiously, I rub my sweaty palms against my jeans to try and relax my body, but it’s not working.
Corey, Kodi, and Reed are sitting in chairs by the automatic front doors.
I fidget in my seat more and push out a frustrating breath.
At that time, Kodi and Reed walk over. Their expressions are gentle with slight frowns and their arms hang loosely by their sides.
I stand instantly. I don’t remember a time when they weren’t in Rex’s life, therefore, mine too. They might not feel the same, but Rex’s friends were the closest thing to a family that I had growing up.
Mack also stands and wraps his arm securely around my waist to stop me from stepping forward any further.
Kodi and Reed’s eyes turn hard on Mack, and I can’t fault them for it. They would never hurt me.
I shift my body around to face Mackson. I smile reassuringly and kiss him on the side of the neck, lingering for a second longer than normal. Then step out of his arms and embrace the men, who won’t ever realize how much of a part they played in my young life and who will always have a small piece of my heart no matter time or distance.
I burrow between Kodi and Reed and sigh contentedly, taking in the warmth and their familiar smoky scents.
“We’ll get him through this, Lana. Don’t you worry, Rex is gonna be okay.”
I nod into Kodi’s chest while listening to Reed’s words and hoping with everything that I am that he’s right.
I take a step back from them and force a smile. Pretending to be okay is exhausting. Acting as if this waiting game isn’t killing me is crippling. I’m on the verge of losing it. I’m desperate to tear down every door between my brother and myself. He needs me.
Heat hits my back and Mack takes a hold of my hand. Strength surges through me, and the tears recede. My heart’s rapid beat slows and the terror flowing through my veins ease.
Corey appears and murmurs in a strained voice, “We have a problem.”
“What?” Mack questions.
“Delivery day and Bone is at the garage and asking where Rex is. He’s fucking pissed.”
“Shit,” Kodi whispers. “What do we do?”
My body tenses and I fist my hands. “That asshole needs to know what he’s done. What my whole damn family has done to Rex, to one of their own,” I try to whisper, however, my voice rattles with so much anger, that I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to hold in this rage.
“Lana, they can’t find out Rex is addicted to the drugs,” Corey demands.
“Why?” I question angrily.
“They’ll kill him, Lana. He’s a liability they won’t hesitate to take out to protect the secrets of the Family,” Corey answers.
I shake my head. “No, no. I know they’re ruthless, but he’s family, no matter what they protect their Family.”
Mack squeezes my hand. “The mafia’s love affair with power, money and drugs is greater than that of their own family members. It’s been this way for generations, Lana. Those brought up in the family know the repercussions of getting addicted to the drugs. Yeah, they take the shit, but Rex is way past doing it for fun at a party. He’s so far gone that he would spill their secrets to anyone, to any pig, who would help him get a hit.”
“Shit, shit, shit,” I say, losing it right here in the Emergency Room.
Mack grasps my elbows and I grab hold of his biceps. He gently walks me around the corner. Corey, Kodi and Reed following closely. I’m dizzy, lightheaded and breathing is becoming difficult. Mack pushes me up against a wall to help me stay upright.
“Breathe, Dove… in and out… slowly.” His words are gentle, but their soothing tone isn’t working to calm me down.
The two inhales I try to take are ruined by my trembling chin and shaking body. I take hold of Mack’s shirt, needing something to ground me. I wrap the material in my fingers. “If the drugs aren’t killing him, it’s my family.” My own words hit me hard and I begin to fall, but Mack squeezes my arms tighter to hold me up.
“We won’t give up, Dove. I promise we’ll do all we can to help him.”
“I can’t lose him,” I state in an achingly sad voice.
Mack’s face turns pained and his eyes fill with sorrow. He stays silent and I know it’s because there are no words, no