want to make sure Coyote and Cody don’t get hurt,” Izzy says.
“Understandable; however, the next time you see a woman who's been beaten remember what you went through,” Grigory states.
Nodding her head, Izzy looks like she is going to be sick.
“Babe, none of us want to dredge up the past for you, but you need to let it sink in what you did was fucked up and not cool. I know I’m the only connection to your brother you have left. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be here for you. Cody will still be your nephew and neither of us are going to push you out of our lives. You just need to understand, I’m going to be who the hell I am and I’m going to be with who I want to be with. Tinsley’s that person,” I declare wanting her to let it all sink in.
“I hate to interrupt,” Victoria who’d been standing silently to the side speaks up, her brow furrowed. That’s never a good thing when it comes to her. Every one of my brothers respects her not only as Tracker’s ol’ lady but as a person.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“I know you all have church, but . . . you might want to check on Tinsley first. You all might have missed it, but I didn’t. And I’m sorry, Izzy, but what you did was a bitch move. I’m not saying you’re wrong for wanting to make sure she’s good enough; however, right now wasn’t the time. She’s been through enough shit considering that beating she took was because she refused to open her mouth about Coyote’s son being here,” Victoria says pausing briefly to scan the room. “But what I’m trying to say is Tinsley’s hurting more than she’s letting on. This shit is fuckin’ with her head. I don’t know if she’s known for self-harm . . .”
Before Victoria can say another word, Grigory curses. “Fuck, which room is she in,” he demands already heading for the door.
“Fourth door on the right,” I yell as I pass him and run down the hall toward the room she’d be in. Putting my hand around the doorknob I twist finding it locked. “Fuck.”
I don’t bother knocking on the door. From the way Grigory reacted, I know something’s wrong. I lift one of my booted feet and kick at the doorknob with enough strength that it breaks, letting the door swing open.
Stepping into the room, I flick the lights on as I go. “Tinsley,” I call out, not seeing her in the room.
“Bathroom,” Grigory mutters.
Nodding I make my way to the bathroom door. “Tinsley, you in there?” I say putting my hand on the door.
“Umm, give me a second.” I hear her yell through the door.
“Open the door, baby,” I order.
“Hang on,” she says as I hear the water from the sink turn on.
I’m about to bust the door down when she unlocks and opens the door.
Seeing the puffiness in her eyes, I know she’s been crying.
“You okay, Luce Mia?” I ask, pulling her to me.
“Yeah,” she whispers.
“Tinsley, look at me,” Grigory demands.
“I’m okay,” she murmurs not meeting Grigory’s eyes.
“Look at me,” he demands again, this time she does. “I’m only going to ask once. Did you do what I think you did?”
It’s not lost on me the silence that fills the room even as several of my brothers join us in the small space.
Lowering her head, Tinsley shakes her head in denial.
“Angel, that’s not answering my question,” Grigory grinds out. “Did you fuckin’ cut yourself?”
“Tinsley, answer your cousin’s question, because I’d like to know the answer to this as well,” I say when she starts to shake her head again.
“I just want to not feel the pain,” she whispers, softly. So softly I barely hear her, but I do.
“Fuck, baby,” I murmur pulling her tighter into my arms. “You're safe, Luce Mia. No one is going to hurt you again, I promise you this.” As much as I want to be pissed that she’d hurt herself, I can’t do anything about it now. Only thing I can do is make sure she doesn’t do it again.
“I’m sorry,” she murmurs, not meeting my eyes as she lifts her head up.
“Don’t be sorry, Tinsley. Just next time you feel the need to do something like that. Find someone to talk to. Pull me aside, go to Rachel or one of the other women. Hell, if you can’t talk to them, find a brother. You’re family, baby, and