Sid (The Protectors Series) Book #4 (16 page)

“Humm, you ever wonder if all my sweet talk could mean
I have a motive of my own?” Lana gave him a slow wink, and was inside the door before Sid could pull her back to find out exactly what she meant.

His eyes roamed to her hips that swayed with purpose. “Jesus, I hope to hell you do.”

A young grunge-looking kid stood just inside the door. “What?”

Sid pried his eyes off Lana’s ass. “What?”
Sid glanced at the kid.

“
Dude.” The kid was holding an iPod in one hand and an earplug in the other. “You’re freaking me out, man.” The kid’s laugh was goofy as hell.

“
I wasn’t talking to you.” Sid glared down at the kid who started following him.

“Hey man, you got a smoke?”

“Don’t smoke.” Sid again glared at the kid trying to scare him away.

“How about some money so I can buy me some smokes
? Come on, dude, help a guy out.” The kid didn’t back down. His eyes landed on Lana, and immediately he began to pant like a dog. “Oh, yeah. Now, I know what you were sayin’. That’s a nice piece of…”

“Okay
…
dude
. I’m going to help you out.” Sid sneered down at him, stopping at the elevator. “Number one: get a fucking job and buy your own shit. Number two: take your eyes off the lady. Number three: get the fuck away from me.”

When the kid let loose another goofy laugh
, Sid leaned in his face with a growl, and bared his fangs.

“Ah man, you about made me shit my pants.” The kid
, who looked scared to death a second ago, was grinning like an idiot. “Those things real?”

Sid ignored the kid as he stepped inside the elevator with Lana. Hitting the close button
, Sid watched the door close on the kid who continued to stare at him as the door closed in his face.

“What floor?” He glanced down a
t Lana who had watched the exchange and was now looking up at him curiously.

“Eighth
,” she replied. Waiting until he hit the button, she said, “Don’t ask?”

“Don’t ask
,” Sid agreed. He still couldn’t believe the brief exchange with the kid, who either ate lead paint chips since birth or had scored a bad bag of weed, had even happened.

The elevator stopped at the fourth floor. A pretty nurse with red hair stepped on
, and proceeded to squeal when she saw Sid.

“Sidilicious!” She rushed on the elevator with a huge grin following her huge breast
s that she stuck out as soon as she saw Sid. Lana stepped away, not wanting to get crushed.

Sid had no other choice
but to grab onto her, or they’d both crash into the elevator wall.

She grabbed on tight
, practically crawling on him. “Why haven’t you called, baby?” she pouted, smacking him lightly on the arm. “The last time you were here and we…”

“Oh, hey, ah
…” Fuck he couldn’t remember her name. Son of a bitch, he knew his dick was going to get him in deep shit one day.

She pushed away from him, her lip trembling. “It’s Diane.” Her hand went to her mouth. “You don’t even remember my name.” The doors opened as she smacked him across the face
; she then stomped out without looking back.

“Going up?” Sid eyed the small man in a suit looking surprised as he stood outside the elevator.

“Ah, I’ll wait.” The man glanced once at Lana then at Sid. “But thanks.”

“Whatever.” Sid hit the close button.

“Guess I deserved that,” Sid cleared his throat, cracking his neck to the left then the right.

Laughter drowned out the God
-awful elevator music. “Oh, you
so
deserved that.” Lana grinned at Sid’s shocked look. “You should have seen your face when you realized you couldn’t remember her name.”

At that moment,
Sid stopped grinning, realizing that this beautiful blue-eyed woman could be the one. He had thought if he ever found a woman who could tame his ways, he would go running for the hills, but he was having the total opposite thoughts. He wanted to stay right by her side. She was so much like him it was damn scary. The door opened to their floor. He waited for her to exit, but she was laughing too hard.

“Oh, no
, after you, Sidilicious.” She snorted when he grabbed her, pulling her off the elevator, a grin playing at the corner of his mouth.

“Well
, I’m glad you’re having the time of your life, while your sister is sitting in a chair lost to us.” A male voice silenced the hallway.

Chapter 16

“That’s not fair, Rod.” Lana frowned, her whole
personality taking an offensive edge.

“No
, what’s not fair is her being in there and not you,” Rod glared at her, hate coming off him in waves.

“I know.” Lana eyes drifted from him. “Don’t you think I don’t wish for that every single day?”

Sid did his best to keep his mouth shut, but he instantly disliked the man talking to Lana as though she was at fault for her sister’s condition. His overbearing way of standing over Lana was making his fist itch to smash into his fucking face. Not to mention how confusing it was seeing this ‘in your face’ woman turn a one-eighty into a very docile woman who didn’t seem to know her own worth. Yeah, he was getting pissed. He would give her another minute to hit this motherfucker in the face herself.

“What are you doing here?”
Rod hissed taking a step closer. “This isn’t your day.”

“I know
,” Lana repeated again. “I’ll wait. It’s just I can’t make it tomorrow and I wanted to see Caroline.”

“Tough shit
, Lana,” Rod’s voice rose. “You should have thought about that when you called her to do
your
job. You knew she hated what you call a gift, but you guilted her into doing it. So I don’t care about your issues.”

“But I do.” Sid stepped up behind Lana. “And if you don’t back off
, you’re going to have your own issues to deal with.”

“No, Sid.” Lana shook her head
, reaching into her bag. “He’s right. It is his day.”

“Who are you?” Rod glared over
the top of Lana’s head at Sid.

“Don’t worry about it.” Lana lifted up a small glass hummingbird
; the wings were tipped with different shades of blue. “This is our grandmother’s. We used to fight over it when we were little. Grammy wanted me to give it to her. Maybe set it on her tray or in the window. The necklace is from me.”

“I don’t want anything from you or that woman near her. She is in the
re because of you and that old woman.” He knocked the glass hummingbird and necklace out of her hand.

“No!” Lana tried to catch it, but the sounds of glass breaking on the floor echoed followed by an angry roar.

One minute, Rod was standing there looking satisfied, the next, he was on the floor, his face smashed against the glass.

“You are going to pick up every single piece of glass
, you stupid son of a bitch.” Sid’s hand tightened in his hair. “I don’t care how long it takes you. You’re lucky I don’t kill you.”

“Don’t even think about it, Fred.” Another male voice filled the hallway.

Sid looked behind him to see a man approaching him. Then he glanced up at an older man who was standing next to Lana.

“
Let go of my brother,” the man behind Sid ordered.

“You best back off or you’ll find yourself next to him.” Sid warned
, pushing Rod’s head harder into the glass.

“Let him up
, son.” The older man, who was gently holding Lana back from going to the glass on the ground, nodded to Sid.

Sid sighed with a curse. “You just got a free ticket
, asshole. You see that necklace lying next to your hand?” When Rod didn’t answer, Sid pressed down harder.

“Yes!” Rod cried out. “I see it.”

“Good,” Sid hissed. “You’re going to pick that up nice and careful, and then we’re going to stand up. You understanding so far?”

“Yes.” Rod looked at the necklace. “Hurry up, there’s glass in my face.”

“Do you seriously think I give a shit?” Sid laughed without humor. “You should be glad that’s your only problem at the moment. Now, grab the necklace.”

Rod worked his hand over
, grasping the necklace, which was a locket on a pale red ribbon. “Okay, now let me up.”

Sid stood
, pulling the man up by his hair. When Rod started to struggle, Sid kicked his feet out from under him, sending him back to the floor on his face. With his hand still in his hair and a knee to the man’s back, Sid leaned down. “This is your last warning, motherfucker,” Sid said just loud enough for Rod to hear. “If you don’t think I’ll kill you on the spot, you’re sadly mistaken. Now, let’s try this one more time, because all you get is one more time.”

Again
, Sid stood, pulling him up by the hair. Glass pieces were stuck into his cheek, blood oozing from each wound.

“Now
, you are going to hand Ms. Fitzpatrick the necklace with an apology.” Sid jerked his head back so Rod could see his black eyes. “And it better be nice,” he warned.

“Here
,” Rod growled and then hissed when Sid snapped his head back hard.

“Not nice enough.” Sid shoved his head back.

“Sid, please.” Lana looked around at the crowd that was watching.

“You will not be treated like that when I’m around.” Sid’s stare softened when
it landed on her.

Lana reached out
, grabbing the necklace.

“I’m sorry
,” Rod said, keeping the sarcastic and hateful edge out of his tone.

“Better, but still not good enough
,” Sid growled then looked back at Lana. “You want to punch him?”

“What?” Lana’s eyes opened wide.

“What?” Rod’s eyes also widened in surprise.

“I know you want to.” Sid nodded toward Rod, his hand still holding him still by his hair. “Go ahead.”

“You’re crazy.” Rod started to struggle.

“You don’t even know
, asshole.” Sid did let go so he could punch him in the jaw, ass planting him in the glass on the floor.

“Honey, why don’t you go on inside and see Caroline
?” The older man steered her away from Rod and Sid.

Sid stared down at Rod who was trying to pick himself off the floor. Once Rod stood straight
, he started toward Sid. “Please make my day.” Sid smiled, which stopped Rod cold. “Smart move. Now get the hell out of here before you make the worst decision of your life.”

Rod’s brother stepped in and
grabbed Rod. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“This isn’t over.” Rod pointed to Sid and then
at the older man who stood at Sid’s back. “Miles, we had an agreement.”

“
Which was Lana’s idea, but you better believe that agreement is over.” Miles, who was a big man with a military build, took a step forward. “If I ever hear you talk to my daughter that way again, I will do worse than this young man did and stick a 45 up your scrawny ass.”

“But you can’t do that
.” Rod’s eyes narrowed. “That’s my fiancée.”

“Exactly. Your
fiancée.” Miles’ voice was full of authority. “You have no rights here.”

Rod gave them both one last
heated glare before rushing out.

Sid watched him go before turning to
who he figured was Lana’s father. “I’m Sid Sinclair.” He stuck out his hand. “I take it you’re Lana’s father.”

“
Miles Fitzpatrick.” He shook Sid’s hand in a firm grip. “Thank you for what you did.”

“No need to thank me
,” Sid replied, following Miles to where Lana disappeared. “He had it coming and I was more than happy to give it to him.”

Miles
stopped at the door, looking at his daughters. “You know, Lana is the toughest girl I know. I made her that way. She is actually tougher than some of the men I know, but this has really been hard for her.”

“Is that why she did a one-eighty with that
bastard?” Sid asked, also watching Lana combing her sister’s hair. “Because, in all honesty, I held back at first, waiting for her to unload on him.”

Miles
shook his head, looking over at Sid. “I guess Lana has explained to you what this is all about.”

“
Not in so many words,” Sid replied, not mentioning he listened in on her conversation with someone else. “But I’ve filled in some of the blanks.”

“She blames herself
,” Miles sighed. “Her sister never grasped her gift like Lana. Even with them being twins, they are totally opposite, but very connected, if that makes any sense at all.”

Sid nodded
, glancing back at Lana as she talked a mile a minute to her sister, who just sat staring straight ahead, emotionless, lost in a world they couldn’t see. They were not identical, but you could tell they were twins. “Yes, sir, it does.”

“So when this happened
, Rod was devastated and blamed Lana, who already blames herself.” Miles frowned, “They were to be married next month. So Lana goes out of her way to make sure Rod has time with Caroline without her around. Even on the birthday they share, which as you know is today. We were to come tomorrow to celebrate.”

“That’s kind of my fault
,” Sid frowned. “We have a case we’re working on and—”

“No need to explain.” Mile
s raised his hand. “I’m a retired cop, so I know. And now seeing what I just saw, I know she’s in good hands.”

“You know she’s working with the VC
Warriors?” Sid asked, surprised.

“There isn’t much I don’t know
, son, and what I don’t know, Lana fills me in,” he smiled. “Now, why don’t I introduce you to my other daughter?”

Sid followed Miles inside the large
room that was set up just like a girl’s bedroom would be. “Hey, how’s my girl?” Miles leaned down, kissing Caroline on the forehead.

“She looks good today
,” Lana smiled, putting the brush down.

Sid spotted the necklace on Lana’s sister
’s neck. His eyes met Lana’s, and even though there was a smile on her face, the sadness in her eyes almost did him in.

“My Lord
, Lana.” A beautiful woman walked in the room carrying presents. A younger girl who looked a lot like Lana followed, bringing in a cake. “A little more warning would have been nice.”

“Sorry
, Momma,” Lana grinned grabbing things out of her hands. “But you know how work is.”

Her mother rolled her eyes,
and kissed Lana’s cheek before heading toward Caroline. “Hello, baby.” She touched her cheek and kissed her forehead.

“No, I’m good.” The young girl snorted. “I got this.”

Sid walked over, grabbing the cake out of her hand.

“Ah,
who are you?” The girl eyed him then Lana.

“That’s my boss.” Lana grinned when Sid rolled his eyes. “Sid Sinclair. And this is my mother
, Melanie, and my younger sister, Jamie.”

“Nice to meet you.” Sid smiled at them then looked toward Miles. “You poor man. Living with four beautiful women. How do you cope?”

Miles laughed. “Son, you have no idea. I’ve built two bathrooms onto the house and I still have to wait.”

“It’s nice to meet you
, Sid.” Lana’s mom smiled at him before turning toward Lana. “He’s very handsome.”

“And can hear every word you say
,” Lana frowned at her mom.

“As can your husband
,” Lana’s dad growled, grabbing her mom and kissing her neck. “Don’t make me beat Lana’s boss up. It could look bad on her yearly review.”

Sid looked at Lana who just shrugged
silently as if saying ‘this is my family and good luck.’

“So
, you’re a vampire, huh?” Jamie stared at him. “Do you have an urge to kill us and you know—”

“Jamie Marie Fitzpatrick
,” Her mother scolded while Lana laughed behind her hand and Lana’s dad laughed outright.

“Not at the moment
, Jamie,” Sid grinned. He leaned closer, nodding his head for her to come nearer. “But I will tell you those three are safe. You, on the other hand, would be a tasty treat.” Sid grinned wider, showing his fangs.

Jamie stepped back so fast she fell into her father. “Okay, that wasn’t funny.”

“Serves you right for being rude,” her mother scolded again.

“I didn’t mean to be rude.” Jamie looked at Sid. “I was just curious. I’ve never talked to a vampire before.”

“It’s okay, Jamie.” Sid gave her his jaw-dropping smile.

“Where’s Rod
?” Lana’s mom asked a little nervously.

“Oh, he’s gone already.”
Miles gave her a look that Sid didn’t miss.

As
the night wore on, Sid sat back, and even though they kept him feeling part of the group, he watched as an observer and was impressed by the love this family had for each other. It was something he had never known. The closest he had ever felt love from another was from his VC brothers, and that in itself could be dangerous as hell. Guess that would be called tough love. But this made him feel something he had never felt before, a craving to belong and feel like part of a family.

Even though Caroline did not come close to acknowledging anything
, they all included her in everything as if she were normal. The only one who seemed to catch herself at times was Lana, and he knew exactly when that happened because a look of such sadness enveloped not only her face, but her whole body. Then she would close her eyes for a second, look around at the rest of her family and plaster on a smile, joining back into the mix. It took everything he had not to grab and hold her tightly as he fought her sadness away. One weakness Sid had was women. It had been that way for as long as he could remember, but he didn’t remember ever having these types of feelings for one before. Her happiness had risen to the top of his priority list and that was very new to him.