Uncontrollable Temptations (Tempted #3)(65)
“Sounds like you were meant to turn left because Jack was waiting for you at that left turn,” the priest offered. “His omission of truth doesn’t erase everything else he’s brought into your life. We often believe an uncontrollable force changes the course of our life, and maybe that force nudges you but it’s us who make the final decision. Seems like you have a choice to make. No one or no higher power can make that choice for you.” He glanced at the altar and smiled slightly as he made the sign of the cross, his eyes fixed on the crucifix. “God forgives us of our sins, we should be able to forgive those we love too, don’t you think?”
He slowly turned his attention back to me and for a split second I wondered why I wasted so much money on therapy when the answers came freely to me.
“We all deserve a second chance and from what you’ve told me, Jack gave you a second chance. He restored hope in you when you had none left. He may not have been completely honest with you but he chose to tell you the truth and that should hold some merit,” he added.
I was angry, and I’d probably never understand why Jack chose not to tell me who he was but it didn’t tarnish the way I felt about him. I didn’t want to lose him and not because I feared being alone again but because I loved him with all I had. I wanted to give myself to him, to give him my heart. I wanted to be the women who loved him despite his flaws and when he succumbed to the things he couldn’t control, when his mind went against him, I wanted to bring him back. I wanted Jack Parrish—right then and there, with God as my witness—I chose Jack.
“Thank you,” I whispered to the priest.
“For what?”
“For listening,” I said softly.
“That’s what I’m here for,” he replied.
I smiled at him and when he asked me to pray with him I bowed my head and moved my lips, reciting the words I remembered and pretending like I knew the ones I didn’t. I asked him his name and bid Father Gallo farewell. I stepped outside the church and dug into my purse for my phone, dialing Jack’s number as I walked toward my apartment building that was only two blocks away.
“Please pick up,” I said aloud, frowning when I got his voicemail. “Jack, it’s me. I’m sorry I took off like I did. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain and to be honest I’m not even sure I care to know the explanation. I choose you. I choose us. I’m on my way home but I want to see you. Call me when you get this message,” I went to end the call but lifted the phone back to my ear. “I love you,” I added before disconnecting the call.
I went to shove the phone back into my purse when I was pulled against a hard body, a hand covering my mouth and a man speaking against my ear.
“You scream, or make any sudden moves I will slice your throat,” he warned. ‘Nod your head if you understand,” he hissed.
I quickly nodded my head, my phone dropping to the concrete as he dragged me away, the blade of his knife dangerously close to my neck, forcing me to do as I was told. I closed my eyes and wondered if maybe I should’ve gone right instead of left.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Well, fuck, that blows,” Riggs said, patting Blackie on the back. “Literally, like your car just blew the fuck up.”
“Yeah, I caught that, thanks for pointing it out though,” Blackie retorted, staring daggers at me. “Get him the fuck away from me.”
I shot Riggs a warning look before turning around and meeting Bianci’s gaze. “Is this what I owe your visit to?” I tipped my chin outside, referencing the fucking explosion in my parking lot.
I watched Anthony bite the inside of his cheek as he stared back at me for a minute before turning around toward his mother-in-law.
Grace Pastore lifted her head and stepped around Anthony to meet my gaze.
“The last time I visited with Victor he told me if there was any sort of danger, or I felt threatened that I should come here and see you. Now, I don’t know what kind of deal you and my husband have but when I told him what I overheard today he told me to get my ass here as fast as possible,” she said with a flustered sigh. “I went to the café this morning like Victor instructed me to, he wanted me to bring Jimmy our financials, papers and what have you regarding our home. Jimmy didn’t know I was there waiting for him, and I overheard him talking to one of his guys. He was going on and on about making you and your club pay for double crossing him. He said you would be his puppet, and he’d teach Vic a lesson once and for all, showing him who, and I quote ‘is the fucking boss,’” she said, before nodding toward the front door of the clubhouse. “Seems like the puppet master is ready to make moves.”
I turned to Anthony. “Any idea how he’d know what we had planned for him?”
“No fucking idea,” he said, shaking his head. “We can’t get in touch with Vic either. She’s sent emails but no response. Might be in the hole.”
“Fine time for him to get locked in solitary,” I mumbled, turning to Grace. “Thanks for coming and clueing me in,” I commented.
“It’s Jack, right?” She questioned.
I nodded, reaching behind my head and cupping my neck.
“My husband will never see outside those prison gates. I know he will eventually die a prisoner but I’m asking you to let God take him and not have it be at the hand of Jimmy. If there is a way you can help him then please, do so,” she pleaded, her eyes watering with unshed tears. “I know you helped my daughter Nikki and Michael get to safety the night of the shooting. I also know you’ve been keeping a watchful eye out on my son-in-law and I want to thank you for that, for keeping what’s left of my family safe.”