Ruin’s Embattlement (Tenillo Guardians AIMC #19)

Desi Chapter 17

Life was racing by, or so it seemed. Ruin and I had been officially engaged for a week and a half—ten short days. You would think there wasn’t much that could happen in that many days. I had. Well, I was wrong. We were moving forward at lightning speed. A couple of times, it started to get overwhelming, but I reminded myself we weren’t strangers. We’d known each other for six years. I’d been in love with him most of those. He’d been in love with me the same length, except he spent it in denial. No one could say he wasn’t making up for that.

One of the things he handled right away happened last night. I should’ve been suspicious when we were told that everyone should meet at the clubhouse after dinner for a short update. The room had been loud and full of conversations, playful kids, and joking. I was talking to Sara and Mom when I found out what the meeting was about. Ruin had wandered off to talk to someone and said he’d be back.

The room got eerily quieter. I turned to see why and came face-to-face with Ruin. He wore an intense expression. I was about to ask what was wrong when he removed his arm from behind his back. That’s when I noticed it was hidden. Hanging from his fingers was something I knew instantly. Excitement filled me. The leather cut needed no introduction.

“I told you I wanted you as my old lady and wife. I know I did it out of order, but I’ve got to ask. Will you be my old lady and accept my property cut, Desi?”

I knew you could be a wife and not an old lady, although no one in this club was one. I held out my hands and wiggled my fingers in a “gimme” gesture, which made those surrounding us chuckle.

“What are you waiting for? Hell, yes, I’ll be your old lady. Let me see,” I burst out. This made them chuckle more. Ruin took it in both hands and turned it so I could check out the back. Seeing the Ares Infidels MC logo and reading the words Property of Ruin made me breathless. Then he twirled it so I was able to see the front. There, in script lettering, was my nickname given by him. Mon Désir stared back at me. I gave an undignified squeal of delight. His smile widened as he assisted me into it. After a shattering kiss, we were treated to the congratulations once again of the club members and old ladies.

Other big things we’d put in motion were moving Shane and me into the trailer with Ruin and working on finding a house plan we could agree on. Shane was easy to please. It was Ruin and I who kept arguing over what was and wasn’t needed. I knew the men in the club loved big spaces. But whereas he pushed for a house with a huge garage, living room, and several bedrooms, I pushed for a sizable kitchen and laundry room with lots of storage and folding space and things of that nature. Where it made us argue was deciding which to let go. We didn’t want it to cost a fortune. We’d gone back and forth on a few plans so many times I was about to throw my hands up.

Our stalemate came to an end tonight. We were over at Dad and Mom’s for dinner. The whole clan was there. The topic of house plans came up, and we were asked if we’d decided on one yet. That’s when we spilled to them what was holding us up. When we were finished presenting our arguments, they were all smiling.

“What’s so funny? We need to decide,” Ruin muttered.

“Just watching the two of you working on this. Damn, you’re all grown up. We’re going to let you in on a secret. Get used to it. No matter how much you love and adore each other, you will disagree and sometimes fight. The key is not to let it get out of hand,” Executioner said.

“And to know when to ask others to help if it becomes an impasse. Do you want to hear what we think, or do you want to wrangle with it more?” Dad asked.

Ruin and I exchanged looks, and there seemed to be a silent agreement. At the same time, we said, “What do you think?”

“The underlying issue for both of you isn’t that one room or space is too big compared to others. You might think it is, but it isn’t,” Skye added.

“Oh, then what is it?” I asked.

“You both are trying to cut square footage to make the house not too large, and you keep proposing other areas that aren’t as key to you to be the place to cut the footage from. You both want office space, for example. The master bath and bedroom are agreed upon. If there was no money constraint, would you have a plan that you believe you can more than live with?” Mom asked. We eyed each other for a solid minute or more before we nodded.

“Good. Then, on the count of three, I want both of you to put your finger on the one you want,” Dad ordered.

He did the count. As soon as he said one, I darted my hand out to touch my choice. I was slightly startled to note that Ruin’s hand also landed on it.

“Really? You want that one?” I blurted out.

“All things considered and not letting cost dictate, then yes. It’s got everything we both want. Shane loves this bedroom option for him. It was his favorite, although he’s easy to please. I hope he stays that way for the rest of his life.”

Mom began to laugh hysterically.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

“The idea that Shane or any of your kids will always stay easygoing. Wait. You’ll want to pull out your hair and choke them.”

“Hey, I was a great kid,” Ruin protested.

“Not as good as I was,” Skye chimed in.

Tyson was the only one who did not say anything. He stayed for the discussion to watch the fireworks, he said.

“Keep telling yourselves that you were perfect. I admit, you could’ve been way worse and went through stages, but you are guaranteed your children will make you angry sometimes, or maybe frustrated is a better term. Shane will do the same. Now, back to the house plan. You’re both sure this is the one?” Mom asked.

“If we had no consideration for the amount, then yes,” Ruin stated.

“Yes,” I agreed.

“Then it’s settled. You don’t seem to get the concept that the club was gifted money,” Dad reminded us.

“We know, but it can’t be limitless, and others will need a share. We’re not trying to wipe out the whole amount,” Ruin informed them. We hadn’t been given a budget to stick to. It made it hard.

“How much do you think a house this size with the things you want will cost?” Executioner asked.

“We don’t know. Probably at least five hundred thousand,” I guessed.

“I don’t think it will, but even if it does, so what? The club can afford it and more. And no one will be shortchanged,” Dad insisted.

Before either of us could dispute his claim, Executioner expanded on what Dad said. “Omen is telling the truth. Not to give an exact amount, but there are millions in that account. It’s not all from Pitbull and Talon, though the bulk is. The club has invested well, and the results are showing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take it. We’ll tell you if you get out of hand with what you want. I suggest you make an appointment with the builder, show him the plan, and let him work up a proposal. Once you have it, we can take it to Sin and the other officers and ask them if it’s too much.”

And just like that, the hours of back and forth were resolved, or at least we came to a decision. Time would tell if we had to go back to the drawing board. Our smiles and nods made them all happy. It wasn’t long before we were breaking up the evening. The kids had school in the morning, so they needed to get to bed. After hugging Ex, Skye, and the kids goodbye, I hustled Shane to his bedroom. He needed a bath, and then it was bedtime. He tried to negotiate to stay up later, but I denied it.

Ruin joined us. “Buddy, you’ve got school. You need a bunch of sleep so your brain works. Don’t give your mom a hard time. When you’re done, I’ll read you a few chapters of a story if you want.”

Shane mulled it over for a couple of seconds, then said, “Deal. You and Mommy go pick out the book. I can wash myself, and I’ll be there in a flash, Dad.”

He ran out of the room before either of us could respond to Shane calling him Dad. I saw the shock on my man’s face. I went to him. “Honey, are you alright with him calling you that? If not, tell him. He should’ve asked permission.”

“Christ, I didn’t imagine it. He did call me Dad. Babe, I’m more than alright with him calling me that. I’m stoked. I was just stunned. I thought it would take months, maybe years, for him to be comfortable enough to do it, if ever. You don’t think he feels pressure to call me that, do you?” His elation was changing to concern. It was written on his face.

“No, I do not think he’s doing it due to pressure. You know how much he wants a father. And he loves you, Tanner. Let’s face it. You’ve been his father figure since birth. Dad is PawPaw. Executioner and Tyson are beloved uncles. You’ve always been more.”

He swept me up into his arms and danced us around the room. We ended up laughing and dancing until we were dizzy. When that occurred, he stopped, and we regained our balance. Then he went to pick out the book. As promised, Shane didn’t take long and was out and in bed in no time. We sat on either side of him as he snuggled under the covers.

The book Ruin chose was one of Shane’s favorites. It was about a mouse and his motorcycle. It was long, so only a few chapters would be read tonight. I think Ruin chose it because it was his childhood favorite. It took two chapters for Shane to be battling to keep his eyes open.

“That’s enough for tonight. I’ll read more tomorrow,” Ruin promised him as he closed the book, and we stood up. I gave Shane a kiss before I got to my feet. He didn’t protest stopping, so I knew he was exhausted. Ruin leaned down and gave him a hug and kiss. He said softly, “Goodnight, son.”

“Goodnight, Dad, Mommy. Love you.”

“Love you, too,” came out of us both. When we entered the hall, I saw Ruin fighting his emotions.

“Let’s go to the trailer. He’ll sleep all night,” I told him. Ruin didn’t object.

By now, I’d moved enough stuff there not to need to lug things back and forth. We only had a small amount to move before we could stay there for good. This weekend was official moving day. Other items would be packed and kept in storage until we had the house—there was no need to move photo albums and other memorabilia.

We took time to say good night to the parents. Tyson had disappeared somewhere. They shooed us out the door. I’d mostly stopped feeling guilty leaving Shane at night. When I mentioned I felt that way not long ago, I was quickly admonished and told it wasn’t an imposition. It wasn’t as if he was an infant and got up every few hours. He slept solid. He had been a good baby when it came to sleeping.

We’d barely made it to the trailer when my phone rang. Wondering who would be calling me, especially at nine o’clock at night, I took out my phone. I saw it was Isaiah. “Tanner, it’s Is. Let me get this, and then you and I can go to bed.” I winked.

“Tell him you’ll need to gossip tomorrow.”

“Hi, Isaiah. Tanner said we have to gossip tomorrow,” I said when I answered. I said it jokingly.

“Hello, is this Desiree Young?” a man’s voice asked. It wasn’t anyone I recognized, let alone Isaiah’s. I jerked. Without thinking about it, I pressed the speakerphone icon.

“Yes, this is Desiree Young. Who is this? Why do you have my friend’s phone? Where’s Isaiah?” I demanded. Ruin went on alert and crowded closer.

“My name is Tonio. I work at Tenillo General Hospital in their ER department. Your friend Isaiah was brought in. He asked me to call you.”

“Oh my God, what happened? Is he going to be alright?” I asked as panic overtook me.

“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you more over the phone. Are you able to come to the hospital? Is there someone who can drive you? He indicated you’re his responsible party for medical.”

I might’ve fallen if Ruin hadn’t put an arm around me. “This is Ruin, I’m her fiancé. I can bring her. We’ll be there shortly. Is there anything you can tell us now?”

“I can tell you he’s alive and asking for Desiree. Please, it would be best if you get here.”

“Tell him we’re coming,” I pleaded.

After that, a few words were exchanged between him and Ruin, but I wasn’t listening. I was in a haze as Ruin grabbed my purse and a jacket. I heard him on the phone as we went to his truck. Again, I tuned it out. All I was able to do was think of Isaiah and why he hadn’t called me himself. It meant something awful had happened.

The ride to town passed by in a blur. Ruin held my hand and kept squeezing it. He tried to reassure me everything would be okay, but I didn’t believe it. I wanted to run into the ER when we got there. However, as bad as my legs were shaking, it was impossible. We hastened together, with Ruin holding me partially up, to the guy behind the check-in desk.

“May I help you?”

“Yes, we were called by Tonio. He asked my fiancée to come here. Her friend, Isaiah, was brought in,” Ruin explained.

“What’s your friend’s last name?” the man asked. Ruin hesitated. I realized I never told him.

“It’s Vargas,” I supplied. The man tapped a few times on his keyboard and then nodded.

“Yes, it says here that you’re expected. Please sit, and I’ll get someone to speak to you.”

“Please, hurry.”

“I will.” He stood up and walked off. Ruin practically had to drag me to a chair.

“Baby, you’ve got to stay calm. You’re shaking.”

“I can’t. What if he’s dying? Tonio wouldn’t tell us anything. That means it’s bad.”

“We don’t know that. Breathe.” The command in his tone made me take a deep breath. I had no idea how long we sat there before a man came out of the back. The front desk guy was with him. He pointed to us. We came to our feet and met the new guy halfway. He looked grim.

“Thank you for getting here so fast. I’m Tonio. I’m one of the nurses. Mr. Vargas is having X-rays at the moment. Once he’s done, I can take you back to see him for a couple of minutes.”

“Thank you. What happened?” I asked.

He glanced at the crowded waiting room and then gestured to us. We followed him to a corner. “Mr. Vargas was brought in by an ambulance. He’s been severely beaten. That’s all I know.”

“Is he going to die?” I asked.

“He’s in serious condition, but we’re still running tests. He is able to talk, which is good.”

“Have the cops been called?” Ruin asked.

“I think so, why?” He eyed Ruin’s cut as he asked.

“Because I have two club brothers on the force. I need to know if I should call them.”

“That’s up to you. I’m sorry. I have to get back. Someone will come get you.” He left.

I was taken back to the same seat I was in. As we sat there, Ruin got on the phone. I heard him say Cuffs’s name, then Wrecker’s. Whoever did this wouldn’t get away with it. The club liked Isaiah. They’d make sure of it.

We’d been sitting for about twenty minutes when the door to the waiting area opened, and in came some of the Infidels. Mom, Dad, and Tyson were with them. I got up and ran to them. Mom hugged me.

“Do we know anything yet?”

“Have you seen him?”

“What did the doctor say?”

Questions were coming out of most of them. I let Ruin answer. We didn’t have much to tell them. The questions were beginning to die down when my name was called. Turning, I saw a woman standing outside the door to the treatment area. Ruin didn’t waste time guiding me to her.

“You can come back,” she said.

“I need to go with her. She’s not steady,” Ruin insisted.

She wisely didn’t argue. One last look at the others, and then we trailed behind her. When she took us into a treatment room, I gasped in horror when I saw Isaiah. His face was barely recognizable. One eye was completely swollen shut, and the other was halfway swollen shut. There were cuts and bruises not only on his face but his arms. His fists were scraped raw.

“Oh sweet Jesus, what happened?” I cried as I went to his side. I wanted to touch him, but I had no idea where I should. I didn’t want to cause him pain. I had to settle for lightly placing a few fingers on the back of his hand.

“They know,” he croaked.

“They know? Who knows wh—” I stopped to gulp before asking.

“Isaiah, are you talking about you-know-what and your family?” I asked aghast. He barely nodded and then grimaced.

“Who did this?” I snapped next.

“Dad,” he whispered.

“Wait a minute. Your dad did this to you? Why? What do you mean, they know?” Ruin demanded.

“I’m going to murder him,” I snarled.

“Someone tell me what the fuck you’re talking about!” Ruin ordered.

It wasn’t my place to tell him. Isaiah somehow gripped my hand. “Tell him. There’s no need to hide it anymore.” He said it as if it was hard for him to talk.

“You asked how I was so sure Isaiah didn’t have romantic feelings for me. Well, what I couldn’t tell you is that I know it’s true because he’s not into women.”

Ruin blinked, then frowned. “So he’s gay, and he didn’t want to tell people?”

“No, he didn’t want his family to know, specifically his parents. He knew they wouldn’t accept it. He was afraid they wouldn’t let him see his two younger brothers and sister. He’s been waiting until the youngest one, who is seventeen, is an adult to do it. That way, his parents can’t stop him from having a relationship with them.”

Ruin broke into a swearing rant, although he did keep it down. When he was done, I continued, “Isaiah, can you tell us how they found out?”

“Hold up,” Ruin said. His phone had beeped, and he’d taken it out to check it. “Cuffs and Wrecker are here. They’re on their way back to see Isaiah. Let’s save you some strength and only have you say it once.”

We only had to wait a minute before they joined us. Their worried expressions said it all.

“Isaiah, I’ve got to say, not the way I want to see you, man,” Cuffs said first.

“Me either. Tell us what happened. It looks like it was a helluva fight. Can you tell us who did this?” Wrecker added.

“I can. I got a call to see my folks. It was unusual since they never ask me to the house except on Sundays when we have the monthly family dinner or if something is up with one of my siblings. I asked if they were okay and was told we’d talk about it when I got there.

“I should’ve known something was off when I arrived, and no cars were in the driveway. I went to the door, and Mom let me in. It wasn’t until I was seated that I found out why I was there, and no one else was besides the three of us. My sister was at a friend’s house.” He winced as he took a deep breath.

“If you need a break, take it,” Wrecker stated.

“No, I need to get this out. Anyway, I won’t give you all the gory details, but why they called me was they’d found out I’m gay. I’ve been hiding it for years because I knew they’d never approve and would make my life hell. My mistake was thinking they’d only cut me off and deny me access to my siblings. I was wrong.

“Mom was bawling and telling me how I’d humiliated the family and I’d burn in hell for what I did. Dad was screaming that he wouldn’t tolerate one of his sons being a faggot. During his rant, I found out how they discovered it. Someone who knows us saw me out of town. I went out on a date with Lucas. I thought I was far enough away that no one would know me. I was stupid to assume it was safe. Then I was even dumber and let him hug and kiss me at the end of our date. I drove there to meet him, and he walked me to my car. It was outside, but I didn’t think anything about it.

“Dad told me I would find a woman and get married immediately. That my disgusting deviant behavior was done and never to be spoken about again. I told them it wasn’t something I could turn off and that I wasn’t attracted to women. That was my fatal mistake. It pushed Dad over the edge. He went crazy and attacked me. I tried to defend myself, but it was like he was possessed. No matter how hard I tried to fight back or to get away, I couldn’t.” He paused. I was crying at this point. The fury on the faces of the three Infidels was scary to behold.

“How did you get to the hospital?” Cuffs asked.

“One of the neighbors called the police. Old Man Winters came banging on the door to tell us he had called them. I guess he heard the yelling. By then, I couldn’t move. Mom told Dad to leave. She’d deal with the cops. That’s the last I remember before waking up in the back of the ambulance. I have no idea if he ran or what. When I got here, I had one of the nurses call Desi. She’s my responsible party in case of an emergency. I didn’t know if I was about to die or not.”

I wanted to comfort him, but at that exact moment, Tonio entered. “Sorry, but he has more tests to undergo. We’ve given you as much time as we can. You’ll have to have a seat out in the waiting room. I’ll let you know when we know more,” he said kindly.

Before he hustled us out, I quickly kissed Isaiah on the cheek where there wasn’t a bruise and whispered, “Love you. Hang in there.”

“Love you, too, Des.”

I was led out, not knowing if he would recover. As I walked out, I began to dream of the things I wanted to do to his parents.