Control

Chapter 46

The Ferrari skidded sideways when Mikaela turned onto her street; she straightened it out, shot down the block, and screeched to a stop in the middle of the cul-de-sac. She jumped out of the car and ran around to the passenger side. “Mia, go get something to cover her with!”

Mia scrambled out the driver’s side, slammed the door, and ran towards her house. Brian came out and she yelled at him to get a blanket.

Dom, Richard, and Anton came running from their house. Vince tore out into the street like his life depended on his speed. When they all converged on the car, they were met with a grisly sight. Mikaela stood up and blocked their view of Letty. She had blood splattered all over her. “Back off.” Her voice was dead calm and she clenched her bloody hands into fists.

Vince started forward and Dom caught his arm. “Don’t.” He read his mate’s mood and saw her defensive posture. “She’ll kill you and won’t even remember it until later.”

“Mikaela.”

She turned her attention to the shaky voice behind her and lightened her expression. “Hey, Letty. Hold on for a sec, hon. Mia’s bringing a blanket and I’ll get you inside all safe and sound in your bed.” She knelt down in front of her and Letty fell into her arms in the street.

“You saved me. I’ve never felt so helpless in my whole life!”

“That is the thrill of rape.”

“You’ve been there? Haven’t you?” She pulled back to look in Mikaela’s dark eyes.

“Yes.”

“That’s why you killed them? You beat them to death because it reminded you of what happened to you.”

“No. I fucking killed them because they put their hands on you. I beat them to death because I didn’t want to see another strong woman destroyed and lost! I did not want you to become like I was!”

Letty hugged Mikaela close and cried. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“You’re welcome.”

Mia ran up with the blanket and Anton held Brian back. She wrapped the blanket around Letty and nodded at Mikaela. “Your doctor is here.”

“Are you alright with Vince taking you inside?”

“Yeah but can I see you later?”

Mikaela wiped the tears off Letty’s face with her fingertips. “After the doctor checks us both over. Look I have to back off to let Vince near you. I am still amped right now and it isn’t safe for me to be near the men.”

“Okay.”

Mikaela stood and backed away while Vince picked Letty up. When his eyes met hers, she had to force herself not to react. ‘She looks predatory.’ He averted his eyes when he remembered how female animals attack a male that hold their gaze. “Thank you, Micki.” He saw her nod her head at him through his peripheral vision and walked to his house.

“Ms. Tomasini, are you okay?”

“Doc, I need you to look at my friend. She was beaten and almost raped. When you’re done, come to my house and check me out.”

“Did you call the police?”

“There was no need to and it’s Mrs. Toretto now.”

“Congratulations but don’t you think a police report is necessary to find and prosecute the perpetrators?”

She faced her doctor and Patricia shrank away from her stare. “The police will have no problem finding them and there won’t be need to prosecute.” She walked unsteadily towards her house with Dom, Richard, and Anton following behind. Her step faltered and she fell to one knee. “Dominic.”

He ran forward and picked her up. She slumped against his chest and closed her eyes. “I’ve got you, baby.” He carried her inside, up the stairs, and placed her on the bed. “Mick, you’re covered with blood. Is any of it yours?”

“Just my hands.” She said blankly.

“Baby, are you okay?”

“I’m okay.”

“Anton, turn on the shower. Richard, help me get these clothes off of her. We need to change these sheets and someone clean the car.”

When their hands moved to touch her, she scrambled back. “Don’t! Don’t touch me! I touched those fucking animals. I need to get clean.” She climbed off the bed and slowly made her way towards the bathroom.

“Baby?”

“No, Dominic. I don’t want you to get dirty. I…”

“Mick, let me help you.” He inched towards her.

“Stop.” She held up her hand to ward him off. “I’m not clean. Don’t touch me.” She growled in a deep voice.

“Micki.” She turned her black stare on Richard. “Your husband wants to help you. I know this day was traumatic and I know how you feel. You don’t feel guilty about what you did but I know how you get after a fight. You did right by Letty. Remember that.” Her stance eased and her eyes softened. “Now, let Dom do what he’s here to do. Let him help you, babe. He loves you.”

She looked at the concerned face of the man of her dreams and moved into his arms. “Dominic…I’m tired. I’m so fucking tired.”

He held her close and clenched his eyes. “I know, baby. I’m going to clean you up and then put you to bed.”

“I’ll change the bed while you take care of her.”

“Richard.” He looked at him over his shoulder while he carried her into the bathroom. “Thanks.”

“It’s what I’m here for.”

Dom walked into the bathroom and Anton stood back after testing the water temperature. “You’re set here. I’ll send the doctor up when she’s done with Letty and I’ll take care of the car.”

“Thanks, Anton. Why don’t you set Richard and yourself up with a house? Give Richard the one 2 doors down on the right and you pick whichever one you want.” He stood in the shower, put Mikaela on her feet, and stripped off her clothes. He threw them on the floor outside the stall. “Will you throw those away for me?”

“Sure, Dom.” He glanced at his cousin’s limp form, picked up the wet clothes, and left the room.

Mikaela slid to the floor of the shower and stared at her bloody hands. She shook her head and clenched her eyes. Dom lathered up her body sponge, sat in front of her, and washed her hands. He cleaned every inch of her skin and then washed her hair.

He tilted her head back and rinsed the shampoo from her hair. He looked at her eyes. They appeared distant and unfocused. “About what Richard said?”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t feel guilty?”

“You know I don’t.”

“How do you get after a fight?”

She looked up at him for a second but couldn’t hold his gaze. “I feel dead. You know I can feel death. I was programmed to react without thought or regret. On some rare occasions, I would feel guilty that I went too far but that was after.”

“After what, baby?”

“The haze cleared and I realized what I did. Those moments were rare. The people I beat deserved it. I hardly ever regretted it.” She sighed and continued. “Richard thinks I feel guilty for not feeling guilty.”

“Do you?”

“I guess so.” She raised her tear-filled eyes to his. “I mean if I don’t feel guilty that kind of makes me an animal, doesn’t it?”

“No, Mick.”

She gave a disbelieving laugh. “No? I can barely be classified as a human!” She threw her arm out to the side and her fist collided with the glass wall.

“Shit!” Dom covered her with his body to shield her from the falling shattered glass. “Baby, are you okay?”

“Dominic! I’m sorry!” She ran her hands over him to brush off the glass. “Baby, I’m so sorry.” She began to cry uncontrollably.

“Mick, I’m fine. It’s okay. Stand up, baby.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. He quickly rinsed the soap off her body and turned off the water. He picked her up and stepped clear of the glass. He sat her on the vanity, grabbed a towel, and dried her off. “You’re still angry.”

“I’m furious.” She said softly. “At those pricks for what they did and what they made me do. At myself for almost hurting you just now. I should be alone until it passes.”

“No!” His loud voice startled her and she glanced nervously at his eyes. “You will never be alone again. I will ride this out with you. We are one! Do you understand me?”

“Yes.”

“Stay here. I’m going to change and I’ll bring your robe. The doctor should be here soon. Okay?”

“Yes.”

“That’s my girl.” He disappeared into the closet and emerged a few minutes later in a pair of sweats carrying her robe. He slipped it on her and carried her out to the bedroom.

“Dom?”

“Yeah, Anton.”

“Dr. Snoga is here. Shall I send her up?”

“Yes and make a note to arrange for someone to come over tomorrow to fix the bathroom mirror and the shower wall.”

“Okay.”

He placed her down on the freshly made bed and turned to greet the doctor. “Doctor.”

“Mr. Toretto.” She held out her hand and shook his outstretched one. “Congratulations on your marriage and your baby.”

“Thank you.”

“Patricia?”

“Yes? Can I call you Mikaela?” She received a nod and sat beside her on the bed.

“How’s Letty?”

“Very lucky that she knows you. You very well know what could have happened if you hadn’t intervened.”

“Yes…I do.”

“Well, let me see what it cost you to be the hero.” She looked at her hands and shook her head. “Young lady, it is amazing that you can still use these at all. Did you take any hits? Should we be concerned for your child?”

“No. They didn’t get the chance to hit me.”

“I see.” She lifted an eyebrow in amazement. “That is good news. I’ll take care of your hands and then we can see each other next week to check on the little one. Okay?”

She nodded and watched with disinterest as Patricia cleaned and bandaged her hands. All the while, the whole fight played out in her mind and her fingers began to twitch.

“We’re done here, Mikaela. I’ll call tomorrow to check on Letty and I’ll see you in a few days.” She looked at her unresponsive patient and sighed. “Mr. Toretto, can I speak with you while you show me out?”

“Sure.” He glanced back at his wife before he followed Patricia down the stairs.

When she reached the bottom, she turned to face him. “I know your wife is strong and I know she is very unique but even she has her limits. If she doesn’t take care of herself she will lose that child.”

“I know.” He glanced up at the loft while he spoke to her. “I’ve already discussed this with her but she couldn’t control what happened today.”

“I know that. Letty is very lucky that Mikaela was there or the worst could’ve happened.” She touched his arm to draw his attention back to her. “I’m just saying that her stress level has to come down and please take care of her.”

“I understand and I will. She is the most important thing in my life.”

Patricia smiled and opened the door. “I can see that and I’m glad she found you. She was alone for so long and the most tormented being I’ve ever seen. It is a comfort to know that is over. Goodbye.”

He shut the door and bolted up the stairs. She was lying on her side facing away from him. He sat beside her, ran his hand over her hair, and rolled her onto her back. “Sit up, precious.” He gently pulled her upright and pushed her robe off her shoulders.

She focused on his arm while he was undressing her and noticed the fresh tattoos for the first time. She touched the glyphs lightly with her fingertips. “This marks you as mine.” She stated in a tiny voice. “Your beautiful skin…flawed with the name of a flawed being.”

“You are not flawed. I wear your mark proudly.” He touched the sides of her breasts and her head drooped forward to watch his fingers move over his brand. “You marked yourself as mine and I’m keeping you forever.”

“I have become death.”

His hands moved down to her stomach and he caressed her skin. “You created and carry life. You saved Letty. You are my life.” His voice broke and tears formed in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have made you go. This is all my fault. I should’ve been with you.”

“Do you think things would’ve ended differently if you were there?” She raised his face up until their eyes met. “They wouldn’t have. I would’ve done exactly what I did even if you were there. In fact, I would’ve been more brutal if that is at all possible.”

“Why, Mick?”

“I worship you.” She raked her eyes over his chest and her gaze settled on his tat again. “I can do things that you cannot. My instinct to protect my mate would have been overwhelming. Dominic, you are my god. There is no me without you.”

“Jesus, baby.” He pulled her into his chest and squeezed her tight. He felt her tense in his arms when they heard the front door open and close.

“Dom!”

“What, Vince?”

“I’m sorry about this, man, but Letty needs to see Mikaela.”

“Come up.” Mikaela answered and pulled the sheet up under her arms to cover herself.

“Baby, you need rest.”

“So does she.” She turned her head to see Vince and Letty clear the stairs.

“You said I could see you.”

Mikaela smiled to calm her when she saw her on the verge of panic. “So I did.” She held the sheet over her breasts with her right arm and held out her left. “Come here.”

Letty crawled in bed next to her and laid her head on her shoulder. “Thanks. I don’t think I could’ve slept if I didn’t see you.”

“You can sleep now. We’re home and safe with our men.” Her voice got shaky and she wrapped her arm around the frightened woman. “You need to shake this, Let. Don’t let it take away your fire.”

“How? I’ve never felt like this before. How did you do it?”

“I found my prince charming. He cured me of all my ills and saved my soul.” She reached out her right hand and pulled Dom closer to her side. “Lay down, Vince. I don’t think you’ll be going home tonight.”

He laid down beside Letty and wrapped an arm around her waist. “She told me what you did, Micki.”

She turned her eyes to his and he glanced away. “And?”

“I knew you were amazing when I met you but now I think you are a miracle.”

“That’s what I keep telling her but she’s stubborn and won’t believe me.” Dom kissed her cheek and snuggled up to her. The men started to laugh softly until they noticed the women had fallen asleep in each other’s arms.

“We are lucky men, Dom.”

“Yeah, we are.”

“I love her, ya know?”

“Glad to hear it. I love mine too.”

“Fuck that is so hot seeing the 2 of them like that.”

“Shut up and go to sleep. Oh and Vince?”

“Yeah?”

“She’s right. You are a pig.”

“I know.” He chuckled.

“You know this is going to be hard for them to deal with, don’t you?”

Vince’s face turned dead serious. “Yeah. I know.”