Control

Chapter 47

Her eyes snapped open and her hand went to her chest. Her dreams had been troubled. The fight, the blood and the death were fresh in her mind. ‘Can’t breathe.’ She looked to her left at Letty and Vince. She was curled into his chest. He had one arm wrapped securely around her waist and his other hand rested tenderly on the back of her head.

She glanced to her right and saw her mate pressed against her side. He looked so peaceful. She had shut herself off when she fell asleep. She knew the dreams would come and did not want to alarm him. She stared at his handsome face and tears filled her eyes. ‘I need you.’ She scooted to the end of the bed, tried to get to her feet but her legs wouldn’t hold her and she fell to the floor.

“Mick?” He rolled off the bed and rushed to her side. “Baby, what is it?”

“Panic attack…can’t breathe.”

“Come on, love.” He helped her to her feet and walked her to the open window. “Slow, deep breaths, baby.”

“Dom?”

“Yeah, Vince.”

“Is she ok?”

“She will be.” He ran his hand over her hair and down her back. His eyes settled on her heaving breasts. “Slow down, baby, or you’ll hyperventilate.” He placed one hand on her back and the other on her chest. He applied slight pressure to slow her breathing.

She covered his hand with hers and drew off his strength and love. About 5 minutes later, she calmed her breathing and the attack passed. “I’m okay now.” Her knees buckled and he picked her up before she could fall again. “My hero.”

“That’s my job, milady. You wanna try to go back to bed?”

“I have to do something because I’m the only one naked and Vince is staring at my ass.” She giggled when they both turned to see Vince watching them.

“It isn’t like that, Micki. I was just worried about you.” His voice was concerned and his worry was genuine. “You are important to me. You brought love to my best friend, you gave me my life back, and you saved my girl. You are precious to all of us.”

His words humbled her and her throat tightened when she whispered. “Thank you.”

“No. Thank you. Are you okay?”

She nodded her head. “Yeah. Just Dom Jr. messing with my system.” She turned to her husband. “Dominic, put me down. I’m going to workout for a while and then I’ll make us breakfast.”

“You need rest, Mick. I won’t allow it.”

She arched one eyebrow and cocked her head. “You won’t allow it. What do you mean you won’t allow it?”

“You heard me, woman. You need to take it easy today.” She was about to protest but he cut her off. “Don’t argue with me. You can get in a light workout later.” He smiled at her and it melted her heart. “You can make me breakfast though.”

“Are you trying to domesticate me? Make me into the good, obedient housewife? Not gonna happen, lover. I’ll do my kata and then I’ll cook.”

“I’m coming with you.” She glanced at the bed and saw Letty looking at her with hopeful eyes. “I want you to teach me.”

“Teach you what exactly, Let?”

“How to fight like you.”

“Letty, baby, you know how to fight.”

“Not good enough, Vince! If it wasn’t for her I would’ve been raped by 5 assholes that were tougher than me!” She looked him in the eyes with bitter tears rolling down her face and pointed at Mikaela. “They were no match for her! She picked them apart without even thinking about it.”

“That is the vital point of everything you just said, Letty.”

“What?”

“I didn’t think.” Mikaela picked up her robe from the foot of the bed. Dom took it from her hands and helped her slip it on. “This isn’t something you can learn.”

“You learned it.”

“Yeah. I was taught how to fight but it was a lifetime of learning that combined with my other ability makes me the way I am. I don’t think. I react. Come here.” Letty stood in front of her and watched her turn her back to her. “Throw down.”

“What?”

“I said throw down. Let me see what you’ve got. If you’re even worth thinking about this.” She smiled when she felt Letty’s anger, ducked to the side, grabbed the fist aimed for her head, and twisted around to use Letty’s own arm to choke her. “Is that all?” She whispered in her ear. “Throwing a punch is all you know? That is weak.” She released her arm and pushed her onto the bed. “I won’t let you stay that way.”

“What?”

“You need to add some shit to your arsenal. Throwing a punch is for amateurs. Come on.” She held out her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Keep in mind that you won’t ever, and I do mean ever, be like me.”

“Okay.”

“Let’s go. I have some stuff we can change into in the dojo. I’ll show you the kata and then we’ll cook for our men.” She wrapped her arm around Letty’s neck and they went downstairs.

Dom closed his eyes and shook his head. “Shit. She is going to be the death of me.”

“Brother, should we let them do this?”

“Do you think we could stop them?”

“I know you have your woman on a tight leash. I’ve seen you stop her with a word.”

“Vince, I don’t have her on a leash. I can stop her when she knows it’s right for me to do so. When she’s determined there is no stopping her. Besides, I think this might do them both some good.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah but we’ll keep an eye on them just to make sure. Come on. You have got to see this.”

They started down the stairs and Vince laughed. “You know me, bro. I’m always up for a good show.” When they entered the dojo, they saw the girls changing into workout clothes. “And what a show it is.”

Mikaela ignored Vince and eyed Dom mischievously. “You here to keep an eye on me?”

“Always.” He smiled at her and they both sat on the mats.

“As you wish.” She pulled on a tank and gym shorts. “You ready, Let?”

“Yeah. What do I do?”

“Clear your mind and concentrate on the movements only. Just follow my lead.” Mikaela started a simple routine and Letty worked to match her. She could sense her frustration. “Focus. Don’t think about them just move. You can refine it later. Only the flow is important now.”

The men watched with wide eyes as the movements turned into something resembling a deadly dance. They were beautiful. When they completed the last move, Mikaela did 3 back flips and landed in a crouch in front of Dom. She kissed him and they flopped down on the mat.

“Whoa sailor! Not that I’m complaining but what brought that on?”

“Like I need a reason.”

“Mmm. I’d love to take you up on that.” He pulled her mouth back into reach of his and ran his tongue against hers.

She pulled back and ran a finger over his lips. “Me too but I have a family to feed. Not to mention your son.” She hopped up and walked to the door. “Coming, Let?”

“On my way.”

“Letty?”

“Yeah?”

Vince went to her and kissed her gently. Her arms came up around his neck and she returned it with passion. Their lips parted slowly and he stared at her for a reaction. Her eyes were closed and she ran her tongue over her lips. Her eyes slowly opened and focused on his hopeful face. She kissed him lightly, smiled, and left the room.

When she joined Mikaela in the kitchen, she found her pulling several rib eye steaks from the fridge. “Wow. What’s on the menu?”

“Steak, eggs, hash browns, and toast. I need protein and so do you if you plan to stick with this.” She looked at Letty critically. “Do you? I take this very seriously.”

“Yes. I do.”

“Fine.” She turned back to the open fridge to get the rest of the ingredients she needed for breakfast.

“I get the feeling you have a problem with this.”

Mikaela handed her the potatoes and grater. “No. I will teach you what I think you need to know and then the discipline not to use it. I swear to you if you use anything I teach you unnecessarily…”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Fine. Wash and grate the potatoes.” She laid out the steaks and began to season and tenderize them.

Dom came in with Vince after they overheard their discussion. He walked up behind Mikaela and wrapped his arms around her midsection. “Hello, wife.”

“Hello, husband. Will you and Vince set the table and round everyone up.”

“Sure, darlin.” He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her stomach before he moved off to grab the dishes.

“Hey Micki?”

“Yes Vince.”

“What is this finger thing you did?”

“Pressure points. My grandfather taught me.” She glanced at him as he sipped a cup of coffee and moved to the counter he was leaning against to grab a wire whisk.

“How does it work?” He raised the cup to his mouth. Before it reached his lips, he felt her stab her fingers into his shoulder and his arm fell to his side. The cup crashed to the floor.

“Kind of like that, Vince. Any other questions?” She smiled at his astonished face and turned to start the eggs.

“Hey!” He tried to move his arm but it flopped at his side. “Can you fix this?” He was starting to panic.

Dom burst out into laughter and the others joined him. “Calm down, you big baby.” She pushed her thumb into his shoulder and twisted. “All better?”

He wiggled his fingers and made a fist. “Yeah. That is a trip. How…”

“Don’t. The only person I will share that with is Dominic. He and he alone will know everything I know.”

“But…”

“End of discussion, Vince. Now help him set the table before I paralyze your mouth.”

“That would be a gift, baby.”

“Come on, you guys.”

“We’re joking, Vince. Now move it before I stop joking.”

About 30 minutes later, the morning meal was laid out on the table and the others were just arriving. Mikaela scrutinized Mia’s appearance and was immediately concerned. “Hey, baby girl, you must be tired. I beat you to breakfast today. Are you okay?”

“You’re not tired? Yesterday was taxing to say the least and the two of you look fresh as a flower.”

The table got quiet and waited for Mikaela’s answer. “It was a bad time for everyone here. The night was difficult but I think we’re gonna be okay.” She looked down at the table, avoiding Mia’s eyes. “Are you alright with what happened?”

“Yes. I am. I was scared but not of you. I was scared for you both.” She smiled at Mikaela and Letty. “I am so relieved that you both are okay. I stayed up all night worrying about you. Watched a great movie though.”

“Which one?”

“For the Boys with Bette Midler.”

“I love that flick. It is a tearjerker. Every time she sings I would cry. Oh! This one is great. Let me see if I can remember it right.” She thought for a moment, cleared her throat, and stared at Dom.

I’m gonna love you
Like nobody’s loved you
Come rain or come shine

High as a mountain
Deep as a river
Come rain or come shine

And I guess when you met me
It was just one of those things
But don’t ever bet me
Cuz I’m gonna be true if you let me

You’re gonna love me
Like nobody’s loved me
Come rain or come shine

Happy together
Unhappy together
And won’t it be fine

Days may be cloudy or sunny
We’re in or we’re out of the money
But I’m with you always
I’m with you rain or shine
Rain or shine

Dom pulled her across his lap and kissed her passionately. The others were whistling and clapping. “That was beautiful, baby. I love it when you sing to me.”

“Glad you liked that, honey.” She started coughing and clearing her throat. “Cuz I don’t think I can do that again.”

Dom’s brow furrowed and he looked upset. “You won’t sing for me anymore?”

“Of course I will just not like that. My voice is too deep. The strain of singing in a female tone makes me light-headed.”

“Oh come on, Mikaela. Just one more.”

“Mia…”

“Please.”

“Okay but if I pass out it is so your fault.” She looked at Richard and inspiration hit. She rose up and stood behind him.

There are places I remember
All my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some are gone and some remain

All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life
I’ve loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these mem’ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new

Though I know I’ll never ever lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I’ll never ever lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Richard gripped her hands that rested on his shoulders in his. They both had tears rolling down their faces. Everyone was quiet and allowed them to share this private moment in peace. “Thank you, Micki.” He whispered.

“Thank you, Richie.” She kissed his cheek and returned to her mate’s side. “Bette sang that song too. I loved the Beatles but when she sings it brings tears to my eyes.”

“That was lovely, Mikaela.” Mia wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Yeah, Mikaela. It made her cry during the movie too.”

“Thank you, Brian.” She heard her phone ring inside and got up. “Eat up, guys. I’ll be right back.” She went into the kitchen and picked up the phone. “Hello.”

“Micki, it’s me.”

“Leon. You arrived alive and well then. I’m glad. I usually don’t trust anyone but Anton with my precious cargo.”

“Thanks. We got here safe and sound. It was a long damn trip.”

“I know.” She laughed. “You wanted to go. So, what do you think of the gypsies?”

“They take life as it comes but they sure are prepared for every eventuality. Andros has his work cut out for him. They sure do teach their kids how to take care of themselves at a young age.”

“Yes they do.”

He heard her voice turn sullen and tried to lighten the topic. “When we were kids, we always had an image of what gypsies looked like from TV. I had no idea it was true.”

“Only in the old country. Romania has its cities that are attempting to catch up to the last century.”

He laughed at her little joke and she joined him. “Did you dress like these women do when you were here?”

“Yes. Why?”

“It’s pretty sexy but then you look sexy in anything.” His eyes followed a raven-haired woman across the courtyard. Her hair was loose and she wore a white off-the-shoulder top that tied below her breasts and a red short flared skirt. She looked like a smaller version of Mikaela. Her hair wasn’t as long, her breasts weren’t as big, and she wasn’t pure muscle but she was beautiful.

“I see you’ve noticed my sister, Janna.”

Leon covered the phone and shushed Andros. “I’m talking to Micki.”

“Leon?”

“Yeah, Micki?”

“What about Janna?”

“Nothing. Hey baby, were you all right yesterday? I, um, had a feeling something was wrong.”

“I ran into some trouble that I had to deal with.”

“Uh huh. Baby, what happened? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”

“We’re both okay, Leon. I…um…”

“Micki, you can talk to me.”

“No. I can’t. Look Leon, I’m glad you got there okay but I need to get back to the others. I made breakfast and I, uh, need to eat. I…” She turned and saw her husband watching her from the doorway. She handed him the phone and walked away.

“Leon.”

“Dom? Where did she go? What happened to her yesterday?”

“She ran into some trouble.” Dom took a deep breath and started to explain the events that happened to the woman they both loved.

~~ “Come Rain or Come Shine” song by Bette Midler~~
~~ “In My Life” song by Beatles sung by Bette Midler~~