The Sweetest Scent Part 6

"Lace?" Jordan asked in a concerned voice.

Taking a quick breath, Lacey plastered her most endearing smile on her lips. "I'm off. Thanks for the ride, Jordan. Good night."

"Wait." Jordan grabbed her arm, but it wasn't hostile or harsh. Instead, he eased his hold to plant a business card in her hand, closing her fingers around it. "My number's on here. And so is my private cell. I can tell there's something going on, Lace, something major you don't want to talk about. Just know that if you ever need me, I'm one phone call away, okay?" With a quick, rea.s.suring squeeze, he let go of her.

Feeling slightly bereft and ashamed of keeping her loved ones in the dark, Lacey nodded, tucking the card into her jacket pocket. "Okay."

She left the car, releasing the breath she had been holding only after Jordan had given a quick chin lift and eased the car into the street, disappearing into the dimness of the early evening. She covered her trembling lips with her hand, hoping no one saw her shaken state, and quelled the sobs threatening to burst out. The people around her offered their help again and again, and every time Lacey was certain it would never get so bad she would have to leave her birth family behind.

Even though a part of Lacey wanted that. Her dad broke a little bit of her heart every day, never giving her the love of a parent. The trouble was that she could remember the man he had been before the tragedy that had robbed them of her mother and his wife. Back then, Roger Purcell had loved Lacey unconditionally, like a true father, supported and cared for her, listened to her woes, and given her his precious time. At the time Lacey's girlish ways hadn't seemed to bother him that much. When they lost the third vital member of their family, Roger had lost himself and built up walls so high no one could climb over them. Hidden inside his fortress of loss, he grew to hate the world-and his gay son. Sometimes it felt as though Lacey had come to embody everything that was wrong with his life, and Roger poured all his pain, anger, and blame on her.

As she reluctantly strode over to the door, Lacey thought about how tired of it she was. She was only seventeen. She should have felt full of life, bursting with youth and love for her special guy and giddy about the promise of a better future. Yet when she felt those joyous feelings stir inside her, a shadow fell over them. Knowing it was because of her father just amplified her sadness.

Lacey hadn't lost one parent; she had lost two.

Suddenly, the door was practically ripped open, and the huge, swaying silhouette of Roger Purcell stood framed by the hallway lights.

Lacey started, taking a step back. "Oh, Dad, I didn't see-"

"Where the h.e.l.l have you been, Lance?" her father demanded, the smell of beer wafting over her. "You've been with that little f.a.ggot again." A sound halfway between a burp and a hiccup interrupted his rant for a few seconds, and he teetered over the threshold, his watery eyes unfocused and blinking. "I told you you're never to see him again. You won't turn into a little pansy-a.s.s fairy like him."

Lacey felt conflicted, wanting to cower before her father's hatred and to stand up for her boyfriend. The last instinct won. "Bro's a jock, the most manly-"

Roger growled, advancing on Lacey, and then the back of his hand made contact with her face. Pain shot through her, a jolt so hard it forced her to step back. Her neck hurt, as did everything else. His knuckles had landed solidly, and his wedding ring had sc.r.a.ped her cheek. She smelled and tasted blood, and her teeth clattered. Her jaw felt looser than before. Her legs wobbled, nausea set in, swirling in her belly, and bile rose up in her throat.

Roger was shouting now. "You little s.h.i.+t! I told you not to-"

Lacey responded with the new skills she had spent the past hours practicing. She brought her foot up fast and hard and kicked Roger in the thigh. Groaning, Roger fell to his knees.

Without trying to do more, Lacey spun and started running. Tears were flowing down her cheeks, and the pain made her stumble every other step, but she couldn't stop. It was as if she became the essence of escape, sprinting forward at such high speed her soles barely grazed the ground. Lacey had only one destination in mind, and she prayed they would welcome her in her greatest hour of need.

Chapter 7.

"WHAT the heck is all that ruckus?" Bro rubbed his bleary eyes as he sauntered into the living room, having been stirred from his half-asleep state by the sharp noises from the door. the heck is all that ruckus?" Bro rubbed his bleary eyes as he sauntered into the living room, having been stirred from his half-asleep state by the sharp noises from the door.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Jordan and Sebastian standing in the foyer, both of them furious, with a shaky, sobbing Lacey before them. Bro's heart froze in fear, and he had to fight to breathe. Then his feet were moving on their own, finding their way to the sad girl he loved more than anything.

Without speaking, Bro pulled Lacey into his arms, holding her fiercely, wanting nothing more than to protect her forever. When she wrapped her arms around his waist and sniffled into his chest, he spoke softly.

"What's happened, honey?" He rubbed her back soothingly, up and down, unceasingly. He was so worried he wondered if his soul could take it.

Lacey's hot tears wetted Bro's T-s.h.i.+rt, the fabric soaking them all up, and he wished he could do the same thing with her pain, absorb it like a sponge and store it inside of him. Then she would never have to feel sorrow again.

"Dad."

The one word was enough; wrath boiled inside him. "What did he do?"

Lacey s.h.i.+vered hard in his arms and burrowed her way deeper into his embrace. Her m.u.f.fled voice cracked with the swell of emotions. "Called you names. When I tried to defend you, he... he hit me." Bro's heart did stop beating then. "I kicked him, and then I ran." Her sobs became louder, more distinct. "Why does he hate me so? I never did anything to deserve it. Deep down, he's a good man, I know-"

"No, baby. No more," Bro cut in, adamant, trying to rein in his own temper. "No more excuses. He's had plenty of chances to change. A year's worth of opportunities. Now he's crossed the line. You know that. You gotta stop defending him."

"But... but he's my dad...." The utter loss and misery in her small voice made Bro grimace and then tighten his hold, cradling her and rocking in place gently. She felt so tiny in his arms tonight, so frail and alone. If Bro had his way, Lacey was never going to be lonely for the rest of her life.

"Being a dad is a privilege, not a right. And as far as I'm concerned, the d.i.c.khead has lost that right," Bro growled out through gritted teeth. He knew he might be making the situation worse, but he had to speak his mind-and voice what was in his heart.

"Lacey, my brother is right," Sebastian said in his hollow voice, his hand coming to rest on her slender shoulder. "He and I both know biology alone does not make a good parent. The minute your father chose violence as his recourse, his parental rights ceased to exist. Nothing excuses his actions. Not even his own sorrow or pain, let alone who he used to be."

With teary eyes Lacey looked up at Sebastian, but Bro could tell she was reluctant to agree with their position. It was a huge deal to admit to others, as well to oneself, that a parent had only hate in his heart. Bro didn't envy Lacey's position, having to decide for or against her father.

Yet it wasn't her decision alone anymore. Cops and officials had to get involved now.

Finally, Lacey nodded feebly, looking devastated. "Now what?"

Bro was on top of things, taking charge. "Now, baby, you're gonna stay with me here and be safe and happy. Your daddy's gonna pay for what he's done to you. I'll be your family."

Her eyes widened as she stared at Bro, not surprised exactly but definitely shocked a little. It was then Bro realized how determined and uncompromising he had sounded. Though he felt he might need to take things down a notch, he couldn't bring himself to retract any of what he had said.

Lacey seemed to understand as a small, fragile smile lifted her trembling lips a bit. "I'm glad you're with me, Bro."

He cupped her delicate face, locking their gazes. "I'll always be with you." To keep the moment just between them, Bro hugged Lacey again, feeling her body turn pliant and relaxed. He felt his chest puff up with pride. He had successfully alleviated her anxieties, even after what had happened to her. She was still capable of trusting people, and that was a good sign.

"I'm gonna call Kev, and we're gonna get an arrest warrant for Roger." Jordan's level, low voice drifted into Bro's calming coc.o.o.n, reminding him why Lacey was in his arms in the first place. He stiffened as a result and not in a good way.

"I'm coming with you," Bro said harshly. He had a feeling he was going to rip Roger a new one the moment they shared the same s.p.a.ce for longer than two seconds, and he sure didn't regret that impulse.

Lacey pulled back to look at him pleadingly. "Please, Bro. Don't. I need you here."

With that shattered tone and those appealing words, Lacey owned Bro, and the urge to attack left him. "Shh. You're right, Lace, as usual. Everything's okay. I'm not going anywhere, I promise. Jordan can kick his a.s.s way better than me anyway." He added a little grin at the end to show he was joking, and Lacey's relieved expression told its own story.

"In the meantime," Jordan interjected, all business now, "you need to doc.u.ment her injuries. Sebastian, you've got one of those digital cameras, don't you?" Nodding, Sebastian touched Lacey's healthy cheek gently, then was off to fetch the camera. Looking at Bro and Lacey sternly, Jordan continued, "Bro, I expect you to be an adult here. When we're gone, lock the door, and let no one in-"

Bro stopped him. "I was gonna call Bradley and Audrey over. I think it would help Lacey to be among friends right now." He looked at his girlfriend shyly, suddenly afraid she might want to hide away in shame from those who cared about her. He was sure that would be detrimental to her mental health and well-being. Her father might be an a.s.shole, but if she turned into an emotional recluse, he would have won. "I mean, if that's okay with you."

"Yes." Lacey sighed and returned to hugging Bro.

Bro glanced at Jordan. "I'll make sure no one else comes here. I don't think Roger even knows where I live. He's never shown any interest in tracking me down."

"Good. Let's keep it that way." Jordan's intense gaze followed Sebastian's progress down the spiral staircase. Sebastian smiled and waved a black digital camera in his hand as he approached. "Take pictures of Lacey's injuries, both close-up and farther away," Jordan instructed, and Bro nodded his understanding and compliance. "Sebastian, you're coming with me and Kev. If Roger really is as drunk and violent as Lacey says-"

"You think she's lying, you s.h.i.+thead?" Bro all but shouted, his ravaged emotions causing him to react without thinking. Immediately, he felt Lacey cringe in his arms, and he regretted his tone, his accusation, everything. "Babe, I'm sorry. It's okay. I'm sorry I yelled. I won't do it again."

Jordan's voice was neutral but with a hint of iciness. "I meant he might be pa.s.sed out by now." Bro swallowed down his embarra.s.sment and nodded, hoping Jordan would understand and forgive him his outburst.

"Lace?" Jordan went on, "Did he hit you anywhere else?"

"No."

Jordan paused. "Has he hit you before?"

For a moment there was silence. Then Lacey started crying against Bro's chest again, s.h.i.+vers wracking her frame. Bro felt tears burn in his eyes as he realized the truth. Now he was shaking too, wanting to hunt the man down and tear him limb from limb.

"Once before," Lacey confessed, her face still hidden.

Distressed, Bro had to ask, "Because of me...?"

Lacey shook her head hard, and waves of anger emanated from her. "No. You're just an excuse to him. It's me he hates. My name, my clothes, me being gay, my girliness, my violin. I'm not enough of a man for him. I will never be." She looked up at Bro, tears falling down her cheeks. "It's not your fault. Never was, never will be. It's all him."

Though it was painful to capitulate to that fact, Bro knew she was right. Some people needed no reasons beyond the first excuse that popped up on their radar.

Quickly, he cupped her face once more. "I will never let him touch you again. I promise."

Lacey's eyes were grateful yet sad. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Bro. I have no other family, so he could keep custody-"

"We're your family-" Bro started, his tone rising.

Jordan cut through, like an icy knife. "Bro, cool it. Lacey, there are options for custody. We're going to explore them all. We'll all do whatever it takes, okay? You're not alone."

Lacey slumped. It looked like a visible weight had dropped from her shoulders. "Thank you, all." She tried to say more, but her jaw quivered, and she couldn't seem to manage another word.

Bro held her tight to his chest. "You're welcome. Come on, babe. Let's get that face on film. Then the courts will let you stay with me-um, us."

Jordan gave a chin-lift good-bye before heading out, yanking his leather jacket on and holding a cell against his ear as he went. "Kev? Yeah, sorry to bother you this late, but we've got a situation. Lacey's dad's...." His voice trailed off as he disappeared into the stairwell. Sebastian gave Bro the camera, hugged them both, and ran out to follow his fiance. The red metal door shut with a heavy bang.

Without another word, Bro steered Lacey toward the downstairs bathroom. She followed meekly, still holding on to his waist, her steps slow but steady. The cool bathroom light greeted them, showering them under a soothing glow. The scent of air freshener floated about with the air conditioning.

Bro lifted Lacey up on the counter, between the two sinks. "Show me. Please."

That "please" was clearly welcomed. Lacey sighed, relaxed, and tilted her head to show him her cheek. The bruise had not yet fully formed, but the swelling was obvious. Bro bit his lip hard to prevent another rage-filled explosion. She would not have understood that his anger wasn't directed at her right now.

Bro's hands felt heavy, sweaty, and shaky as he lifted the camera, pressed the on b.u.t.ton, and snapped several shots, a few up close and a few from farther away. The visible, recorded evidence of Lacey's suffering made Bro's stomach clench. It took serious effort for him not to act like a total d.i.c.khead, scream and shout and break things and fight for the girl he adored.

"We should wash your face first, before I put anything cool on it, okay?"

Lacey furrowed her brow as she contemplated this. Then she blushed, looking small again, and Bro really hated seeing her so timid.

"Can I take a shower? I feel... filthy."

Bro tried to capture her lovely face, but she squirmed away. Bro felt like gnawing a bone for some reason, this weird primitive urge probably stemming from his frustration. "Baby-"

"I just want to be alone," Lacey whispered, hanging her head as if ashamed.

Feeling a little faint, Bro realized he had started breathing really, really fast. "Baby, please, listen to me." He finally caught her deer-in-the-headlights gaze, holding onto the tenuous connection between them. "Lace, you're the sweetest, best person I know-"

She sniffled, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. "No. I'm ugly. Inside. I must be 'cause he hates me so."

The fresh burst of anger at Roger within Bro made him grunt and blink tears from his eyes as he hastened to say, "You're beautiful, honey. Inside and out. You always will be. He's the one who is all festering hate and pain and sorrow. Not you." With aching tenderness, he kissed her soft, trembling lips. "I know. Because I lo-because you're mine. And I know you, heart and soul. I've never known anyone as full of light as you. You s.h.i.+ne, baby. You blind me."

Now Lacey's face crumpled, and she started to cry.

"Baby, please don't...." Bro wanted to hold her, but his hands stuttered in front of him, hesitant. "I'll never let him hurt you again."

Lacey shook her head, drowning in her emotions, and Bro felt so helpless he wanted to scream. "It's not that. Jordan showed me how to defend myself." She wept in between harsh gasps, in the heart of the tempest, only there was no calm center there. "My mom.... Now my dad.... I don't have anyone." Bro started to speak, but Lacey's feverish, clammy hand pressed against his mouth, preventing him. "You're so important to me, Bro. You have no idea. Brad and Audrey too, and even Jordan and Sebastian. But... you're not the family I was born to. Yes, I can rebuild a family from all of you, and I don't even think any of you would mind. But...." She rasped the words out, like sickening lumps. "To know my dad hates me like that, that he doesn't want me as his child, that he'd rather hit me than hug me.... It hurts, Bro. It hurts so f.u.c.king much. I don't know if I can bear it."

She cursed so rarely, it shocked Bro to silence. But when Lacey draped herself over him, clinging to him like a lifeline, he wound his arms around her again, squeezing her as close as humanly possible without their becoming one person. How trite it would sound to say everything was going to be all right, so Bro held back those words.

Instead he mumbled the second thing to come to his mind. "You know, love is kind of like tears, isn't it? I mean, it's in your eyes first, as you look at the one you love. Eye of the beholder and all that jazz. But then love, like tears, falls down to your chest, sort of like... like soaking into your heart, filling it. Only... it's not sorrow, but love, all warm and soft and scary and exhilarating and perfect." Bro nodded, wanting so badly to believe the words he was uttering. "You know how I know? It's because when you cry, your tears are my tears. 'Cause I love you, Lace. So very much. More than anything, more than anyone. I love you."

Lacey pulled back fast, her eyes wide like saucers as she stared, flabbergasted. For a long while she said nothing, just ogled him without comprehension, her lips an impeccable O. Then she made a strange, strangled sound in her throat, and deflated, looking overjoyed and miserable at the same time.

"I love you too, Bro. A lot lot a lot." a lot."

The relief that swamped Bro at that moment was almost as powerful as the burst of joy in his heart. A smile rose to his lips, and he doubted if he'd ever be able to stop. Lacey's beautiful lips joined him with a similar gesture. For a moment, the horrible recent experiences receded, and there were only happy heights of the heart.

Nodding over and over again, Bro leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together, and their gazes remained locked. "You're perfect. My sweet love. My lovely baby." The nonsensical endearments kept rolling out of his mouth, and when the tension left Lacey's body, he knew he had done well keeping the confession to himself until this moment. She was shattered, but Bro hoped his love for her would repair at least some of the damage.

In fact, he prayed so hard his soul ached for the wish to be fulfilled.

But then Lacey's warm body pressed against his as her arms wound around his neck, and he knew everything really was going to be all right.

"My strong guy," she murmured in his ear, her hot breath brus.h.i.+ng over his skin and hair. "I'm never lost with you. You always find me. When he slapped me, I fell, Bro. I fell into this deep, dark hole, and I couldn't get out. I ran, but...."

"I've got you, love," Bro soothed her, rubbing her back gently. "You don't have to run anymore."

"I know." Lacey sighed, and the contentment in her voice was all he needed to hear. Suddenly she giggled a bit, though the sound was watery and choked. "But I also know I want to take a shower. I want his touch gone from my skin." She parted from Bro, who felt an acute fear gripping him. Lacey must have interpreted his terrified look right, because she softly admonished, "I'm not going to cut my wrists in the shower, Bro. I won't let him have that. I have a life and a future, and it's with you. Whether he likes it or not."

Relieved, Bro kissed Lacey. Her lips, though soft, were dry and salty from crying. He didn't want that taste to cling to her lips ever again. Only sweet and happy things would grace her lips from now on.

"Okay. I'll be right outside. I'm gonna call Audrey, okay?"

With a brave smile, she nodded and straightened up. Lacey seemed like herself again. Bro knew it was too soon to expect it to be truly so, but he had hope. Jordan and Kevin would take care of Roger. They would make sure he never got the chance to lay one finger on Lacey again. In the meantime, she could stay with them at the loft. G.o.d knew it was big enough to accommodate new arrivals, of which there seemed to be more every year.

"I'll ask her to come soon, okay?"

Lacey smiled. "Yes. I... I'd like her here." Her face darkened a bit, doubtful. "You think she's gonna be mad at me? You know, for not telling her sooner?"

"Audrey loves you like a little sister," Bro said emphatically, denying the mere notion. "Will you be fine in here all by yourself?"

"Yes. So stop fretting." She hopped down from the counter, then winced but smiled to take the edge off.

"Never." Bro gave her one more quick kiss and then left the room. Before closing the door, he said, "Towels are in the cupboard. Was.h.i.+ng stuff's in the stall-"

"I know where everything is, silly goose." Lacey gave a light laugh that didn't last very long, but Bro accepted it nonetheless as a sign of better times ahead.