The Mafia's Unexpected Love

Chapter Two... Uncertainty and Loneliness

Once my shift was over I was exhausted. I just wanted to go home and crash. It was already too late to take the bus and I didn't have the money for a taxi. I was a bit hesitant to walk, because it was late and so dark outside. "Hey Buttercup, you need a ride home?" Jackson said casually. I hated asking for help from anyone, because I felt like I was showing weakness, but to be honest, I was scared that Sean might find me and I have this feeling like I am being watched lately and I pray that it is not him. "Okay Jackson, I would love a ride. I appreciate it a lot."

Jackson drove me home and I asked him if he wanted to come in for coffee or something. "I'm not sure that's a good idea Emma." he said cautiously. "Jackson, I'm not trying to hit on you or even sleep with you, okay! Dammit, I just feel a connection with you, It's like a brotherly thing. I really just need a friend to talk too. Look I usually don't open myself up to anyone... Like ever, but since Hank helped me out tonight and told me that we were all family there, I felt like I finally belonged somewhere. Does that make any sense? Or am I just talking out my ass?" I said frustrated, but then finally laughed at the end. He just chuckled softly and shook his head. "That makes complete sense Buttercup. I have always looked to you as a sister, that's why I said no, because I thought maybe you were getting feelings. I am all ears if you want someone to talk to then. I guess I will take you up on that coffee." Jackson says scratching the back of his head. I opened my apartment door and invited Jackson in. "Good lord woman! This place is so empty." Jackson said shocked. "You should see my fridge." I mumbled under my breath. "Excuse me? What was that?" he said in a menacing tone. I blushed profusely and shook my head. "N-nothing. I was just saying I should get that coffee started." Jackson had this dominant character, but I only saw him as a brother. Maybe one day I will find "The One", but until then I am going to live my happy-go-lucky life with my new family.

*Tommy POV*

I was so frustrated with myself. I craved a woman just like Landon had with Krista. I wanted a wife and kids, but I knew that no one would ever want to be with a man like me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am a family man through and through. Ever since I began working for Landon I had become close to him. After all these years I had been true to protect my Mafia family. I lost my other family so long ago. They had been ripped from me and left for dead. I was so young then and couldn't protect them. My father was a good man, he always made you feel important. Even the people who worked for him. He was a true family man. My brother was about three years younger than me. I had a sister as well, but she died when she was very young. After I failed to save my family, I lived on my own for awhile.

Until the Kingston's found me. Conrad took me in and gave me a job. I learned quickly and knew that protecting and being loyal to family was the most important thing. I was so overwhelmed when he betrayed Landon, because in my eyes Landon was my brother and I was determined to protect him and not fail him like I did my family. Now I have all I could ever want, I have Landon, Krista, Anders and the twins who are always raising hell. The only thing missing, you say. A family of my own. Someone to call me husband and little ones running and calling me Daddy. I sigh out in frustration. I shouldn't be thinking these things again. I should be thankful for what I have and just accept my fate. How could someone willingly accept a man who was in the Mafia? Landon and Krista was an exception, because Krista didn't know until after the fact.

I think the only reason these feelings are surfacing right now is, because it is the anniversary of my families death. Damn I could really use a hard drink. I need to talk to Landon and see if I can get a few days off and clear my head. Maybe then, I can finally get my bearings straight again. I can't stand feeling this way. I need to pay my old town a visit and finally put all this f*****g bulls**t behind me.

I headed towards the office so that I could talk to Landon. I knocked several times until I heard him yell out. "This better be f*****g important or heads are going to roll." I just chuckled and shook my head. "It's me Landon." I say loudly. "Come in." he snarls. When I open the door and walk in, I close the door behind me. I smile because I see both Landon and Krista with messed up hair and their clothes put on awkward. "Did I interrupt something?" I say chuckling. Krista blushes bright red and turns away. "Did I say you could leave woman?" Landon grumbles and Krista shrieks out loud as Landon grabs her and places her on his lap. She is giggling and then lays her head on his chest. I feel my heart clench tightly. I want that. I want that happiness and love.

F**k! I really need to get out of here for awhile. I cough slightly and then look my brother in his eyes. "Landon, I need a few days off. I have some things I need to deal with and I need to get away." I say with uncertainty. "Of course, brother. Take all the time you need." Landon says with concern. Krista gets up from Landon's lap even though he growls at her. She just chuckles and walks over to me. She has that mother hen look. She wants to comfort and protect her own. "Tommy, you know we are always here for you. Both Landon and I are only a phone call away. Please don't hesitate to call if you need us. We are family and nothing else is more important than that. You're my brother Tommy and I would do anything for you, we love you." Krista says as she gives me a comforting hug. I hold her for a few seconds and feel tears well in my eyes. We both start chuckling when Landon starts growling. "Landon! He is our brother for God's sake. Control your growls around me. Don't make me remind you of what I am capable of. Hmmm?" Krista says as she winks at me and then narrows her eyes at Landon. His face pales and he gulps loudly. I start laughing loudly and Landon curses under his breath. I walk out of the office still laughing and leave them to themselves. I have to pack and leave. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get back to my life.