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“Red took your grandmother home. I’ll drive us back in your car.”

“She told you about my driving then?” she murmured into my chest.

“Something like that, yeah.” I chuckled before leading her to the car.

We pulled into the garage.I should have prepared myself for the mouthful I was about to receive regarding my countlessoffences tonight. From me following her to crashing the meal with her grandmother and finishing off at the graveside. But when she appeared in front of me at the driver's side door, her face was softer than I expected it would have been.

“Thank you for tonight.” She breathed. “It was a change, though, seeing a kinder side to you.”

“Don’t get used to it, Anastacia. I felt sorry for you, that’s all,” I replied, my tone cold and unbothered.

“For your information, I don’t need your pity. I didn’t need you to hold me, either,” she snapped. “I managed just fine before you.” She turned on her heel and stormed towards the house.

Well done, dickhead.

I followed her inside as she walked past my four most trusted men, including Red, who was already back. Their eyes fell on me the second I entered the kitchen.

“My office now.” I shot them all a look that told them exactly what I wanted to discuss.

They followed me through to my safe space. Then, the four of them stood before me.

“Now, I’m going to ask this once and I want the fucking truth,” I seethed. “Who let my wife leave the house alone?!” I looked at them. They remained silent. I knew exactly who it was, Ana slipped out with his name earlier. “I know damn well it wasn’t Red since he was with me, so Emmet, are you going to confess?” I asked.

“Boss, before you put a bullet in my head, let me explain—” Emmet started as his face fell.

“I don’t want to hear what excuse you have.” I slapped my gun down on the desk as his eyes dropped to it. “You went against my word, the one I have repeated over and over. You let her leave the house alone. You know as well as I do that she’s a walking target.”

“I’m sorry. She caught me off guard. I—” He cleared his throat. “I called you the second she left, but it went to voicemail. Please forgive me. You have my word, it won’t happen again.”

“Too right, it won’t.” I lowered myself onto my chair, not taking my eyes off of Emmet. “Do you think you can defy me? That you can ignore the rules since we’re friends?” I questioned.

“No, I was careless and I should have stopped her, I’m sorry.” He breathed.

“Consider this your first and last warning.” I leaned forward, placing the knife I’d taken from my waistband down on the desk. “Next time, I won’t be as lenient.”

“Thank you, Boss.”

“Does anyone else have anything to confess?” I asked, glancing at the four of them.

“No, Boss.” Red nodded, speaking for everyone.

“Good,” I responded. “See yourselves out, I have somewhere I need to be.” I ordered before leaving the four of them alone and making my way to Ana’s room.

I tappedon Ana’s door but there was no response. Knocking again a little louder, there was still nothing.Fuck it.I pushed the door open slowly, trying to be as quiet as possible. I neared her bed, noticing she was tucked beneath the covers. Her hair fanned the pillow as tears stained her cheeks, but for the first time, she looked peaceful. I carefully sat on the edge of the bed, not wanting to wake her. I felt a pang of guilt for what I said to her in the garage.

I pushed the hair from her face, letting my fingers linger on her skin a little longer than I should have.

“I was a dick, I know that,” I whispered. “I shouldn’t have been, especially today of all days.”

There may have been a hidden apology in there somewhere, but she’d never hear it.

I stood and pulled the covers up around her more. She grabbed my hand and snuggled into it as I stilled, unsure on what to do until I finally realised I had to let go. She didn’t mean to do it. She was in too deep of a sleep to realise.

“Goodnight, wife,” I muttered before stepping away from her.

14

As I satby the lake in the morning sun, I couldn’t stop my mind wandering back to last night. Just when I thought there was a little progress made, he slammed on the brakes and was back to being the same dick he was when we met.