Page 107 of Always A Villain

“I know, baby.”

“It was him,” I choke out. “That bastard isn’t my father. My whole life…it’s been a lie.” My anger spikes, and a twisted, dark truth surfaces. “I hate him, Axe. I want him dead. He raped her. I heard everything. He tortured her, beat her. All those years, he made me think it was my fault. And all along…it was him.” Anger and grief bleed out in sobs.

“He’ll get what he deserves.”

I suck in a shaky breath, throat tight. “I want him dead. He sold me to the Dolore like I was nothing.” As the words tumble out, every buried feeling breaks free, and I sob.

“Little siren,” he murmurs, gripping me tighter. “He’ll pay. I’ll make sure of it. You have my word.”

“Hey, baby sis.” Spencer’s deep voice interrupts as he steps into the room. “Decided to finally join us again?”

“Spence…” I manage to whisper as he pulls me into his arms, Axe reluctantly giving him space. My brother’s arms wrap around me, familiar and safe, and the grief breaks loose again, my tears soaking his shirt.

“You’re okay now,” he says shakily, like he’s barelyholding it together himself. “I’m so fucking sorry, Rory. I should have… I should have protected you. I should have done something.”

“Spence.” I clutch him tight. “I don’t blame you. Not for any of it.”

His fingers dig into my shoulders gently, searching my eyes. “You’re my little sister, Rory. Always.”

No matter what, Spencer will always be my brother. Blood related or not.

The nurse bustles in, eyes widening when she notices I'm awake, and soon, a doctor arrives. I’m shuffled to the back, where I endure the poking, prodding, and clinical questions. An ultrasound and a check of my stitches later, the doctor nods approvingly.

“Your surgery went well, Rory,” he says with a reassuring smile. “A few more days here, and you should be good to fly.”

“So, what happens now?” I ask as the nurses and doctors file out of the room.

Axe’s eyes lock on mine. “We go home,” he says, a slow, confident smile breaking through. “And we start planning our wedding.”

The word hits me like a shock of happiness. “I love you, Axe,” I say on a breath, pulling him closer, my lips brushing his.

“I love you too.” His hand slips to the back of my neck, his kiss tender, yet so full of promise it’s almost dizzying. Right here, everything feels like it’s falling into place.

Spencer clears his throat. “Sooo…should I give you two some privacy?”

“Yes,” Axe says, barely glancing his way.

“No,” I chime in, grinning as Axe scowls.

Spencer just smirks and pulls me into another quick hug. “I’ll come back.” Squeezing my shoulders, he slips out and closes the door.

As the door clicks shut, Axe’s hands find my face. “Now, where were we?” he says, eyes darkening.

“You were telling me how madly you love me,” I tease, smiling. “And how you’re dying to marry me and have babies with me.”

“Babies?” he shoots back, brow furrowing. For a moment, I see that hint of hesitation, a flash of something I know stems from his past. We’ve never actually talked about kids...or anyrealfuture plans.

“Do you want kids?” His voice is low, uncertain.

“Yeah, someday,” I admit, biting my lip. “I mean, I know it’s a big thing, and we’ve been through so much already, but?—”

“I’ll give you anything you want. You want a family? It’s yours.”

I blink, caught between his words and the weight of his promise. “Really?”

“Anything,” he repeats, that roughness back in his voice. “I don’t know shit about kids, but I’d do anything to make you happy. Whatever it takes.”

“Axe…” My breath hitches as he leans closer.