Page 86 of Broken Discipline

I blocked out the words, not letting myself process the argument. It was too much to handle, each word cracking over my head like blunt force trauma. Once we parked, I put my hands on their backs, guiding them through the doors of the bar. At first, I had been so angry at Finn for uprooting our lives. I had even run away to The Raw as if severing our relationship could protect my heart.

But now, a heavy, vicious sensation curled in my gut, heat lacing my cheeks, my head pulsing. I was angry, but I didn’t know why.

I wanted Finn here.With us.

Bunny jumped around the counter, then sighed, reading our gloomy body language.

“Where’s your stuff?” she asked. I gestured behind us, and she nodded. “You three go upstairs. I’ll get it.” She leaned in close to me and whispered: “Tonight’s going to be rowdy. Half off drink specials until midnight. Be prepared.”

I nodded, both surprised and grateful that she was already putting me to work. I needed something to occupy my mind. Upstairs, the twins settled on the couch, each of them burying themselves in their tablets. I should have made them play together, but I had no energy to tell them anything.

Everything was hopeless.

Bunny positioned the suitcases by the door. She dusted off her hands, then came to my side.

“You okay?” she asked.

“He’s leaving again,” I whispered, the words breaking me apart.

“Who is?” she asked.

“Finn. My husband.”

“Wait. Did you say ‘again’?”

“Finn is Hyde.”

“Hyde?”

“Hyde Griffin.”

Bunny bowed her head, speechless for once. She reached for my hand and her face softened. I couldn’t tell if it was pity or sympathy, and that irritated me.

“Say something,” I said. “Say anything. Please. Help me figure out what to do.”

“I can’t say anything that will help,” she said.

“Please. Try.”

A few seconds passed. A string of beeps erupted from Larkin’s tablet, and Leon looked at her screen. I was glad that they were okay and relieved that they seemed normal so far. Tired and bitter, yes, butfine.I crossed my fingers that they wouldn’t remember seeing their nanny shot in front of them.

“Do you love him?” Bunny asked.

Frustration pooled in my chest, my temple throbbing. Why had it always been so hard to admit that I loved him? That stubbornness seemed so stupid now.

“Of course I do,” I muttered.

“Then go fight for him,” she said. “You can’t force someone to stay, but you can sure as hell give it your all. And if you love Finn? Griffin? Hyde? Whatever the hell his name is—then givehimyour all. Don’t let him get away again.”

She forced a smile, trying her best to be gentle. Glitter sparkled on her neck like a blast of fireworks, and everything clicked into place.

Finn had become a member of the Marked Blooms Syndicate solely to get closer to me and the kids. He had killed Bruce so that he could protect me. He had built a life around us, just to watch us grow.

And now, he was giving that up to save us.

Bunny was right. How could I let him go after all of that?

“You know that asshole tried to kill me because he thought I was hiding you in a cage or some shit?” Bunny said. She patted my back. “But that’s a story for another day. Anyway, listen: you can stay here as long as you’d like. Work. Don’t work. I don’t care. This is your home, babe. Do whatever you need to do.” She gave me a side hug. “I love you, girl.”