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Remi

I had been looking for clarity on what I should do since I learned he lived. It wasn’t easy knowing everything, and even with all the information floating around in my head, I still wasn’t sure this was the right thing, but if I wanted the truth, I was going to have to talk with Max.

Just thinking about seeing him caused a ripple of anxiety to rush my system. That man could either break me or save me with one look or one word.

I knew there was no other man for me.

I wasn’t stupid.

The problem I was having was whether I could trust him.

From the very beginning, he kept me in the dark, wanted me nowhere near the depravity I once suffered. Any other woman, I would have agreed with his assessment, but I wasn’t just any woman.

I was a survivor. He knew that and still treated me like a victim.

Sitting in the car looking at my former home, I wondered if he would ever see me as his equal. Someone he could lean on, trust with his deepest, darkest secrets.

I didn’t want a husband in name only.

I wanted a partner. Someone I could confide in while we worked together to solve whatever problem came our way.

That was what marriage meant to me.

It was what I wanted, needed, and I would accept nothing less.

For so long, Max had to go it alone. He carried a heavy burden on his shoulders. A weight so heavy, it damn near cost him everything.

I still wasn’t positive I was doing the right thing, but I would give him a chance.

“The last time I arrived at this place, I was broken and beaten so badly I could barely walk the few steps to the front door. Yet, when I walked through those doors, I’d never felt safer in my whole life,” I said, sitting next to Vladmir as we both looked at the newly constructed clubhouse.

It looked almost the same as the one before.

There were subtle differences, but in the end, it was still the same.

A motorcycle club. But not just any clubhouse.

The Golden Skulls’ clubhouse.

“You’re sure he’s in there?”

“According to Sypher, he returned with Sandman months ago. When he saw the children, he stayed. He hasn’t left since and according to my informant, he has taken the Golden seat back.”

I nodded, staring at the clubhouse.

“Remi, my little lion,” my father whispered, reaching for my hand. “Say the word and we will leave. He will never be good enough for you.”

I smirked. “I agree, but there is one problem. I love him. I have since I was eight years old. There will never be another for me. Only him.”

Facing him, I asked, “What will you do now?”

“Go back to New York. Maxim has need of me.”

I nodded, turning to look at the clubhouse again.

“We’ll be on different sides of the country again.”

“Would you feel better if I were closer?”

I shrugged. “I don’t see how that’s possible. You live in New York. My family is here in California.”

“It’s only a short flight, Remi.”

“I know,” I muttered, taking a deep breath. “Do you ever wish things could have been different?”

“We only have one life to live, Remi. Our destinies were written long before either of us were ever born.”

“It just sucks, you know. All I ever wanted was a happy life. Instead, I got the complete opposite.”

“Life isn’t easy, Remi. You know that better than anyone. You now have a chance at your greatest desire. I think what scares you is the fear of actually obtaining it. Life with Reaper will never be easy. You knew that going into the relationship, but you weathered the storm and now you have a chance of happiness at your fingertips. All you have to do is reach out and grab it, sweetheart.”

“What about you?”

He smirked. “I’m too old for happily ever after. I’m too set in my ways. No, it’s better if I just live my life and when my time comes, maybe I’ve done just enough good in this life to have a second chance in the next one.”

“I think if I can get a second chance. You can too.”

Shaking his head, he squeezed my hand. “Enough about me, my little lion. What are you going to do because we cannot sit here all day?”

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, then leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Vladmir. For everything.”

“It was my honor.”

“Call me when you have time, okay?”

“I will.”

Releasing his hand, I tried to contain the rush of emotions that ravaged my soul when I slid from the car. Closing the door behind me, I stood firm, shoulders back, determined.

“Dad?”

“Yes, Remi.”

“Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“If you ever get the opportunity for a second chance, grab it with both hands and never let go.”

Not waiting for a reply, I fearlessly walked toward my future and prayed I was doing the right thing.