Page 34 of His Flawed Ride

“You know the club, you knew what would happen if you came back and they followed.”

I say nothing. At this point, nothing I say will help my cause.

“But you thought the club would protect you, didn’t you? You’ve got your brother and nephew wearing the patch, your daughter’s married to the VP…”

My son-in-law cuts in, “Don’t be so quick to add me to her list of people who give a shit.”

I scowl his way, but it hits his asshole wall.

“Leo, I’ve been wanting to come home since I left.”

“There has been peace around here and if that’s changed because of you, I will personally help Luca end your life and dig your grave.” He turns his back to me, adding, “I don’t care where you go but you’re gonna leave town. Get the fuck outta here.”

I step around him and stop short in front of my brother. For the first time in my life, he looks at me like I’m the enemy.

“That’s the fourth time Luca’s been brought up with you. What the fuck is going on?”

I glance at Leo, and he doesn’t tell me to keep my mouth shut.

“Luca was the reason I left town. He said if I didn’t, he’d kill me.”

I wait for his anger, but all he says is, “It seems the kid got you from the start. You should’ve stayed away.”

He storms out and I go to follow when I’m faced with Harper. Her disappointment chokes me.

“I knew better, but like a damn fool, I still let you in. I let you into my son’s life, though everyone warned me not to!”

“No-No! The reason I came back was dodgy, but it’s the truth when I say there is nowhere I’d rather be than here with you and Gunner.”

“It’s laughable. I see your mouth moving but all I hear are lies. All I smell is bullshit, and trust me, I’m well familiar to the stink. You forget, I’m the one who knows you as well as yourself. I know how you think. I know how you react in different situations. I know how after you’ve taken as much as you can, you run and pretend that life somewhere else will make your miserable life better. But it never does, does it? No matter where you go, it’s you who’s the fuck up.”

A hot tear rolls down my cheek. They say the truth hurts and boy, don’t it just fucking sting like a bitch.

“Harper, please, we can move past this. I meant it when I said I’m not going to mess my last chance up.”

“I don’t know all that’s gone on today, but I know enough that I don’t want you anywhere near my son. You’ve proven time and time again that you won’t ever change, and frankly, it’s kinda pathetic to see you try.”

All I can do is watch her walk away. There will be no words or actions to make up for this. Not now. I turn around and Slade is right behind me.

“This ain’t a usual Lily fuck up. This goes beyond anything I believed you capable of doing.”

“Slade, please. I know I’ve…”

“You knew exactly what you were doing and what could happen rolling with another club. Because of you my wife, my niece, and my great-nephew were in danger. My family, Lil!”

“I’m family too.” It’s weak but I still say it.

“Only when it suits you!” he bellows. “From now on, stay the fuck away! You see something good, you go in the opposite direction cause you’ll only find a way to fuck it up. I’m done.”

“Slade…”

“I’m done, Lily. I’m fuckin’ done with you and all your bullshit. Harper’s right, you’re never gonna change and I’m not gonna spend the rest of my life bailing you out.”

One moment he’s purging years of all the ways my life has been an annoyance to him and then he’s gone. The tears come hot and heavy, and I have to dig my nails into my palms to feel anything.

Warmth circles my arms and then I’m watching the town whizz by me. I glance across the truck and Shane is driving.

“I now live on Ceder Drive,” I mumble.