Page 18

Razor

“ Y ou don’t take the hint, do you? Told you to stay the fuck away from me.”

I turn my head in Skully’s direction, seeing him barking at Madison.

The poor girl turns and runs right out the door, looking exactly how my Kensington did the night I broke her heart.

He’s worse for the wear tonight, and it’s got me worried.

I go to snag two beers and join him in the dark corner.

Feeling his isolation the moment I stand next to him and get a view of the room.

Everyone’s having a good time tonight, celebrating my big day tomorrow.

There’s laughter and smiles, people dancing, and my beautiful bride-to-be who’s dancing way too fucking sexy with her girl Kitty Lane.

But hell, if the guys want to watch, let em’.

They can feast away and swim in their jealousy because that girl is mine.

“Looks like you could use this, brother.” I hold out the beer for Skully, and he snatches it from my hand, chugging it down before I even get a swig of mine.

Seeing him this way has got me twisted up.

But I have to put myself in his shoes, remember that it’s going to take time.

“You want to tell me how come you’re givin’ that girl hell.”

“Don’t want a pity fuck.”

Right, because he fails to recall how much that girl loved his ass.

And based on the look I just saw on her face, she still does.

“You gotta quit thinkin’ that all people see is that damn chair. Maddy still sees the man you are inside, brother. That girl is still in love with you.”

He’s shaking his head as if he’s not believing it.

“She can do better. I’m just some cripple shit who can’t give her the life she deserves. Don’t need to keep playin’ house and pretend like that ain’t the truth. She needs to go live her life.”

Fuck.

I’ve never been good at expressing my feelings or knowing what to say.

And it’s not like I don’t get where he’s coming from.

After I hurt my Kens, I thought she deserved better too, so I did everything in my power to push her away.

But I was wrong, and I lived with a hell of a lot of regret.

I don’t want the same for my friend.

“Do you know what Rubble would say if he were here?”

His eyes flicker to my question, tensing around the edges.

It’s clear he’s harboring the same guilt over what happened to our brother as I did, but Skully is the last one to blame for what went down that night.

“He’d be knocking your two front teeth out, telling you to quit your pity party and start living. He’d tell you to get off your stubborn ass and go chase that hot little number down before it’s too late.” There’s another flicker in his eyes, and I think I’m finally getting through.

“If not for us, do it for him, Skull.” That’s my new motto on life.

Do it for Rubble. Live life to the fullest. No holds barred.

“If you want to go to therapy, I’ll take you. If you want to look into getting prosthetics, we’ll pay any damn amount to get you the best damn doctor there is. All you got to do is say the word, brother. We’re all here for you. And all of us feel so damn lucky we get to see your grumpy ass every day.”

He looks up, eyeing me fiercely.

The silence ringing loud between us.

But I can tell he’s turning it over, thinking ‘bout what I said. Suddenly, he reaches out and snags my beer from my hand, polishing it off too. He hands me the empty and turns his head out to the crowd. And now I’m thinkin’ I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

My goal wasn’t to piss in his Cheerios and make things worse.

I wanted him to know that he’s not alone in this.

And he’s no less of a man just because he’s crippled.

“It’s damn good to have you back, Razor.” And now I’m wishing I had that beer to help swallow down the emotion trying to choke me up.

“And you’re right.” I am?

Shit, maybe I’m not so bad at this after all.

“Rubble would kick my ass. But some days, I wish I were lying right beside him, keepin’ him company.”

Fuck.

I really need that damn beer.

I look out to my girl, seeking out my comfort in her smile, and there it is.

She’s looking right at me, anchoring me with her sweetness.

“But you know why I never pull the trigger?” Shit.

I didn’t know he was havin’ those thoughts.

“Because I know he would kick my ass in my grave and tell me what a pussy I was for givin’ up.” I turn my head back and see the strength in his eyes.

The fire to live may be burning dim, but it’s still burning.

“Don’t want to talk to no shrink, but I’m not opposed to speakin’ with a doc.”

The tension unfastens its grip and my shoulders loosen.

It feels like I’ve wedged my way in, and now, I’ll be fighting to get that fire in his eyes burning as bright as it used to.

I hold my fist out to him for a pound.

“We’re gonna find you the best damn doctor there is and get you running marathons.”

He cocks his brow up like I’m crazy.

“You want to pull that gun and shoot me now?”

I throw my head back and chuckle hard.

Ain’t none of us have ever been “runners.” We may be quick and we may be strong, but you won’t catch a Savage Knight tying on some tennis shoes and going for a jog.

“What’s so funny?”

My sweet girl’s voice has me turning, feeling lighter now than I did a moment ago.

“Your hubby over here is makin’ jokes,” Skully tells her, and she and I are both shocked to hear the ease in his voice and to see the corner of his mouth tipped up.

It’s slight, but the amusement is still there.

“Well, would you mind if I stole my hubby for a dance?”

“By all means, doll. I was just gettin’ ready to hit the sack.” His eyes drift to the right and I see exactly where he’s looking.

At the door Madison just ran through.

Maybe in time Skull will get his head out of his ass where she’s concerned too.

But baby steps. One day at a time.

And if I can get him to agree to see a doctor, that’s a fucking win.

Kensy leans down and gives Skully a kiss on the cheek, telling him goodnight, and my chest warms for the girl.

She’s as sweet as can be, and earned herself a wink from my brother before he’s rolling out, leaving me alone with my woman.

“You ready for that dance, Angel?”

“Been waiting all night.” She nods, biting down on her lip.

“How about we head to my room then? So, I can give my girl a private dance.”

Her eyes light up like the moon rising in the night sky.

Big, round, and bright.

“Are you going to give me a striptease?”

I nod, giving her a wink, and in the next beat, she’s grabbing my hand and rushing us down to my old room.

And my ass is chuckling in her haste.

Got myself the most incredible old lady, and now, I plan on giving her one hell of a lap dance.