Page 57 of The Bonds We Break

I stab my finger into his chest. “You have never left me. You defended me to Dad. You took punishments that were meant for me.”

“You took plenty of them,” Ryker interjects. “You paid your price. The proof of it is written here.” He takes my wrist and pushes up the sleeve of my sweater a little and runs his finger over the scars.

“And look what happened. It made me decide to become a psychologist. To help people who feel as broken as I did back then. I know that neither of us deserved the abuse we endured. We’re learning everything we’re meant to learn so we can turn the unthinkable into opportunities where we can make a difference. We’re here because we’re meant to be, Ike. And you’ve got to trust me that we can do this.”

Ryker looks out the door to King, who is now mid-argument with Clutch. “They have never been like this before. They are—were—best friends.”

“Let me help you fix this. You helped me. You joined the army. You sent me most of your wages. It was enough to get out. I have a house and home because of you. You’ve been willing to sacrifice your life for me, for mom, for your country, now for Iris and Briar. It’s time you accepted my help as your equal, Ike. Not as a little sister who needs to be protected. I can reunite this club.”

“If we do this, how would I reach you?”

“King is giving me all my gadgets and access back so I can work. It’s part of our deal.”

“What’s your deal?”

“That’s between me and King. But I’ll have email and text. If I really need you, I’ll message that I miss mom’s pancakes.”

“Or just come tell me if you see me here at the clubhouse. He’s not going to lock you up, is he?”

“Ike. I’ll be fine, even if he does. I’ve always been happiest in my own company. Trust me. Please.”

He tugs me into his arms again, and I slide my arms around his waist, taking all the comfort I can get.

“Five minutes is almost up, duchess,” King shouts from the bar.

“Duchess?” Ryker asks.

“He tried to call meprincess, and I set him straight.”

He smiles sadly. “Of course you did.”

“Do not threaten him. Make it look like you’re happy for me to go with him. Give him your blessing. As Saint. He needs it. It’s how we end this. Not with violence but with support.”

My brother inhales a deep breath. “You’re putting a lot of faith in a man you don’t know.”

“No. I’m putting a lot of faith in you and your judgement. You always read people correctly. It’s your superpower. I’m putting my faith in that.”

“Then I’ll put my faith in you. You don’t need my permission to do this, Rae. But the fact you’d even consider it for me is ...” He leaves the word hanging as he shakes his head.

“You’re worth it.”

We step into the bar shoulder to shoulder.

“Neither of those fuckers should be here,” Track shouts, sweat forming on his brow.

“You’re going to have to move on and accept it at some point,” Spark says, his tone firm.

“Or we vote again.” Bates runs his fingers through his hair.

There are a few more comments thrown back and forth across a natural aisle. The men are lined up on either side of us. I don’t know how everyone voted in the shed for Ryker, but I feel like that is the divide. Clutch, Spark, Halo, and some others stand to one side. Bates, Niro, and Track are on the other. King is alone in the middle, standing by the bar.

“There are few men I’d trust my sister with,” Ryker says. “And you know how that feels because you trust Clutch with Gwen. So I’m placing her in your care, King.”

“I’ll look after her for you.” Niro leers. “I’d treat her real nice.”

I don’t even see King move, but suddenly Niro is reeling backward and falling onto the floor, and King is flexing his knuckles.

“What the fuck?” Niro asks, rubbing his chin.