Page 122 of The First Cut

“Actually, they do.” It’s Elmo who speaks up now. “We did you wrong. The whole club did. That’s on us, and we fucking know it. We’re trying to fix that, show you that we can be better men. And though you might never forgive us, that won’t ever stop us from trying. Manny clearly was not of the same thinking. He was very much part of the Khan and Driller group.”

“Manny killed two prospects,” Ferris states, making me hiss.

“What?”

“It’s how he got Driller inside undetected. I don’t know who drugged the dogs, but it was Manny who killed Pan so Driller could come in the back. He then took out the rookie who was at the front gate with him. My guess is he’d have injured himself and placed the blame on Driller to hide his tracks.”

I feel a pang of sorrow for both the prospects. I didn’t know the new guy, but Pan was sweet to me and always had a smile on his face.

Hannibal slides his arm around my shoulders. “You got justice for them, doll. And saved yourself and our kids, buying time until I got there.

“Poor Pan.” I lay my head against Hannibal, feeling so freaking tired.

“The cops will want to talk to you. Tell them a man broke in wearing a ski mask and attacked you. The kids were having a sleepover at the clubhouse to give you a break. That way, they won’t need to interview Millie. Tell them he attacked you, and you lost consciousness, and when you woke up, you were here. I’ll tell them I came home and found you passed out and whoever was responsible was long gone. That’s when they’ll likely tell me Driller's missing.”

“Driller told me you knew he was awake. Why didn’t you say anything?” I try to keep the hurt from my voice, but I’m not sure I do when he tenses.

“He lied, Lola. It’s what he does. Do you honestly think I’d have left you alone if I knew?”

“No, I’m sorry,” I mumble, feeling my eyes getting heavy again. My head feels like it’s swimming.

“Shit. Lay down, Lola. You need more rest.”

“I’m fine.”

“Sure you are, doll. But close your eyes for me anyway,” he orders as he lowers me back down.

“Okay,” I whisper before I drift off once more.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Hannibal

“She’s out cold.” I lean over her and press a kiss to the tip of her nose. Not much gets to me. But for a minute there tonight, I thought I was going to lose her, and it scared the fuck out of me.

Gunter breaks the silence. “She’ll be okay, Prez. She’s strong as hell.”

“She’s strong because she has to be, but I’m so fucking tired of her having to be strong. When can she just be happy?”

“She’s happy. She just went to hell, Hannibal, but you know what she didn’t do? She didn’t break. She felt comfortable enough to fall asleep with us all in her room. And that’s because she trusts you to keep her safe.”

“She trusts you all, too.”

“No, she doesn’t. We haven’t earned that back yet. But that’s alright. We will. There's only one person she trusts right now, and it’s you.” Gunther shakes his head. “It’s fucked-up that the shitty life she led is what saved her. It made her paranoid and cautious, and that’s the only reason why Manny is dead now.”

“When the fuck did Gunther get so wise?” Ferris jokes.

“Fuck you, I was always wise. I just hid it well.”

“Really fucking well,” Ferris mutters, earning a middle finger in response.

My phone chimes, so I pull it out and read the text. “Byte’s here with the kids. I need to go see them.” I run my hand through my hair.

“Go. I’ll stay with Lola. Nothing will happen to her on my watch. Never again, Hannibal, I swear.”

I hesitate for a beat. I either trust these guys or I don’t. And I can see in Gunther’s eyes that he means it. He’s been questioning Driller’s actions longer than most. I can see the man is gonna work for his redemption, whether Lola forgives him or not.

“Okay. I won’t be long.”