Page 75 of These Deadly Vows

“I didn’t think I’d see you here today.”

“You and me both.”

“I see you finally got you a patched man.”

“Not even close. We’re…” I pause, not knowing how to describe whatever is going on between Axe and me.

“Friends?”

“With benefits, I suppose. Though I’m still working out what the perks are since he dragged me to this.”

She laughs. “Well, he’s hot. Just saying.”

“I can introduce you.”

“Oh, no.” She holds a palm up. “I’m done with bikers.” She laughs at the judgmental look I give her. “I’m only here to pick up that little squirt.” She points to a little boy on Mutant’s shoulders in the pool.

I didn’t think Mutant had any kids. “His or yours?”

“Mine. He loves his Uncle Mute. And the pool is a nice perk.”

“One of the best in the city,” I note, wondering where I’ll go if I decide to leave.

Axe is nomad and I know he won’t stick around here much longer.

Maybe he’ll want some company on the road when he leaves.

Chapter Twenty-three

“Ok. You were right. Today wasn’t too bad.” I wrap my arms around Lorenzo’s neck as he secures a towel around my body.

The only people left are the club’s prospects. My husband explained that they aren’t members yet but want to be. I didn’t tell him that Axe already broke down most of the hierarchy and roles of the officers. His face lights up with such pride, talking about his men. I’m seeing such a different side of him.

The way he is with his club brothers and their kids. That was the hardest part of the day. Not the drama of Boo coming as Axe’s date. Witnessing Lorenzo with the kids and knowing he’ll never have that as long as he’s with me nearly broke me.

I never thought I’d say he’d make a great dad, but he would be the best. Patient and kind. He was like this whole other person with them.

Most times, adults blow kids off. Not him. He made every one of them feel special.

“Hey. What’s going on in that head of yours?” He cups my chin, pinching it between his finger and thumb so I can’t escape his watchful eyes.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Adeline.” he takes a serious tone with me that raises the hair on my arms.

“Sometimes, I think about my father, and I miss him.”

“I wish I could apologize for killing him, but I won’t. If I could dig up his ashes and do it all over again, I would. I’m not sorry.”

I swallow. “I know he did awful things. You weren’t the only person he…” I stop. “I can’t talk about this right now.”

“What did your father do to you that was so horrible that you didn’t hesitate to end his life?”

I jerk away. “Nothing.” I shake my head. “He never touched me or anything, if that’s what you’re thinking. He wasn’t a sicko.”

I go to grab a beer and he jerks it out of my hand.

“Hey.”

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