Page 41 of Rev

“You’ve got that look on yer face,” he says, breaking the silence. “The one that says ye’ve got a lot on yer mind.”

I let out a sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “Aye, you could say that.”

He takes a swig of his pint and gestures for the bartender to bring me one. “Talk ta me, mate. What’s eatin’ ye?”

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “It’s Harley. I love her, Monster. I really do. But I’m torn. I don’t know how to make our relationship work without abandoning the club.”

He raises an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. “That’s a tough one, Rev. The club is yer family. But so is she.”

I nod, taking a sip of the pint that’s been placed in front of me. “Exactly. I can’t imagine leaving the club. It’s been my life for so long. But Harley… she’s my everything. I love her.”

Monster leans back, considering my words. “Ye’re not the first lad to be torn between love and loyalty. Ye’ve got to ask yourself which is more important? The club will always be here for ye. I meant what I said, mate, I’m not goin’ta ask ye ta leave. But if ye let Harley go, ye might regret it fer the rest of yer life.”

I stare into my pint, the amber liquid swirling as I ponder his question. “Part of me thinks I can find a balance, but another part of me is scared I’ll end up letting both sides down.”

Monster claps a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. “Look, Rev. The club’s important ta all of us, no doubt about that. But yer needs are important too. Ye’ve got to do what’s right for ye. If Harley’s the one, then ye owe it to yerself to try and make it work.”

“But how?” I ask, frustration creeping into my voice. “How do I balance both? She’s got her life in England, and I’ve got mine here.”

Monster takes another swig of his pint, his eyes thoughtful. “Maybe it’s not about balancin’ both perfectly. Maybe it’s about makin’ sacrifices and findin’ the best fit. Talk to the lads, to Sully. He had ta make the same kinda choice. It might surprise ye what they say. Talk ta Harley as well. Figure out what ye both want and see if there’s a way ta make it work.”

I nod slowly. “You’re right.”

He gives me a reassuring smile. “That’s the spirit. And remember, whatever happens, ye’ve got the club’s support. We’re family, Rev.”

I feel some of the weight lift off my shoulders, knowing I’ve still got Monster’s support.

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Thanks, Monster. I appreciate it.”

He raises his pint in a toast. “To love, loyalty, and findin’ a way through the chaos.”

I raise my pint, clinking it against his. “To findin’ a way.”

As we drink, I can’t help but feel a bit lighter and a bit more hopeful. It’s not going to be easy, but with the support of the club and the determination to make it work with Harley, I know I can face whatever comes next.

The following days are a blur of conversations and planning. I talk to the club members, laying everything out. There is more love and support from each and every brother than I ever expected. Deep down, fear held me back from considering going back for Harley. But ultimately, they understand and support my decision.

Family is family, after all, whether by blood or by bond.

When I finally call Harley, my heart is pounding. “Hey, it’s me. We need to talk.”

“Hadrian,” she says, her voice soft but steady. “I’ve been thinking about things, too. Can you come over here? I’d rather discuss this face-to-face.”

“Absolutely,” I reply, relief flooding through me. “I’ll be back with you as soon as I can.”

As I hang up, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. It’s time to face this head-on, to find a way to make it work. For both of us. And with Monster’s advice and the club’s support, I know I can do it.

The drive and ferry crossing to England is long, but it gives me time to think and prepare for the conversation ahead.

When I finally pull up at Harley’s place, my nerves are on edge. But as soon as I see her, standing there with a hopeful smile, I know we can face anything together.

“Harley, I’ve missed you,” I tell her as I walk up and take her hands in mine. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us. About everything. I want to make this work. Whatever it takes.”

She smiles, tears glistening in her eyes. “Me too, Hadrian. We’ll find a way.”

As we stand there, holding each other, I know it’s true. We’ll make whatever sacrifices are necessary to balance our worlds. In the end, where love and loyalty exist, anything is possible.

EIGHTEEN

---