Page 67 of Darkness

“The fuck were you thinking? More importantly, why? It’s not like you to take a liking to the packages. I’ve not been a huge fan of Tampa being in the transport industry, but this is next-level shit, even for you.”

“That was a month ago, and we’ve kept them on the down-low until now. I’ve put my club in danger. That’s on me. I take full responsibility for my actions. The thing is, Torque… I’d fucking do it again because I care about Eva more than I thought I could. She adores her sister, so as it turns out, the packages were a package deal.”

“Christ. Never thought I’d see the day when a woman took residence in your cold, dead heart.”

“I agree. The thing is, we broke lockdown today, and I think Eva was made.”

“I hear what you’re saying, brother. Look at everything I have done for Foxy, but you acted recklessly, then broke your own lockdown, and now your club’s at risk. What do you want me to do about it?”

“If Andrés comes with trouble and I call for backup, no one’s gonna want to come when they hear why. But if you send out the call, they won’t have the option.”

Torque grumbles under his breath. “I don’t appreciate you putting Defiance on the map like this, Nycto. You need to handle your own shit. But I understand why you did it. You need help… it’ll be there, but don’t think for a fucking second this is the last you’ll be hearing from me about this. There will be repercussions.”

“I expect nothing less, Torque.”

“Keep your ear to the ground and your guns at the ready. If Eva’s been made, you’re probably looking at trouble heading your way sooner than later.”

I nod. He’s not telling me anything I haven’t already thought of. It’s the very reason I called him. “Got it. And Pres?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks, brother.”

He mumbles something unintelligible under his breath, then ends the call. He’s pissed off. I get it. I’ve handled this entire Eva situation like a lunatic, but if it means, in the end, I get to keep her, then maybe it will all be worth it.

I know I have punishment heading my way for putting my club in jeopardy, but I’ll take any fucking thing they throw at me.

Because Eva is worth it all.

Chapter Twenty-Four

EVA

The time out with Nycto made me feel better about this whole situation. Though my anger about how he handled everything is still there, when I look at the bigger picture, I’m here with Ivy, and we’re safe. And honestly, that’s all that matters.

I could stay mad at everyone for deceiving me, but what would it achieve other than me being in a foul mood for the rest of my life? I need to let it go.

Nycto took a step tonight. He tried to make me feel better, even though it was dangerous. He put my needs before everything. I’m not naïve enough not to understand the consequences. He put himself and his club on the line for me to feel at ease.

I won’t forget that.

I knew the second we arrived back at the club something was wrong. He didn’t tell me, but the way he was trying to lose that car behind us makes me think he believes something is amiss. It’s why he’s gone to do club business, and I’m down here with Ivy, not that I mind. After believing she was lost to me, I’ll spend as much time with her as I can, even if that time is spent sitting on her sofa painting my toenails.

I layer another coat on my big toe while Ivy is fussing about with her bed, fluffing her pillows. She seems so settled down here like this is the only place she wants to be. I personally don’t understand it. The place creeps me the hell out, but if this is where she finds her peace, then so be it.

“Do you think I’ll be allowed out on a ride at some point?” Ivy asks as she punches a pillow, trying to maximize the fluff.

I shrug, dipping the brush into the red polish. “I get the feeling Nycto was only doing it to appease me. I’m not even sure if I’ll be allowed to go back out again.”

Ivy pouts. “Shame. I’d love to experience the power of a bike.”

“It was amazing. I guess we’ll just have to stay in and get fat on Trixie’s delicacies.”

Ivy’s eyes widen. “I know, right? She really is a crazy good cook. I should get her to teach me some stuff.”

“We should have a cooking class with the three of us.”

“So much yes. We could teach her some recipes from Cuba.”

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