Page 117 of Rest In Pieces

“And what did you want me to do, Blade? You weren’t fucking there,” Amity snaps.

My eyes blink open at the noise to find Blade sitting at the end of the bed, running his hands through his hair. “He shouldn’t have even been there. He should have been guarding that uppity bitch. If you didn’t?—”

“Finish that sentence, Blade, and I will punch you in the dick. I don’t give a fuck who you are.”

“I’ll hold him down for you,” I hear Sunshine say as she walks into the room.

“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be resting.”

“Yeah, well, the kiddos had other plans. And honestly, it’s just as well, because it sounds like Amity’s about to shove her foot up your ass, and I think she’s been through enough today.”

“I—”

“You’re pissed; I get it. She called, and you missed it. She needed you, and you weren’t there. We all fucking get it. But guess what? You are not an island, Blade. You have a clubhouse full of brothers who stepped up and did exactly what needed to be done. And Amity? She did exactly what she needed to do. You’re being?—”

“An asshole. I know.”

“I was going to say a diva, but yeah, ‘asshole’ works too. Now, I’m going to go pee because, apparently, that’s all I do anymore. I pee, I cry, and I puke. When I get back, you’re taking me home and rubbing my feet before I remember that it’s your fault I’m in this condition and trample your balls.” She whirls around and stomps off, which is more of a waddle—though I’m not about to tell her that—making me grin.

“She’s right. I’m an asshole.”

“I know. I’ve been telling you that since I met you. Why are you acting like this is brand new information?” Amity tells him.

There’s silence for a moment before Blade breaks it. “I let you down. I let you both down. Jesus, he could’ve died,” he says, blowing out a frustrated breath.

“He knows you care, Blade, and he returns the sentiment. He wouldn’t be mad you’re stepping down if he didn’t. You guys are family, and that’s what family does. They fight, they forgive, and then they fuck up all over again.”

“What about you? You forgive me for being an asshole?”

“You’re my man’s best friend. Of course, I forgive you, but just know I will stab you the next time you piss me off.”

“That seems extreme,” he chuckles.

“Don’t worry, I’ll wear something pretty to your funeral.”

He laughs, then stands up and walks closer, leaning down to kiss Amity’s forehead.

“I’m glad he has you. I know I was a dick. I just needed to know you could hack it. He needs someone like you.”

“Someone a little crazy?”

“Someone loyal.”

She reaches out and takes his hand. “I love him. It’s really fucking inconvenient, but there it is. I fucking love him, and he’s going to?—”

“Love you right back,” I say, making her jump.

Blade smirks, knowing I’ve been awake this whole time and not ratting me out.

“I’ll leave you both to it. Get some rest. And that’s an order.”

We watch as he heads for the door.

“Blade?” Amity calls as he reaches for the handle.

He turns to look at her.

“They did you proud today. They worked like a team, and Havoc fit right in. He kept me together when I was falling apart while doing what was best for the club. When I heard those engines, I knew we were safe. There was no doubt in my mind. I know stepping down must be hard, even if you’re doing it for all the right reasons. I just wanted you to know that you’re leaving the club in good hands.”

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