Page 70 of Stitches

A muscle thrummed along Church’s jaw.

“When he turned around, I basically told him to fuck off, but he said he wanted to come home. That he’d do anything.”

Church scoffed, a sour look on his face.

Ashes flipped his lighter open and closed quickly, a surefire way of knowing he was growing more agitated.

“He said he found her in the woods. That he hadn’t hurt her. I told him I’d burn him alive if I ever saw him touch her again.” I stared down at my hands as I rested my elbows on my knees. “I saw the look on his face though and the sound of his voice. He’s really hurting. He’s not the same as he used to be.”

“He’s a fucking prick,” Church said. “I’m not interested—”

“I told him it was up to Sirena if he got to come back,” I cut in.

Church got to his feet quickly, his chest heaving. “No.”

“No what?” Ashes looked up at him. “Dante, it’s her choice as much as it’s ours. Look what happened when you came in the other night and went for Bryce. She lost it. She ran. If she decides she wants to try with Sin, shouldn’t we be agreeable to that? The four of us was always the plan.”

“No. He tried to fucking kill her. Same as Asylum. I’m grateful we have her back, but that doesn’t mean I’ll throw a fucking welcome home party for either of the assholes. She was hurt because of them. They aren’t fucking heroes. I don’t give a shit how they try to spin the story.”

“Asylum is an asshole,” I agreed. “But I was there with him in the facility with her. I-I know where his heart is.” I hated admitting it, but there it was. Out in the open for everyone to hear.

“What does that mean?” Church stared at me.

“Sit down,” Ashes said. “Let him talk.”

Church hesitated for a moment before he returned to his seat and gave me an expectant look.

“I just…I saw some things. He tried to protect her in there just as much as I did. Hell, I think he probably did a better job at it.”

Church let out a snort and shook his head.

“I’m serious. I think all of this shit is something he has insight into. I think he knows what’s going to happen. I think he’s just waiting,” I said.

“Maybe we should talk to him. It’s no secret we know your old man is up to something,” Ashes added. “We’re worried about what it could all mean.”

Church said nothing.

“Dante, have you really considered how your father could use Sirena against you? Against us?” Ashes asked in a low voice.

Church got to his feet and paced for a moment before speaking. “Yes. I have considered it.”

“Good,” Ashes murmured. “Then maybe we need to make a move sooner rather than later. We need to be prepared.”

“You can’t prepare against him,” Church muttered. “He’s a fucking viper when he strikes.”

“I think we should let Asylum take Sirena,” I cut in.

Ashes blinked at me.

And Church. He stormed forward and glared down at me.

“Have you lost your fucking mind?”

“Maybe,” I whispered. “But don’t you think it might actually be a good idea if we showed we aren’t connected to her anymore?”

“There will never be a time where I won’t be connected to her,” Church snapped back.

“Dante, just think about it. Asylum has a way about him. He knows things. He probably could keep her safe as much as we hate the thought of him having her. He did in the facility like Stitches said. He did when she stayed with him after. I don’t fucking like it either, but it’s something to consider,” Ashes said. “I’m worried about how this will all go down too.”

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