Page 7 of Golden Atonement

I wouldn’t.

“Emma, unbuckle Jesse, please.”

Gathering my bag, I got out of the vehicle. Opening the back door, I reached for my sleepy son, holding him close as Emma stepped out. Loaded down with bags, Emma, Jesse, and I headed for the elevator.

No one said a word while the elevator moved. We were tired and desperately needed to shower and rest. A good hot meal wouldn’t hurt either. The elevator stopped, and we stepped out. Looking left and right, I referred to my phone and the text Sandman sent me. Seeing the penthouse number, I pointed to my left.

“It’s that one.”

Walking the few steps, I knocked on the door and prayed Vicious was an understanding man. Hearing the locks, Vicious flung open the door as I heard him say, “Just tell me who?”

The second I looked into his eyes, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling down my face as he stared in shock upon seeing me and the kids.

Lowering the phone from his ear, he whispered, “Remi?”

I sniffed, trying to get myself together as my emotions rode me hard. “Max cheated on me, Vicious. The man I loved above all others cheated on me.”

“Oh fuck.”

“Remi?” Linsey whispered from behind him. Vicious stepped to the side, taking Jesse from me as I rushed into Linsey’s arms.The second her arms surrounded me, I couldn’t hold back the torment cascading through my body.

“Uncle Vicious?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

“I’m tired.”

“I know, baby, come inside. Let’s get you and your brother to bed.”

Linsey took me by the hand and led me over to the kitchen. Vicious took Emma and Jesse upstairs. Pulling out a chair at the bar, I sat while Linsey walked around the island and put a teakettle on.

“I’m sorry for showing up like this.”

Placing two teacups on the counter, she turned to me and said, “Don’t do that, Remi. There is no need to apologize. You helped me before, and now it’s my turn. What happened?”

I took a deep breath. “I think some part of me always knew. I just wasn’t ready to accept it. Max just wasn’t himself after that crap with theSociety. He never settled. Then the secret calls started again. I thought he was done with all that. I knew something was really wrong when he opened the club to those sluts. He promised me, ya know. He told me when everything was over, it would just be us and the brothers. A proper family. That was the first lie. Then he started drinking again. God, Linsey, he drank so much. I thought when Ghost took over the club, Max would rest and spend time with me and the kids. Only he didn’t. Then I lost the baby after that sick fuck took Daphne, and Max spiraled. Then I got a phone call two days ago from an unknown number. A man told me what Max was hiding. I went to confront Max. Found him in his office. He was fucking that bitch Wendy.”

“Remi, I’m so sorry.”

I shrugged. “It’s not your fault. I knew who I was marrying. Did you know that I really didn’t want to marry Reaper? Oh, Iloved him to distraction and wanted to spend my life with him, but I never could reconcile the marriage aspect. I think some part of my soul knew he would hurt me. What does that say about me?”

“It says you believe in love. Wanted to believe in the man you love. It’s not your fault he cheated, Remi. Reaper is to blame. Not you.”

“All I know is that I can’t go back. I won’t. He broke me, Linsey.”

“No, he broke his marriage. What he did to you was just plain cruel. He should have been man enough to stop himself. He didn’t break you, Remi. Never. You are a strong woman. Yeah, you’re hurting right now, but that doesn’t mean you’re down. Eventually, the pain will subside and you will stand stronger than ever.”

“Linsey’s right, Remi. This isn’t on you. Reaper made his choice. Now he will suffer the consequences. You and the kids can stay here as long as you need. I may not be a Golden Skull anymore, but I am still your friend,” Vicious said, walking into the kitchen.

I grinned, looking at him. “You look different. Happier.”

Linsey smiled as Vicious wrapped his arms around her. “I am. Finally got my foot out of my ass and claimed my woman.”

“I’m happy for you both.”

“Remi, do you have any idea who it was that called you?” Linsey asked.

I shook my head. “No. Like I said, it was an unknown number.”

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