Page 69 of Bozo

As we roar backtoward the clubhouse, my mind is a whirlwind of emotions and plans. The need to see Gráinne, to hold her and make sure she's safe, is overwhelming. But beneath that is a simmering rage, a burning desire for vengeance against Étienne and Dragomir.

The clubhouse comes into view, and I feel a relief that we're back, that I'll see Gráinne.

We park our bikes, and before I’m able to enter the clubhouse, Wrath and Pyro stop me. I raise a brow and Pyro grins manically. “You told her you love her, didn’t you?”

I stare at him, wondering what the fuck this has to do with anything and how the fuck he knew that. But I don’t answer him, the nosey fucker.

“Christ,” Wrath laughs. “You did? Christ, Bozo, what the fuck were you thinking? You have kept her at arm’s length for years, then she gets hurt and you’re all in?”

“Have you seen her?” I snarl. “Seen the bruises on her body? I tried to keep her from this shit, but she’s so fucking deep now that I can’t think straight. She’s all I have ever wanted.”

They both nod. “We see that. Trust me, brother,” Pyro says. “We get it. If anyone does, it’s us. But you have to realize that she doesn’t. She loves you too, but she’s not going to truly believe you love her all of a sudden.”

I run a hand through my hair, frustration and worry mixing in my gut. "What the fuck am I supposed to do then? I can't take it back. I don't want to take it back."

Pyro puts a hand on my shoulder, his expression softening slightly. "No one's saying you should take it back, brother. But you need to show her you mean it. Words are easy. Actions are what matter."

Wrath nods in agreement. "You've kept her at arm's length for years. She's probably wondering why now, why after she got hurt. She might even think you're just saying it out of guilt or pity."

Their words hit me like a punch to the gut. They're right, and I know it. Gráinne's no fool. She's probably questioning everything right now.

"Fuck," I mutter, leaning against my bike. "How do I fix this?"

"You don't fix it," Pyro says firmly. "You prove it. Every day, with everything you do. You show her that this isn't just because she got hurt, that it's not temporary. You show her that you're in this for the long haul."

I nod slowly, absorbing his words. "And in the meantime? While we're dealing with this Revenant shit?"

Wrath grins, clapping me on the back. "You keep her close, keep her safe, and you don't let her doubt for a second that you mean what you said."

With a deep breath, I straighten up. They're right. I've wasted enough time keeping Gráinne at a distance. Now it's time to show her—and everyone else—exactly what she means to me.

"Thanks, brothers," I say as I turn toward the door. It’s time to set Grá straight and show her just how fucking much she means to me.

I’m so fucking in love with her that I can’t think straight.

TWENTY-TWO

GRÁINNE

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Mallory says as she slides onto the seat beside me. Ailbhe, Hayley, and Chloe also come and sit with us. “I was worried about you and rightly so. Damn, Grá, your face is a lot worse than I had thought. Why didn’t you tell me what happened?”

I sigh. It’s weird; I’ve never had women as friends before. I’m so introverted that I tend to stick to myself. But Mallory has snuck under the radar and is someone I really like. I hate that she was worried about me. Growing up, Connor was the only one who really ever cared about me. That was until I met Jerry, and then things changed. I had someone I could turn to if I needed help.

Now, I have all these people who are here and want to help. It’s overwhelming to say the least. Mallory is Raptor’s old lady, Ailbhe is Preacher’s, Hayley is Wrath’s, and Chloe is Pyro’s. I’ve known Chloe for a while, since her mam is Jerry’s niece, but I haven’t really interacted with her much.

“I was scared, Mal,” I admit, something that I find hard to do even now. “I didn’t want anyone else brought into it.”

Mallory's eyes soften with understanding. "Oh, honey, I get it. But you don't have to face this alone. We're here for you, all of us."

Ailbhe nods in agreement. "That's right. The club protects its own, and you're family now, Grá."

"Exactly," Hayley chimes in, a soft smile on her face while nodding. "Plus, we've all been through some crazy shit. We know what it's like to feel scared and alone."

Chloe reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "You can always count on us, no matter what."

Their words of support bring tears to my eyes. I blink them back, not wanting to cry in front of everyone. This is something I’m not used to, but I’m so grateful for. "Thanks, girls. I really appreciate it," I say, thickly.

Mallory wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Now, tell us everything that happened when Bozo followed you home. I’m guessing by the crazed look on his face when he left that he finally admitted that he loves you?"

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