Page 24 of Big Red

“Talk to me, Alice. What’s on your mind? You haven’t said a word since we left the diner.”

After we left the diner, I knew I needed to break down everything Declan had said to her. She was in no shape to return to work, and honestly, neither was I. All I wanted to do was chase after him and beat him until he took his last breath. When he threatened her, I almost forgot she was with me. I started to go after him, but that fucker clammed up and got the hell out of there.

It's okay, though. His time is coming. Sooner than he thinks.

Alice continues to give me silence. Her eyes are on her lap and she’s fiddling her thumbs. Lifting her chin, I bring those sparkling emerald green eyes to me. “Talk to me, kitten. I can’t fix whatever is going in your pretty little head if you won’t tell me.”

“What is there to say? Declan laid everything out already.” She shrugs her shoulders before turning away.

Oh, this won’t do.

“And what exactly did he lay out?”

“You were there. Do you really need me to repeat it?” She scrunches her nose up, and by the tone in her voice, I know she’s upset.

“Okay, let me tell you what really happened. Yes, Viper and Savannah were in bed the night Vincent caught them. The thing is, theywere notdating.” Alice opens her mouth, but I raise my hand, cutting her off. I gave her a chance to talk, and she chose to give me the silent treatment.

I’m a little pissed that she would allow Declan to plant seeds in her head without giving me a chance to explain. If she’s going to easily believe the word of her shitty-ass husband, then we’re not going to make it far. I know we haven’t discussed where this thing is going, but she knows that I’m really feeling her. I would have never let her around my children if she was just a fuck. Now it’s time I get her on the same page as me.

“No. I gave you a chance to talk, and you decided to take the word of a man who means no good to you rather than let me explain the situation.” Alice's mouth snaps shut. “Yes, Viper slept with Savannah a few times. So did seven other brothers.”

Alice gasps as her eyes widen.

“When Savannah started partying at the clubhouse, none of us knew she was married. She sure as shit didn’t act like it. She hopped from bed to bed until she landed in Viper’s. When Vincent showed up at the clubhouse, he threatened to put a case on the club.That’swhy she was banned. It was too much of a messy situation.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

Grabbing her hand, I pull her into my lap. Alice squeaks but doesn’t make a move to get out of my lap. “Say that next time you’ll at least ask me before assuming I’m up to no good.”

“I can do that,” she whispers.

“Good. And know, baby, I really tried to stay away from you. I didn’t think now was the time to try to pursue anything withyou, but I just can’t. I want to see where this thing goes with us, and I would not have you around my kids if that wasn’t the case.”

She smiles and nods her head. Grabbing my hand, she links our fingers together. The gesture causes me to return the smile. “I tried too, Red. But I really like you.” Her cheeks turn rosy as she tries to turn away from me. Gripping her chin, I turn it right back.

“Don’t do that. Don’t break the connection. I’ll always be honest with you. No matter what. If the time ever comes and you say you don’t want this anymore, I will respect it. I won’t like it, but you deserve to be happy, and that's all I want.”

She shocks the hell out of me when she leans forward and places a gentle kiss on my lips. Although it wasn’t anything like the kiss we shared in the parking lot, the gesture means a lot to me.

We stare into each other’s eyes for what feels like a lifetime before my phone rings, breaking the trance. Pulling it out, Will’s name flashes across the screen. I answer it on speaker.

“What’s up, Will?”

“Hey, Red. I know I was supposed to come and watch the kids for you later tonight, but I have a family emergency, and I won't be back in time.”

Fuck! That really puts a damper on my plans tonight. Tech finally got back to me with information on Tommy’s dad, Zack.

“Is everything okay, Will?” Alice asks.

“Alice? What are you doing at Red’s house in the middle of the day? Hmm?”

She covers her face in embarrassment. “What are you talking about?” she tries to deflect.

“Oh, don’t try and play me. I saw Red’s truck parked outside his house as I was leaving. Now I have to go, but I want all the tea when I get back and remember, doanyandeverythingthat I would do. Chow, bestie!”

Will hangs up, and I throw my head back laughing. Alice stares at the phone in disbelief. “I can’t believe he said that.” She shakes her head before looking up at me. “If you’re okay with it, I can watch the kids for you.”

On instinct, I almost turn her down. I don’t like pawning my kids off on others. At least Will was being paid for his time, so there was no need to feel guilty. Sensing the turmoil, Alice places her hand on my chest. “I don’t mind, Red. As long as you’re okay with it.”

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