Page 122 of Deserter

The people that deserved my anger and rage were protected for the moment by a piece of paper I’d willingly signed, leaving my wife to take my venom.

Judging by the jut of her chin, it hadn’t been my best plan. “Don’t speak to me like that, Jamie Quinn.”

I’d just opened my mouth to apologize when she added, “I’m not a club girl or one of your biker friends.”

I let my fork fall to the plate and cocked my head to the side. “What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?”

This was a worthless fight and I knew it.

Didn’t mean I wasn’t salivating over the thought of taking my anger out somewhere.

Celia dropped her napkin onto the table and stood up. “I’m not doing this with you. I didn’t choose this life and I won’t let you talk—”

“You didn’t choose this life?” I roared. “Well, guess what, sweetheart? You might just get your wish and be done with all of it sooner than you think!”

I instantly realized I’d gone too far.

Dakota’s lip quivered and tears began rolling down her chubby cheeks. Kate stayed silent, dabbing at her hair and face with the napkin, looking anywhere but at me. I didn’t miss the way her hands shook with fear though.

My girls were scared of me.

“What? What are you saying?” The fight was gone from her eyes and as I looked at her, I saw the exhaustion and fear she’d been working hard to hide from me. “You—you want a divorce?” Her voice cracked.

I ran a hand over my face and shook my head. “Need to tell you somethin’.”

She leaned back against the cabinets and whispered, “Just tell me.”

“Not here.” I nodded toward the bedroom.

“Kate, finish your dinner and then run a bath, okay? Dakota, Mama will be right back.”

“Wight back,” she repeated tearfully with a nod and I hated myself a little more.

When we made it to the bedroom, she spun around to face me, crossing her arms over her chest. “You cheated.”

It wasn’t a question.

“You think I’d disrespect you like that?”

Celia shook her head and stared down at the carpet. “I don’t know anymore, Jamie. Something happened—I can feel it. You’re different.”

She mashed her lips together briefly. “It’s like you’re not even here anymore and your comment tonight just confirmed that.”

I led her back to bed and dropped to my knees at her feet. “Ain’t ever cheated on you. Fuck, I couldn’t even look at another woman once you came along. Okay?”

“Okay.”

I ran my knuckles along my jaw and looked down. “But there is shit going on within the club that you need to know about. I ended the war with the Outlaws.”

Celia gripped my hand in both of hers. “That’s good, right?”

“Not exactly. I had to hand over the bulk of our territory to them and,” I paused, trying to decide the best way to tell her. “Wolverine and Comedian—well, I went along with it because it was the best plan. It wasn’t what I wanted to do, but ultimately, it was my call—”

“Just spit it out, Jamie. Put me out of my misery, please.”

“Fuck, I’m gonna fake my death.” There. It was out in the open. No more secrets.

She smiled and shook her head. “Okay, Bobby Ewing. Nice try.”

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