Page 60 of Victorious: Part I

I came to prove I can follow orders.

That I’mnotwho I used to be.

But even with my eyes forward, she’s still lingering…

In my thoughts.

In my blood.

Gnawing like trouble I didn’t ask for and might not have the strength to walk away from.

“Did you hear me?” Sadie asks, tugging at my club cut to draw my attention back to her.

Craning my neck to try to release the tension, I weakly smile at my sister. “Loud and clear.”

Sadie huffs like she’s trying to figure out what’s going through my mind. “Are you okay, Wes?” she asks, her tone genuine.

Relaxing my stance, I reach out, pulling her to me in a tight embrace. “I’m about to drive away from the club, for fuck who knows how long. While away, they’ll go to war with the Cartel, and I’ve left my pregnant sister behind smack bang in the middle of the fight. Then, don’t forget, I’m taking her Old Man’s little sister with me on a road trip to Vegas when she’s only eighteen. Oh, and he hates my guts and will useanyexcuse to kill me, so yeah.” I shrug. “I’m just peachy.”

Sadie tilts her head at me incredulously, her lips turning up ever so slightly. “Okay, wiseass, there’s no need to be such a drama queen,” she teases.

Snorting out a laugh, I hold her tighter. “But seriously, Sades, I need you to be fucking careful…” I pause, taking a moment to gather myself, and she leans in, holding me tighter.

“I know—”

“Do you?Because I spent years at the Serpents to make sure that you stayed safe. To ensure that Grave couldn’t get to you.” My eyes shift to her stomach. “You’re pregnant, Sadie. Just promise me that if shit starts getting really fucking bad, that youwillprotect yourself. Protect your child.”

Her eyes glisten as she smiles up at me, and Maverick moves behind her. “I just realized something,” Maverick states, taking Sadie by surprise. She glances over her shoulder at him and detaches from me as he slides his arms around her waist, pulling her back to his front.

“What’s that?” I ask.

He clears his throat as if the next words to come out of his mouth are hard for him to say.

But he says them anyway.

“I’ve been so focused on you taking care of Clover that I forgot you’d have the same feelings about me taking care ofyoursister.”

Well.

Fuck.

Everyone stares at Maverick in shock, including me, as he continues, “This entire situation is a fucked-up mess. I’m the first to admit it. But, I do appreciate what you’re doing, taking Clover to Vegas, watching over her, protecting her… the sacrifice you’re making by not being here for the club. And at the same time, you’re away from Sadie while she’s here. In the thick of it. I understand completely how terrifying that will be for you.” My heart races faster at the thought of being miles and miles away and not being able to get back here in time to help if she needs me.

Honestly, I feel fucking sick just thinking about it.

“But like I’m putting my trust in you to watch overmysister, I need you to trust in me. To trust that I will buryanyonewho comes near her. That if the need arises, I will wrap her in fucking bubble wrap and lock her away somewhere safe if I need to.”

Sadie widens her eyes, snorting out a laugh. “I love bubble wrap. I could pop that shit for hours. It’s so freaking soothing. Can you lock me up anyway? That sounds really nice, actually.”

We both glare at her, and she purses her lips tight, motioning to zip her lips shut.

Shaking my head, Sadie can’t fight back her smile, which somehow becomes infectious. My lips turn up, a huge smile lighting my face that quickly turns into a laugh. “You’re a fucking idiot, but we love you.”

Sadie beams from ear to ear. “I love you too. Now go! You guys have a long drive ahead of you.”

Chuckling, I lean forward, pulling Sadie into another embrace as I watch Maverick and Haven move in, smothering Clover once more. Closing my eyes, I take in this moment, trying to remember how holding my sister feels. What she smells like. The love in this moment.

Because the harsh reality is this could be the last embrace weeverhave.

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