Page 95 of Avenging Devil: Part 1

What the fuck kind of man am I?I’d be leaving her to start all over again by herself, just because that was exactly what I was too afraid to do.

Would I resent her if I left my brothers behind?I would hope not but suspect that I might.

Maybe we can reach a compromise?

Fuck. What do I want?My cake and to eat it.I snort. Yeah, well, I’m not getting that. And I’m not going back on my words to Saffie. Fuck knows why, but for her, I’ll upturn my life just to be able to stay in hers whichever way she wants it. The restless night has only strengthened my resolve.

Having only dozed lightly, I wake early and dress and shower fast, wanting to be around when she wakes up. I pass by her door, tapping lightly. When there’s no answer, I’m not surprised, we’d spoken until late. Poor girl must have been exhausted.

I’ll have something to eat first, I decide. Let her get the sleep she needs and deserves. Then once she’s rested, I’ll find out which option she desires. Somehow, I don’t think it will be agreeing to become my old lady.

I broaden my shoulders. So, I’ll be leaving the club, making a fresh start. I’m a fuckin’ Marine, for fuck’s sake. I got this. I can fuckin’ deal with civilian life.

“Saffie have a good night?” Kink slaps my shoulder with his one free hand, in the other, he’s carrying two brimming cups of coffee, and heading for the stairs.

“I presume so. There’s no sound from her room so I take it she’s still sleeping.”

He nods, grins, then tells me, “Best get off, I’ve got a pet waiting,” and disappears to the second floor.

“Er, Niran.”

“Yeah, Curtis. What do you want?” I go to walk past him, the aroma from the cups Kink was carrying making me thirsty.

“Saffie’s gone. She went in the middle of the night.”

I stop dead in my tracks.Gone?“Why the fuck didn’t you stop her?” I round on the prospect.She’s gone?I feel like I’ve been slapped in the face.I’d offered to give up everything for her.

Curtis’s eyes narrow. “Because I didn’t think she was held fuckin’ prisoner. I’ll do all the shit you want, Niran, but I won’t take the blame for a woman leaving the compound. I was given no instructions to the contrary.”

“You’ve got a brain in your head.” I swear he won’t be getting my vote now. “You should have guessed we wanted her to stay.”

“How the fuck was I to know?” Curtis retorts louder than he should.

“What the fuck’s going on?” Salem roars, thumping down the stairs. “Prospect! Show some damn respect. Niran, explain now.”

Glaring at Curtis, I turn my back on him. “Saffie’s gone,” I explain. “She left before dawn.”

Salem shrugs. “Girl didn’t seem comfortable here, which is understandable. We can’t do anymore. At least it means we don’t need to go head-to-head with the Crazy Wolves. Must admit I wasn’t sure how to square that in my head.”

“Where’s Saffie?” Patsy demands as she comes down the stairs. “I stopped to check in on her. Her door was unlocked, and everything’s gone from her room.”

Luckily, Lost is following her. “Prez?” I shout out. “Can I have a word?”

“Niran?” Patsy insists. “Where is she?”

“Her apartment I expect,” I snap at Patsy, causing Lost to emit a warning growl.

“My office, now, Niran!”

“Give me a minute, Prez?”

“One minute,” he offers, piercing me with his eyes.

I stomp out of the clubroom and into the morning air. I breathe deep. I’m angry, but it’s not all at her. It’s also at me and how I couldn’t keep my fucking mouth shut. She must have heard the word property and ignored that I’d offered to leave the club for her.

Another breath and I’m feeling slightly calmer. I take out my phone dial her number.

It rings, once, twice then again. Just before it rings out,thank fuck,it’s answered.

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