Page 97 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

Chapter Twenty-Six

Saffie

I’ve listened, I’ve thought about it, I’ve weighed the pros and the cons. I’m scared shitless, but I’ve only one answer. “I’ll do it.”

“I don’t want you too,” Niran tells me, his voice determined and firm. “I don’t like it at all.”

We’re lying in bed. Tonight, though, instead of Niran lying what feels like miles away from me, he’s got his arm around me. His closeness makes me feel safe, and therefore brave.

“I wanted to see my parents anyway. And this way, you’ll be with me.”

“I’d be there anyway. If you want me to.”

“Duke’s got Grit, and maybe some support club members. But he’s not a match for the Devils. I’ve already seen that.”

Niran rolls over so he’s looking directly into my face. “The best laid plans can go wrong, Saffie. There’s a risk. Sure we’ll minimise it, but a risk nonetheless.”

Leaning back, I put an arm over my face. “I thought he was dead, Niran. I thought I was free. Now I know he’s not, it’s like I’m facing a prison sentence all over again. I need this to end.”

“You don’t have to be there,” he decides, suddenly. “We’ll set it up. Get Swift to dress like you—”

“Swift?” I huff a laugh. “She’s far too tall.”

“Well, I don’t know. We’ll find someone who resembles you better.”

“No. It’s got to be me. Dad won’t play along if it’s anyone else.” He wouldn’t be able to. It’s his long-lost daughter he’s going to be seeing. He won’t fake emotion with anyone else, whatever his reaction is going to be, anger, because of the mess I’ve made of both our lives, or elation at his prodigal daughter’s return. “I’m going, Niran. This time I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.”

“You’re never a problem.”

How can he say that? It’s all I’ve been ever since he met me. “You said I was strong, Niran. Let me prove my strength. Give me a fucking gun and let me shoot Duke myself.”

He chuckles softly. “Now you’re getting bloodthirsty.”

Too true. Duke stole too much from me. Five years of my life and two babies. “Maybe it’s Swift rubbing off on me. I won’t break, Niran. I’m not as fragile as you think me to be.”

“I don’t think you’re fragile. Maybe needed some gluing back together, but never weak. You’re so fucking strong, Saffie. Another woman would be an utter mess, yet you’re getting yourself sorted.” He pulls himself up on one arm, and with his free hand, brushes strands of hair off my face. “I thought you’d refuse. I didn’t expect you to want to put yourself anywhere near Duke.”

“I don’t want to, but I want this to end. You’ll be there, and your club. They’re the people that I owe my life to. They took out the rest of the Wolves. I’m sure they can handle two men.”

“As I remember,” he huffs, “I nearly got you shot.”

“You saved me. Got me away from Slit.” He knew his chances of getting away from the Crazy Wolves had to be zero if his brothers hadn’t come for him. Yet he did what he could to go to Nevada with Duke, then blow his cover to prevent me being raped. How could I have ever lost my faith in him?

With Niran lying beside me, I believe I can do what they want of me and come out the other side. While just a short time back, I thought I had nothing to live for, I now want a life. The pain of losing my baby is still there, that will never be gone, but it doesn’t make me want to give up, not like it had done at first. Perhaps in the future there’ll be another baby for me, one that’s healthy and given the best start in life. Maybe even with Niran.

A few weeks ago, it would have been easy to sacrifice myself, now I have something to lose, the future that Niran is offering. Instead of making me want to take the easy way out, I want to deal with my problems head-on. If that means facing Duke, then I’ll do it.

With Duke in the world, I’ll only be able to live a half-life, always looking behind me.

“There may be other ways to get Duke.” I speak my thoughts, “But the quickest way is to tempt him out of hiding, and to do that, you need me. I hate him, Niran. Hate the influence he’s had over my life, the legacy of the five years with him which I still bear. He’s there in my thoughts. He’s telling me never to trust you or your club. He’s dragging me down every day, even though I try to fight it. He’s coming between you and me. I want him gone, Niran. And if I have to risk myself to do it, I will. I need this. I need to be involved. Up to now, I’ve been a pawn, now I want to take charge.” Pausing, I turn my head to face him. “I need him out of my mind. Which means I need him out of my life. Out of all our lives.”

“You’re so fuckin’ strong,” he whispers, bringing his face down to mine, the action causing our lips to brush together.

His body’s so close I can feel his warmth on my skin. Feeling brave, I sneak my hand under the t-shirt he wears to bed, and rest it against his chest. His heart beats heavily under my palm, and my touch makes him hiss.

“Fuck, Saffie, you’re killing me.”

Hesitantly, his eyes on mine, he lowers his hand from my face, and rests it lightly on my shirt-covered breast. Such a gentle touch, it’s almost not there. Despite that I can barely feel it, my nipples tingle, and begin to peak.

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