Page 18 of Dylan's Dad
A surge of conflicting emotions wash over me. The desire to protect Lola battles with the yearning to hold her close and never let go. Maybe Stallion is right but I am not ready to deal with any of this shit right now.
"I'm done with this conversation." I turn my back on him and head for the door.
"In all the years I've known you I've never thought you were a coward but this right here is cowardly."
I pause at Stallion's words, the accusation hitting me like a blow to the chest. He's right. I'm running away from facing the truth, from confronting my own fears and desires. But deep down, I know that hiding behind my protective instincts won't solve anything.
Without turning around, I clench my fists and take a deep breath, fighting against the inner turmoil threatening to consume me. Stallion's words echo in my mind, his unwavering belief in Lola's strength and resilience reverberating through my thoughts.
"You're wrong," I mutter through gritted teeth, my voice laced with determination. "I'm not being a coward. I'm trying to protect her."
Stallion steps closer, his voice filled with equal parts frustration and concern. "Reaper, protecting someone doesn't mean shielding them from everything. Sometimes it means supporting them and allowing them to make their own choices. You can't keep denying what you both feel."
I push open the doors and stroll back into the club without looking back and head straight for the bar. "Jimmy, can I get a beer?"
Jimmy nods and pulls a cold bottle from the fridge, sliding it across to me with a knowing smile. "Rough night, Reaper?"
"You have no idea," I mutter, taking a long swig from the bottle, hoping the bitterness of the beer would help drown out the whirlwind of emotions inside me.
Stallion appears beside me at the bar, his expression softened. "Look, Reaper, I know this isn't easy for you. But you can't keep pushing her away. She's proven herself time and time again, and she's more than capable of making her own choices."
I clench my jaw, torn between the desire to protect her and the fear of losing her. The bar is loud and filled with laughter and music but in that moment, it feels like there's only Stallion and me, locked in an unspoken battle of wills. A part of me wants to listen to Stallion, to let go of my fears and give in to what I want but I can't be selfish here. Not when it comes to her. "Stallion you need to walk away, right now."
Stallion's gaze hardens, his voice firm. "I'm not walking away, Reaper. Not when I see you struggling like this. You've always had my back, and now it's my turn to have yours."
I slam the bottle down on the counter, frustration seeping through every fiber of my being. "Dammit, Stallion! Can't you understand? I can't put her in danger. I won't. Now get the fuck out of my face before I make you. You may be my best friend but don't push me on this."
Stallion's eyes narrow, his stance unwavering. "Fine. But just remember, Reaper, that sometimes the greatest danger lies in denying ourselves a chance at happiness. Don't let your fear consume you." With those final words, he turns and walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I'm left standing there, staring at the empty space where Stallion once stood. His words echo in my mind, challenging the very foundation of the walls I've built around myself. The weight of his words settle upon my shoulders, suffocating me with its truth.
I take a deep breath and pick up the bottle again, the cool glass providing a temporary escape from my inner turmoil.
"Reaper?" Lola's voice softens all the sharper emotions. "Is everything okay? I saw you and Stallion arguing."
I turn to face Lola, my heart fluttering at the sight of her. Her eyes are filled with concern, her brows furrowed in worry. I take a moment to compose myself, not wanting to burden her with the weight of my internal struggle.
"It's nothing, Lola," I say, forcing a smile. "Just a small disagreement between Stallion and me." I reach out and gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear, my touch tender. "Don't worry about it."
Lola's eyes search mine, as though she's trying to find the truth hidden within them. "Reaper, I know there's something more going on," she says, her voice tinged with determination.
“Like any brothers we fight sometimes but we will work things out.” I pull her closer and tilt her chin up to me. “I promise, it’s not a big deal.”
Lola
Something is going on with Reaper. After Stallion and Reaper had that argument he completely shut down on me. He was distant and appeared lost in thought. When we got back to the cabin, he only said one sentence. He told me he was tired and going to go to bed. That was about an hour ago, and I am just lying here in bed next to him, staring up at the ceiling. Glancing over, I see his bare back facing toward me and I want to cry. Is he regretting everything that happened between us?
I roll onto my side facing away from him and I can feel the tears starting to escape from my eyes. The darkness returns me to the worst moment of my life. Lying on my old mattress, covered in blood, I can feel Dylan climbing over me. I can smellthe alcohol on his breath and taste the blood in my mouth. Looking up into his eyes, they are empty and vacant. I cry, I beg, I scream for him to stop.
I am pulled from the horror and brought back to reality but something feels off. I am no longer laying facing away from Reaper, now I am in his arms with my cheek resting against his sweat slick chest. “Shhh. . . I got you Little Flower. You are safe.”
“Reaper?” My voice comes out as a croak. I must’ve been screaming in my sleep again. The last couple nights have been free of nightmares but the distance from Reaper must have triggered my fears again.
“Yeah, Baby. I am here. I got you.” He gently runs his hand through my hair in a soothing gesture, but I can feel him tremble. “You are safe with me, Little Flower. Always.”
My tears mix with the sweat on his chest as I sob against him. He whispers soothing and sweet things against the top of my head and just holds me, while I break in his arms. When the tears finally run dry, he drops a kiss to the top of my head. “Do you wanna talk about it?”
I shake my head, “I can’t. I just wanna forget it ever happened. Why can’t I just forget?” My voice is hoarse and my throat is bone dry.
