Page 17 of Dylan's Dad
Stallion grins, basking in the praise. "Only the best for you, Lola."
I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy as Stallion addresses her with such familiarity. But I suppress the emotion, knowing that Lola and I have an unspoken understanding, a connection that runs deeper than what meets the eye. We share secrets and scars, a past that binds us together.
As we continue to enjoy our meal, the chatter and laughter around us grows louder. The clubhouse buzzes with energy and life, a sanctuary for those seeking solace from the outside world. It's a place where misfits like us find acceptance, where we can let down our guard and be ourselves.
Lola leans closer to me, her voice barely audible above the surrounding noise. "Reaper," she says softly, "your brothers...they've become my family too."
A warmth spreads through my chest at her words, grateful that she feels the same way. We had both wandered through life aimlessly until we found this haven, a refuge in the storm of our existence.
“I'm glad, Lola," I reply, my voice filled with sincerity. "This place has given us something we've never had before."
Her hand gently caresses my cheek, her touch like a tender caress against my soul. "A sense of belonging," she whispers.
I nod, my heart swelling with emotion. "Yes, a sense of belonging and acceptance. We've all found a family here, one that understands us in ways no one else can."
Lola's eyes shine with unshed tears, mirroring the vulnerability in my own. "And I never want to let that go."
I reach out and take her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers together. It's hard to reconcile those words with the ones in my head telling me she is bound to leave once Dylan is no longer a threat.
Stallion returns with a second plate piled high with food, his vibrant personality and larger-than-life presence drawing everyone's attention. He sets down the plate before me and winks mischievously. "Dig in, brother," he says with a grin.
I thank him, my eyes never leaving Lola's as she takes another bite of the ribs. Our gazes lock, and in that instant, time seems to stand still.
I can see the unspoken question in her eyes - a question we have both danced around, afraid to voice aloud. What happens when her time here comes to an end? When the threat that brought us together is finally dealt with, and she is no longer bound by the need for protection?
Stallion raises his glass, "Well, we all know what we are celebrating here tonight. Reaper is home and I personally could not be happier to have him back. Welcome home, Reaper." There are cheers and whistles before Stallion raises a hand to quiet down the raucous bunch and finish his toast. "And I just want to say one last thing before I let you animals get back to it. Lola, though you came to us through horrible circumstances I couldn't be happier to have met you. You will always be familyto us and you will always be welcomed. So here’s to Lola and Reaper." A new round of cheers sound but I am frozen. Why did he have to say that? He knows I plan on letting her go to have a nice normal life once she is safe.
Lola touches my hand and pulls me out of my thoughts, "Reaper? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." I say as I get to my feet. "I'll be right back." I lock eyes with Stallion and gesture toward the door with the jerk of my head and make my way across the room to the door.
The second Stallion steps through the door behind me I spin on him, "What the fuck was that?" He looks at me in confusion. "You know she is gonna leave after Dylan is dealt with."
"Not a single one of us believes you will let her go when all is said and done. You think I haven't seen how you look at her? Another thing no one believes is that she will want to leave. You just need to stop being so negative and stop living in denial, Brother. It's only a matter of when, not if she will become your old lady."
I stare at Stallion, his words hitting me like a punch to the gut. He sees through me, sees the conflict within my heart. A part of me wants to believe him, wants to embrace the possibility of a future with Lola by my side. But another part of me, the part that has been hardened by a lifetime of pain and loss, resists, refusing to allow myself to hope for something so fragile.
"You're wrong," I mutter, my voice laced with bitterness. "You don't understand."
Stallion's gaze softens, his voice gentle yet firm. "Reaper, I know you better than anyone else. I know the darkness that haunts you, the walls you've built so high around your heart. But Lola... she's different. She's already become a part of this family, a part of you."
"But what happens when it's all over?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "When the danger is gone? and I'm not beingnegative," I retort, my voice tinged with exasperation. "I'm being realistic. This life... it's dangerous, Stallion. And she deserves better."
Stallion steps closer, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. "Reaper, I get it. We all do. But you can't deny what's right in front of you. You and Lola are more than just a fling or a limited time kind of thing, it's deeper than that. And You know I'm right."
I clench my fists, struggling to keep my emotions in check. Stallion's words hit too close to home, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within me. The fear of losing Lola battles with the desire to protect her from the dangers of my world. But deep down, I know that Stallion is right. Lola has become an integral part of my life, my heart has become intertwined with hers but I need her safe and alive more than I need to be with her.
I take a deep breath, my resolve hardening. "Stallion, I appreciate your concern, but I can't let myself get distracted from what needs to be done. The only thing that matters right now is keeping Lola safe."
Stallion's expression softens, understanding crossing his features. "I know you're trying to do what's best for her, but have you considered what she wants?"
My heart clenches at his words, the weight of uncertainty settling upon my shoulders. "You're wrong. She doesn't want this life. She may be attracted to me but I am a distraction for her. Something she uses to escape the fear and trauma."
Stallion places a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "Reaper, you underestimate her. Lola is strong, stronger than anyone I've ever known. She's been through hell and back, just like you. And maybe, just maybe, this life is what she needs to heal."
I stare at Stallion, his words sinking in. Could he be right? Could I be denying Lola the chance to find happiness within the chaos?
"Listen to me, brother," Stallion continues, his voice steady. "Love is messy and unpredictable. It doesn't always conform to our plans or expectations. But sometimes, it's worth taking a leap of faith."
