Page 19 of Bound by Destiny
He sits back in the chair and chugs a healthy portion of his beer. “What changed your mind?”
My father is leery of me, and he has every right to be. But I can’t tell him yet what I found until I have solid footing. When I do tell him, I want to have hard proof. I want to have unshakable facts.
“Grew up. Saw life passin’ me by. When you and Mom came up, you didn’t even know what I did for a living. Neither of you did and I know it’s my fault for not coming around, but it isn’t supposed to be like that.”
“And this doesn’t have anything to do with Emery?” he asks.
Just hearing her name is a warmth I damn sure don’t deserve but want. “I have every intention of getting my girl back.”
“Your girl. Pretty sure she wouldn’t agree with that one.”
“Don’t care. I’ll make her see.”
He leans forward, elbows on knees, eyes on me. “It won’t be easy. You’ve done some stupid shit and will have a lot to prove to me, your mother, and the club that your intentions are true. You’re Ravage blood, but that doesn’t save you. Not gonna lie to ya.”
I nod for him to continue, needing to know what’s in store for me.
“You’ll see fists and you’ll bleed.”
“I’m ready to bleed.”
He shakes his head. “You will… let’s just hope it’s not to death.”
Nothing solid.I rub my hands over my face, more frustrated than when my father was here a couple of days ago. The three computer screens stare back at me, mocking me. They call me to figure out the missing links, and I damn well will find them. I fought to concentrate in my apartment. Being here, so close to home, my chest isn’t tight. It’s almost comfortable.
Almost.
I don’t know that I’ll have that ease inside me until I’m with Emery again, but baby steps. I have to get everything in a row and one step at a time take my place in Ravage and beside Emery.
Switching the screen, Emery’s new home is just what she would’ve chosen if she had bought it herself. Fuck it.
Grabbing my keys, it doesn’t take me long to reach her place. The water behind the home sparkles with the sunlight. She loves to be outside, and I have no doubt she’ll be out there enjoying the sun often.
I’d thought about calling, but it’s not enough. I need to see her face to face. There’s too much history to do this over a phone call and so much I need to say.
There’s a motorcycle outside by Emery’s car, and I don’t think it’s one of her family.
It doesn’t matter.
Climbing out of the car and making my way to the front door, I knock noting there isn’t a doorbell. The door flings open and Jacks stands there, his face turning into a blank mask at the sight of me.
“Jacks, who is it?” Emery laughs, touching his arm and swinging her head around. The humor leaves her face, and it’s a punch to the gut. I used to be the one to put that smile on her face, now it’s him. “Micah.”
“Hey, Emery. Was hoping we could talk.” I look directly at Jacks. “Alone.”
The man in front of me is a mask of control. There’s no tick of his jaw or clenching of his lip. Nothing. He appears calm, cool, and collected, which means one thing—he’s about two minutes from beating the shit out of me. Or at least try.
Not backing down, I stare at him, challenging.
“Um… I’m a little busy. Maybe another time.” Her gaze flashes between both Jacks and I like she’s waiting for something to happen. I didn’t come here to fight, but if it happens—it does. I’m back and not backing down.
“Can you just come outside for a while. We can walk around the pond.”
She shakes her head. “No, Micah. I have company.”
The tension between the three of us gets thicker, and I feel like I’m going to be losing this battle. The tightness comes back to my chest. Maybe I need a fight. While I’ve never been the guy to rough shit up, I feel it now. Building inside me and the need is almost too much.
“Five minutes.”
